How to serve short with spin

Derrick Henriques

Submitted on 02-Apr-2009 08:06:15 AM
Last updated on 01-May-2009 04:52:13 PM

You Asked

How do I serve short with spin consistently? I can serve short with little or no spin but good opponents are usually able to attack this type of serve. I have played against players who can serve backspin or side spin about one foot from the net and i have difficulty in attacking their serve. Any suggestions?

and Alois Rosario said...

Hi Derrick,

The best way to improve this is to get a small target and place it about 30 cm from the net. Then go out and serve for 10 minutes trying to get the ball to skid fast off the target. It is important to get the ball to skid fast off the target and not lob onto the target.

Do this and let me know the results. I think you will be amazed.

Comments on this question

mink Unknown commented...

on the 23-Apr-2009 10:01:03 AM

Alois,

When you said place an object 30cm away from the net, which side of the net were you talking about? Is it my side of the net, or the other side?

Thanks.

mink

Ji-Soo Woo commented...

on the 23-Apr-2009 12:02:27 PM

minkh

i think the coach means the other side of the net. This sounds like good practice and I am going to try this myself the next time I have the opportunity...

mink Unknown commented...

on the 24-Apr-2009 05:40:18 AM

Alois,

Is there a rule of thumb where the 1st bounce (on my side of the table) should be when I attempt to serve short? Thx.

mink

Alois Rosario from PingSkills said...

on the 30-Apr-2009 09:22:31 PM

Hi, Yes, the first bounce even for a short serve should be close to you. But the best way to do this is just focus on the target spot on the other side of the net and continue to serve many balls trying to hit the target. Make sure you are trying to serve reasonably fast at the target. This way you will see what works.

christian Unknown commented...

on the 30-Apr-2009 09:34:48 PM

hi, could you make a video on how to do this? im also having problems with it. thank you

Alois Rosario from PingSkills said...

on the 30-Apr-2009 09:36:12 PM

I have put it on the list. It is a good one.

christian Unknown commented...

on the 30-Apr-2009 09:54:52 PM

ok thanks

DP Unknown commented...

on the 01-May-2009 06:54:14 AM

I am also having a hard time generating the spin I want while trying to serve "fast." I've watched your serving secrets DVD (very good!) and it looks like your demo serves have enough spin for about 1/3 to 1/2 of the width of the table. When I get this much spin, I have to hit the serve with a lot of brushing so it comes out so slow, like it parachutes onto the other side of the net and then spins, but with the slow speed, my opponet has ample time to move up and flick or smash my serve. Any suggestions?

Alois Rosario from PingSkills said...

on the 01-May-2009 04:52:13 PM

DP, it is a combination of the speed of the bat and the good contact. you can obviously get the good contact if you are making the ball turn. Now keep going with it and generate more speed with your racket. It all take time to come together.

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