Twiddling on service
Serving
Chris Buer Asked 11 years ago
Hi Al / Jeff,
I have a question about twiddling on service. I play with one side inverted and one side long pimples and twiddle a lot on my serve.
I find that I can catch people out by serving spin with my inverted , then no spin with my pips using the same serving action. However this only works if I can twiddle very quickly just before I throw the ball up and serve.
After watching a number of your serving videos, I have tried to change my grip by putting three fingers in a fist behind the bat as suggested. This gives me great spin on my inverted, but I am now having problems twiddling before I serve as it's harder to spin the blade whilst using this grip.
Do you have any tips to get around this?
Thanks and keep up the great videos!
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Chris,
It is difficult to twiddle with the modified grip.
I would keep the more normal grip when doing the serve so that you can switch easily. This will compromise the amount of spin you are getting but if you want the deception of the twiddle this may be a good change.
The other option is to develop your backhand or tomahawk serves and twiddle on these serves which would be a lot easier.
Recommended Video
Legal and Effective Serves for Beginners
Serving effectively while staying within the rules is crucial to improving your table tennis game. In this video, we simplify the essential serving rules you need to know and share tips to add pace and precision to your serves. Whether you're a beginner or looking to fine-tune your skills, this guide will help you master serves that are both legal and powerful.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Ji-Soo Woo Posted 11 years ago
Yeah, I have the same trouble. As a result, I mainly twiddle on serves that don't use modified grips (namely backhand serve and punch serve).
Chris Buer Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for the response guys!
I think I'll aim to twiddle more on my backhand and try to use the modified grip as an alternative when I need to "mix things up".
I guess it's all about keeping them on their toes!
Thanks again!!
No problems Chris and thanks Ji-Soo.
TheLittleYellowBouncing Ball Posted 11 years ago
"Twiddling" is a skill that needs "PRACTICE" just like any other table tennis skill. I'll bet you never spent any time practicing your service twiddle! Its something you can practice at almost any time; while waiting to play next!, while walking to pick up the ball!, while watching the TV!!!
Jon Ferguson Posted 11 years ago
Another option is to use the common forehand pendulum serve with the modified grip (three fingers curled under), and practise striking the ball at different points on the racket.
For example, striking the ball near the tip of the blade will produce more spin than down near the handle.
This way you are able to change the amount of spin on the ball without having to twiddle at all. This is the technique used by many top players, including Waldner, and can be very deceptive.
I use the backhand serve quite a lot, especially in doubles, and almost always serve with the inverted, then usually twiddle so the smooth rubber is back on the forehand. You can use deception with this serve by striking the ball at different points on the arc- pure backspin/back-side spin/ top-side spin. Twiddling just before striking the ball in service will almost always be picked up by most intermediate to more advanced players, because of the colour change.
The pros always perform serves that have a similar "look", but the change in spin occurs at the very last moment, without twiddling, as most of them use double inverted. It's all about technique, which takes a lot of practice.
Hope this helps,
Jon