Returning a heavy backspin serve
Strokes
Sanjay Bharadwaj Asked 13 years ago
Question regarding video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0cyWVJ3zUo
Hi Alois, nice video. I often use this to return backspin serves. But when I play a few much higher rated players, I find them digging into my backspin serve extremely hard (many times their bat hits the table with a lot of force after contacting the ball - is this legal?). This results in their returns being long but at the same time extremely fast and with a lot more backspin making it too tough for me to loop. Which of these do you recommend? I've tried it and its pretty effective I think.
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Sanjay,
Firstly it is OK for their bat to hit the table during a stroke. The only thing that isn't allowed to touch the table is your free hand.
With the fast long push, try to take a small step backwards to allow yourself a little more time. Then play a very vertical forehand or backhand topspin stroke. This will lift the ball over the net.
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Recommended Video
Forehand Topspin Variations
A great weapon is being able to vary the amount of speed and spin on your forehand topspin stroke. By making your stroke more vertical and brushing the ball finely, you can generate more spin. For more speed you need to swing more horizontally.
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Jonathan Huynh Posted 13 years ago
Try aiming for their crossover point. It usually cramps the opponent.