In defence of weaker serves

Jonas Falter Asked 8 years ago

Having played my first few competitive matches over the last few months I keep thinking about serving strategy and in particular on the usefulness of low spin serves at the lower amateur level.

When learning how to serve it seems that the simple equation at the beginning is: More spin = Better Serve.

However, the obvious next problem here is that this also equals: : More spin coming back to you.

Returning a decent backspin serve with a push is relatively easy but then playing a decent third ball attack after a strong push is not all that easy for me.

Does it then make sense for me to focus less on getting a lot of backspin on the serves and instead more on keeping them short and low? Providing that my opponent doesn't like to flip, I should then be set up with an easier third ball? And I can then save the spinnier serves for other times in the game to surprise my opponent.

Feedback appreciated :)

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Jonas,

If you are finding that by putting more spin that you are struggling with the 3rd ball then you are completely right to back off on the spin and focus on the placement and keeping it low.

It is always about what works in a particular situation rather than doing the best serve that you know.

← Buying new bat Hitting the ball with your fingers →

Recommended Video

Spin or Speed: What’s the Key to Winning in Table Tennis?

In table tennis, should you focus on spin or speed? Most players train one more than the other… but are they making the right choice? In this episode of the PingSkills Show, we break down the real difference between spin and speed in table tennis—and when each is most effective. You’ll learn:

How spin works in table tennis
What speed really means
Why variation is more important than always hitting hard
3 common mistakes and how to fix them fast
Table tennis drills to improve your spin and speed control

Watch Now

In defence of weaker serves

Jonas Falter Asked 8 years ago

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Recommended Video

Spin or Speed: What’s the Key to Winning in Table Tennis?

No comments yet!

© PingSkills