Third ball
Strokes and Technique
John Baldomaro Asked 7 years ago
I have a pretty decent sidespin serve. One of my friends in our club returns it easily with an angled paddle (not a fast ball). My problem is, I'm having a problem returning it. I use topspin shot but it drops to the net. I hope you understand my question. Thanks
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi John,
When you serve with spin you will get some of that spin back on the return. You need to be able to adjust to this.
With this scenario, you will need to lift the ball more with your topspin. He is putting a getting a bit of sidespin and backspin back to you. Think about doing two things, making the stroke more vertical and or making the speed of your arm through the stroke faster. These two things will help you to lift that third ball over the net.
It is something that you need to practice a lot to get the feel of.
Thoughts on this question
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John Baldomaro Posted 7 years ago
Thank you so much! Your prompt response is greatly appreciated! I will practice this and I guess be smarter on serving.
Mick Derevnin Posted 7 years ago
I have a very spinny reverse pendulum serve which I used to find really hard to attack. Most my opponents weren't able to return the ball well, but I still ended up hitting the ball into the net. For me, the key was to note which way the ball spins. In my case, the spin that was left on the ball after my opponents pushed it back made it curl towards me. In that case, opening up the distance between the ball and my body gave me more leeway to hit the ball. Having a more vertical stroke to help lift the ball (as Alois said) also helped improve my consistency greatly.
Though in the end, you just have to practice your third ball with that particular serve over and over again. Your body will get used to the amount of spin left on the ball and adjust accordingly. Playing with many different opponents will also help you with the different kind of ways your serve can be returned.
Good luck!
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago
Good advice Mick.
John Baldomaro Posted 7 years ago
Thank you Mick! I will definitely try those!