Returning Short Topspin Serve
Receiving
Ernest Wahyu Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
Can u tell me some options to receive a slow topspin serve?
And which is the most effective stroke between those options?
Thanks
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Ernest,
The best option would be a flick stroke. Here is a link to a lesson on the forehand flick. Forehand Flick.
You could try to push the ball but it is difficult to keep this ball low with a push.
Recommended Video
Reading Spin
Once you understand the effects of spin, you need to learn how to read the type and amount of spin your opponent puts on the ball when serving.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
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D K Posted 9 years ago
Push?
A topspin serve?
You need an outstanding touch,and I do not think that even Waldner would be able to push a topspin serve that appears on his levels.
"Pushing" a topspin serve requires great touch and a very dead rubber.
I have tried it countless times.
Against such a serve,I use a counterhit or a dropshot-off-lob-like stroke.
I cannot do a flick,but it is an option.
Dakota Castleberg Posted 9 years ago
It's not terribly difficult to push a topspin ball, although it seems to require a closed bat angle while basically doing a mini chop straight downward. Not a better option than a flick though as you aren't imparting topspin to bring the ball down like a flick does.
On a related note, you find players how do a similar chop black against aggressive topspin shots. This also requires careful timing and coordination compared to a normal block.
D K Posted 9 years ago
Dakota,then you are talking about a more like chop-block like stroke.
Yes I know about the chopblockers against agressive shot,I myself am pracistisng this shot,but I rarely have time.
Ernest Wahyu Posted 9 years ago
I've tried to push the ball back. It's quiet difficult to keep the ball low no matter how soft my hand is. I also tried to flick it, but I need a good timing to make it get onto the table
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Yes it is a difficult shot Ernest. Keep working on it. With more touch and relaxation it can improve.