Trouble returning a backhand serve
Receiving
Federick Yam Asked 13 years ago
I recently encounter a kind of serve. The Opponent serve a backhand serve (either top side or under side spin) on the right hand side of the table. I try to loop it, but the success rate is low and a lot of time is off the table. What is right racket angle and way to handle this serve.
Federick Yam
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Frederick,
It sounds like they were changing the serve spin. That means you have to adjust your return each time for the type of spin. If there is topspin you need to come more over the top of the ball. If there is backspin you need to lift the ball more.
Watch each time you return and see what happens to the ball. This will teach you each time you make a return.
There is also a lot of information in our Receiving Secrets course.
Recommended Video
How to Return Spin Serves in Table Tennis (and Stop Misreading Them!)
Struggling to return spin serves? You're not alone! In this video, we break down how to read spin, adjust your bat angle, and return serves effectively—so you stop giving away easy points.
What You'll Learn:
🔹 Skill Breakdown: How to identify different types of spin and adjust your return technique.
🔹 Common Mistakes: The biggest errors players make when returning spin serves—and how to fix them fast!
🔹 Viewer Q&A: Answering your top questions about handling tricky spin serves.
🔹 Train Smarter: Drills to help you practice and improve your serve returns.
Mastering serve returns is one of the fastest ways to level up your table tennis game. Try these tips and let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest spin serve you face?
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Federick Yam Posted 13 years ago
Alois,
Thank you for your quick reply. The opponent is serving from the right hand side, when the ball hits my racket, it will bounce to the left either up or down (depends on either top or under spin. I shall turn my racket angle a little to right either on top of the ball or push it up. Is this the right way to handle this kind of serve. Please advise. Furthermore, I would like to know whether I can download the video Clip of the answers from ASk the Coach. Please advise.
Federick Yam
Hi Federick,
It sounds like you've got the right idea when trying to return this serve. To do it well, you need to pick the spin that is on the ball. If it is sidespin and topsin, then you need to counter for the topspin by closing your bat and also allow for the sidespin by aiming more to the right as you suggest. If the serve has backspin and topspin, then you need to come under the ball more with your bat angle open, and still aiming to the right to counter the sidespin. Let me know if this helps you.
Currently it is not possible to download the ask the coach videos. I'm working on this feature right now for premium members. I'll let you know once it is ready so you can start downloading your favourite video responses.
Federick Yam Posted 13 years ago
Thank you for your advise. I will try to apply this technique.
Federick Yam
Caleb The Posted 13 years ago
thanx!!!
helped me out a lot