Return just long serve and FH block

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 14 years ago

Hi Alois

A couple of questions today:

1) There is one particular opponent and one particular serve I have a lot of trouble returning.

It's a BH serve with topspin/sidespin that dies and drops just past the end of the table.

Because it's close to the end of the table, I don't feel confident to swing forward as I would normally do with a normal topspin long serve, which means I tend to come from the bottom and have a low-high swing.  However, this is really for BH serves and as a result I tend to hit long.  What should I be working on?  Should I try to have a more forward swing and just get used to swinging close to the table edge? 

2) I often have a situation where I hit the ball from my FH side crosscourt to the opponent's FH side (assuming he is right-handed).  He is a bit back from the table and has to scramble to recover and hits the ball back crosscourt to my FH.  My instinct then is to FH block it into his vacant BH side (down the line) for the winner.  However, I find it difficult to block a crosscourt shot down the line.  I tend to stick my racquet too far in front I think and end up losing control.  I still get the block in play but it tends to pop up a bit and gives my opponent time to scramble back.

Look forward to using your insights in my preparations for the upcoming season of TTACT pennant competition! 

Many thanks!

Ji-Soo

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Ji-Soo,

Returning the ball where the second bounce is close to the edge is always tricky.

It is a matter of really watching the ball carefully and grooving your stroke so that it moves close to the edge of the table.  This can be a bit traumatic at first with the fear of hitting the table. Do it slowly at first.  You can also think about making the stroke more horizontal to combat this problem.

With regards to blocking the ball down the line off a cross court topspin, it is in part again is a matter of watching the ball carefully.  This is equivalent to hitting across the line of the ball so it is a more difficult stroke.  It sounds like you are tightening up on this stroke and that is why you would be hitting it out in front of you.  This is a natural reaction when you tighten.  So focus on being relaxed and having the same timing point as you would with your other strokes.  This will ensure a better backswing and a better contact.  Also ensure your stroke is starting and finishing at the correct places.  If you just stick your bat out in front with a tightened grip, the ball will go everywhere.

Good luck with the season.