Returning Alternating Serves
Table Tennis Service Return
Last updated 11 years ago
Sam Evans Asked 11 years ago
I played against a player in my league that had a very heavy side spin serve that he was alternating the spin variation. I couldn't deal with the side spin or the topspin side spin variations. How do I deal with both of those?
Jeff Plumb Answered 11 years ago
Hi Sam,
Are you able to tell the difference between the serves as he hits the ball? This is the first step. You need to see the difference between the sidespin and the topspin sidespin. With the topspin variation, the player will brush up the back of the ball more. It does take practice to get used to seeing these variations.
Once you can tell the difference, you need to close the angle of your bat more when returning the topspin variation. If the ball is served short, I would recommend flicking the ball. If it's long then try to topspin the ball.
Thoughts on this question
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Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Another point Sam, you can see how the variation of spin makes it difficult for you to return the ball. You should try and implement similar variations in your own serving.
Sam Evans Posted 11 years ago
That is what I have been doing with my own serves, the bad thing is I do exactly the same serve as the one I struggle with. I go to a club on Saturdays where he goes to so I'll try those techniques you told me about when I play him. Thanks for your help
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Your welcome Sam. Let me know how you go on Saturday.