Exploiting the receiver's position
Strategy
Damon S Asked 10 years ago
I'm a righty playing against another righty. I serve from my backhand side, but they like to stand in the middle, and even slightly on the forehand side. I feel like I should be able to exploit the gap they leave on their backhand side, but they seem to cover it well and I have limited success. I've tried wide pendulum, long and fast, no spin wide, long tomahawk. Any recommendations?
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Damon,
You could actually try to play the serve more into their middle or crossover point but finding their forehand side rather than the backhand. It sound like they are wanting to receive with the backhand so even if you play wider they are ready for it. Perhaps they won't like getting the ball on the forehand, especially when it cramps them up in the middle.
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Ilia Minkin Posted 10 years ago
You can also try to put some heavy sidespin on the ball that will make it to curve away from their backhand.
Damon S Posted 10 years ago
Thanks Alois, that's actually exactly the case. I find I usually end up serving to their forehand because I get a better third ball, but felt like I was missing something not being able to take advantage of their position.
And thanks for the suggestion, Ilia. That does work sometimes getting it wide, but I also find the sidespin helps them to get the ball back on the table.
Thinking about it, perhaps I just need a stronger long fast serve. I don't have the consistency I want, so I sometimes play it too timidly in a match, giving them time to cover the backhand.
No problems Damon. Yes, keep exploring the options.