How do I keep a topspin serve short?
Serving
Claus Hamacher Asked 13 years ago
I have no difficulty to keep a backspin serve short, but when i do a topspin serve it will be fast and long.
That is not a bad serve, but is there an efficient way to keep a topspin serve short?
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Claus,
The short topspin serve is a little more difficult because the ball wants to surge forward with the topspin.
You need to hit it very low. You can still hit it fast but it needs to hit the spot exactly. The ball needs to bounce quite close to you on your side.
A good way to do this is to put a spot on the other end of the table about 30cm from the net and aim to hit it as fast as possible with as much topspin as possible. The topspin will drag it down after getting over the net. If you get enough topspin the ball will keep low on the other side as well.
At first you will find it difficult to hit the spot but also to keep it short. Just keep it going. You will find after 100 or 200 serves you will start to get the feel of it. Perfecting it will take longer but you will get the idea.
Recommended Video
The Kicker Serve
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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Fayad Rahman Posted 9 years ago
Hello Pingskills,
I have noticed that when doing the short topspin serve you brush across the ball followed by brushing over the ball for topspin. So isn't that generating a bit of sidespin with the short topspin serve?
Regards,
Fayad
Hi Fayad,
Yes you are right. There is a bit of sidespin. I think this is an important point to note. Some players try to get pure topspin on the serve which is difficult but also easier for your opponent to read.