Effective methods to return Tomahawk serves

Venkat R Asked 2 weeks ago

What are the best ways to return a tomahawk serve

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Venkat,

The tomahawk serve creates strong sidespin (often combined with topspin or backspin), so the key is understanding spin and controlling the angle of your racket. Here are the best ways to return it:

1. Read the Spin First

• • A right handers Tomahawk serve will spin off to your left when you hit it.  So adjust the angle of your racket to counteract this.

  • The left handers will spin to your right.

  • Check if there is backspin or topspin mixed in:

    • Backspin will make the ball drop and slow down.

    • Topspin will kick forward after the bounce.

2. Adjust Your Bat Angle

• • For right handers sidespin, angle your racket slightly your right and vice versa for the left hander

  • For backspin mix, open your bat more and brush under the ball

  • For topspin mix, close your bat slightly and hit forward.

3. Decide Your Stroke

• • Push: Good if the serve is short or low. Push into the spin and add your own backspin to control the ball.

  • Flick: For short balls, a backhand or forehand flick works if you can adjust to the spin.

  • Loop/Topspin: If it’s long and you’re comfortable looping, this is the most aggressive option. Brush the ball to neutralise spin.

  • Block: Against a fast, long topspin tomahawk, a soft block with good angle control can return it safely.