Sidespin Serve Return
Receiving
Sasha Savic Asked 12 years ago
Hi, guys
I need a little help. I am struggling with the return after side spin serve. Can you explain me the mechanism of that serve, especially side spin-top spin serve, and, how to return any side spin serve generally? Thank you in advance
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Sasha,
The sidespin will cause the ball to move sideways off your bat when you hit it. To counteract that, use the angle of your bat to get the ball back on the table. If the ball wants to go off to the left, angle your bat to the right and vice versa. By using your bat like a rudder you will be able to get the ball back on the table.
Also take a look at what is available on the Receiving Secrets course. This would help you greatly as well.
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Judging the Length of a Serve
A really important skill in table tennis is to be able to judge if a serve will be short or long. If it's short you won't be able to take a full swing at the ball and hence will need to use either a push or a flick to return the ball. However, if it is coming long then you can make a topspin attack. In this video we give you some tips to help you judge the length of the serve and hopefully this makes you a better returner.
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Sasha Savic Posted 12 years ago
Let me get this straight. If right-handed player stands at his backhand side and serves side-spin pendulum serve, and the ball curves on my left, that is my backhand side, where should go my return, on his forehand or his backhand side, just to be more clear.
The spin will take it to his backhand side or off that side of his table. So you need to aim more towards his forehand side. You could even face your bat to the left of the table.