Receiving serve position
Receiving
Nigel C Asked 7 years ago
Alois and Jeff,
Thanks for all the good work you put in running pingskills. It is the first place I go to after matches to see what I could have done better.
My question is: I was having trouble returning long no spin or backspin serves hit to my middle or forehand. I worked out I was just a fraction too close and so stood back a little. Success I managed to beat players who had been giving me trouble with these serves. Now people have started to serve very short to me! (especially to my forehand) You have some very good advice on returning short serves but I need to be able to get into position first. I have noticed some of the pros actually start moving in before the ball is struck, Is this the skill I need to learn? Be able to read and anticipate a short service and step in nice and early to deal with it. I am sure the pros are not just blindly stepping in are they? I am a fairly short player with short arms so is this just a thing I have to deal with?
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Nigel,
I think seeing the serve early is a key but also being active or mobile will help. You don't need to be actually moving but your legs need to be in a ready position to be able to react to the ball wherever it is.
I think stepping back is the best way to go as moving in is usually easier than moving away from the table.
The next thing is efficiency of that step towards the short ball, making sure it is one big step with your right leg to move right under the table and as close to the ball as you can.
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Recommended Video
Returning Short Topspin Serves: Two Options
Returning a short topspin serve can be tricky because the spin wants to lift the ball up. In this video, we look at two effective options: developing an attacking flick and learning how to push the ball safely.
For the flick, the key is to be positive. Take a few risks, hit through the ball a little harder, and aim for a fast, flat contact. In practice, don’t worry too much about making mistakes as this is how you learn to control the shot under pressure.
The second option is the push. You can push a short topspin serve, but you need to adjust your contact. Instead of getting under the ball, come down the back of it more, almost feeling like your bat is moving slightly backwards. This helps counter the topspin and keeps the return lower and more controlled.
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