Cross-over point and serve return

Hello Alois and Jeff,

What options are there to make a good return when the ball is coming toward your cross-over point because I can't seem to make a good return whenever the ball goes there. 

Also, when one of my opponents serves a sidespin-backspin serve, when I push it with backspin, the ball goes too high and he can make a very fast and powerful attack? I'm thinking I should close my bat more, is that the right thing to do? If not, then what else could I do to keep the return low?

Thank you guys for all your help, its made me a better player.

Hi Wasiq,

The first thing is to move as efficiently as you can.  If you have time to move sideways a little this will solve the problem.

The other thing to do is to get you feet wider and bend your knees.  This will allow you to either move easier or lean sideways easier and still be stable.  You will then be able to play a more effective stroke.

For the return of serve you can close your bat over for the push.  You could also try making a topspin if the ball is long enough.  When it has sidespin you are more likely to be able to make the topspin stroke.