Returning low short sidespin/topspin serves

Receiving

Jasper Low
Jasper Low Asked 2 years ago

How should I be returning low and short serves that have sidespin on it or topspin on it? I'm trying to flick the ball but the ball always goes out or under net.


Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 2 years ago

Hi Jasper,

The flick is often a good option especially if it does have topspin on the ball.

Getting the stroke right is the next thing to think about.  Start by playing the stroke slower and really feel the ball on your racket.  Play it back with a little more topspin on the flick and then as you gain confidence you can flatten out the flick and play it faster.


Recommended Video

Judging the Length of a Serve

A really important skill in table tennis is to be able to judge if a serve will be short or long. If it's short you won't be able to take a full swing at the ball and hence will need to use either a push or a flick to return the ball. However, if it is coming long then you can make a topspin attack. In this video we give you some tips to help you judge the length of the serve and hopefully this makes you a better returner.

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