Receiving a right handlers pendulum serve

Grenville Pereira Asked 10 years ago

Hi Alois / Jeff

It's been a long time since I asked a question , even though I still go though your newsletters and website as I know I always get valuable information on table tennis.

My question is that I feel little awkward on receive a right handlers pendulum serve on my forehand . I am receive the serve with my left hand and any thing directed to my backhand I am able to cope with easily using the backhand flick or push but I have a little trouble on the forehand because of the angle and side spin.

Pendulum long

I saw your video on angling the bat when I play the forehand topspin. I still need to practice this. For now do you suggest that I play a slower topspin till I get my technique right ? I lose a lot of points on this in matches and am hoping to correct this soon.

Pendulum half long serve

I am totally not able to cope with this . I angle my wrist and push the ball sometimes successfully but I need some advice from you to make a good serve return.

Pendulum short

I am ok with this and am able to flick or push.

As my backhand side spin flick is good and the Tenergy 25 on my backhand is helping me to do some good flicks I would like to know if I can move across to my forehand and play the banana flick. When should I and when should I not use this shot?

Thank you

Regards

Grenville

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Grenville,

Good to hear from you again.

The angle going across your body can be awkward. The main thing is to make sure that you get close to the ball. I like to think about getting the ball close to the ball when hitting the shot whether it is long, short or even half long.

Then think about turning your hand back so that you get the correct angle on your racket to get the ball straight on the table. Then push your bat forward through the contact whether it is for a push, flick or topspin.

If you feel comfortable with the backhand sidespin flick then utilise it more. It is an effective stroke when used well.

← Forehand & Backhand against Chop Shot Dealing with short return →

What You'll Learn:

🔹 Skill Breakdown: How to identify different types of spin and adjust your return technique.
🔹 Common Mistakes: The biggest errors players make when returning spin serves—and how to fix them fast!
🔹 Viewer Q&A: Answering your top questions about handling tricky spin serves.
🔹 Train Smarter: Drills to help you practice and improve your serve returns.

Mastering serve returns is one of the fastest ways to level up your table tennis game. Try these tips and let us know in the comments: What’s the toughest spin serve you face?

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Receiving a right handlers pendulum serve

Grenville Pereira Asked 10 years ago

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

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