Receiving serve

Tam Eastwood Asked 9 years ago

Hi Alois, I am a left hander and when I am receiving a sidespin backspin serve from a right hander where should I touch/flick with my forehand to prevent the 3rd ball attack and gain the advantage?

Cheers

Tam

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi Tam,

The direction of your return will depend greatly on your opponent and the ball you want back as well.

Ideally you want to keep the return short if they have a strong attack and if they are after than you.  If you are stronger than them in the rally then it is OK to push long or flick.

Whether you go to the Backhand, Forehand or middle again depends on their strengths.

The safest return is to return the ball short to the middle of the table.  It cuts down their options on the 3rd ball.