How to return third ball attack
Receiving
Ardak . Asked 2 years ago
Hi, coach!
Recently I losed to a guy who has difficult serve with sidespin+backspin. It is very fast, low and semi-short. It is hard to return by topspin because the ball was low, fast, semi-short and spinny.
It looked like this serve and return:
https://youtu.be/9QBxIs6Qyrk?t=12
My opponents serve was faster version of this serve.
He destroyed me with 3rd ball attacks just like japanese boy in this video. I watched this video live. A boy in the blue shirt was destroyed just like me, he couldn't return serves effectively.
What do you suggest, coach?
Alois Rosario Answered 2 years ago
Hi Ardak,
I think you need to push this serve as it is too short to topspin. The key is to relax your hand and push the ball back as low as possible. If the serve is going to the forehand side and swinging away, get your nose as close as possible to the ball to give yourself more control over the contact. You could even try to use your backhand in this situation if it feels more comfortable for you.
Recommended Video
Returning Examples Commentary
Alois and Jeff commentate on some footage of Alois returning serves and explain his thought process as he gets ready and then executes his return of serve.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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Ardak . Posted 2 years ago
Thank you, coach! You said: push the ball back as low as possible
I understand that I need to push as low as possible but I didn't understand the word "back". Do you mean push closer to the net?
Hi Ardak,
I just meant on the table.
Ardak . Posted 2 years ago
Thank you coach!
Ardak . Posted 2 years ago
Hi, coach!
In that video, the player who is in the blue shirt is currently number 3 in the ranking of Kazakhstan among adults and he won championship of our country. If you noticed, japanese guy won many points by 3rd ball attack. I am very sorry, I have very stupid question. How can such pro player can't receive effectively such serve? How did he manage to allow so many 3rd ball attacks?
Hi Ardak,
The serve is very good and the better players also don't need a very weak ball to be able to attack effectively.
Ardak . Posted 2 years ago
Understand, thank you, coach!