Topspin serve
Serving
John Kao Asked 5 years ago
Hi,
I haven't played TT for 2 and a half months till this week, and I forgot one of my favorite serves!
The serve is a forehand topspin high toss serve that originally I very used effectively.
I toss the ball in the air, wait for it to come down, and the turn the racket fast, like a flick, to add topspin.
Now, my topspin is very high and easy to attack. What should I do to improve this?
Alois Rosario Answered 5 years ago
Hi John,
A topspin serve in general isn't that effective because it is easy to hit back.
Try to add some sidespin or backspin to make the serve more effective.
Take a look at this tutorial on Don't use a Plain Topspin Serve.
Recommended Video
Ma Lin Ghost Serve
Ma Lin does an incredible serve that comes back towards the net. We show you the simple way you an learn to do this as well.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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John Kao Posted 5 years ago
Hi, I know what you mean, but I use it as a changeup to my backspin serves
D K Posted 5 years ago
John,a good direction where a topspin can be incorporated is a WindShield serve.
My former coach used this serve with great effect,and is considered one of the best server in my district at his league level.
Yes,it is far from professional,but at this level 70% of players still serve with their backhand.
Nigel C Posted 5 years ago
John,
Why not get someone to film you performing your topspin serve then you should be able to see clearly things like, how high you are contacting the ball or how hard is the downward force you are applying and how much you are brushing the ball to make it spin. You need the correct balance of speed, spin, contact height and distance from table to get a low fast serve with spin.
You said it was a high toss serve so try with a lower toss to get the action right and then increase the height of the toss until you get the complete action right.
Then practise over and over (but always take your time, visualize the serve and maybe place a target on the table to try and hit. Ping skills has a video where they use string above the net to make sure they are keeping the ball low).