No spin vs. backspin

Curtis Lewis Asked 15 years ago

Hey Alois and Jeff

I need a little help in determining the difference between a backspin and a no spin serve.  Too many times i have pushed a no spin serve incorrectly and received a smash afterward.  How can I tell the difference?  My opponent is good at making every serve look the same.

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Curtis,

It is important to watch the flight of the ball and also learn each time you return one.  For a No Spin serve it is probably easiest to flick.

The Backspin serve will come through a little lower and flatter whereas the no spin ball will bounce a little more evenly.