Pendulum Serve and Forehand Topspin

Hi PingSkills,

How can I use the Pendulum serve and commit to a third-ball forehand topspin attack afterwards? Where should I serve the ball to? How much sidespin should I put on the ball? Do I necessarily have to pivot in the backhand corner?

I've noticed that Ma Long uses this serve most of the time, and he follows with a third forehand topspin attack very often after the serve. What's his secret?

Thanks a lot guys.

Hi Mohammad,

The Pendulum serve is ideal for making a third ball.  When you serve the ball, follow through to the ready position.  This puts you in a good position to make the next ball.

Think about the positioning of your serve.  If you think that a lot of players will return cross court from where you serve to, then if you serve to their forehand corner they will return to your forehand corner.  If this is your preferred side to attack from then this may be a good idea for you.

Ma Long has exceptional footwork as well and can cover a lot of area to make the third ball attack with his forehand.