fast backspin and fast topspin serve

Erik Dupont Asked 14 years ago

Hi Alois,

 I cannot always see the difference between my opponent's fast backspin and fast topspin serve. I try to watch the spin on his bat, but it is sometimes going too fast or it is hidden/camouflaged. So it is  a question of luck if I return the ball well. Is there a safe solution?

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Erik,

The fast serve will come through a little flatter and slide through when it has backspin.  the topspin serve will be a little bouncier and dip after it goes over the net.

One solution is to topspin these two balls.  If you can get a really fine contact on the ball the spin that is on the serve will be less effective.  However this isn't really learning the basics so it is more a matter of watching the flight and trying to pick the correct spin.  See if you can get someone to serve a lot of these serves to you in training and get the feel of the difference between the two.