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Returning sidespin

Receiving

Raresh Paunescu
Raresh Paunescu Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois,

I have a little problem. I was playing with a friend and he always wins because his serve is very good. He serves heavy sidespin. Someone told me to topspin it back but it always goes out. What should I do? How do I return it?  I will be competing against him and can't figure out a way to return his serves.

Thanks,

Raresh

Alois Rosario
Member Badge Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Raresh,

Firstly work out which way the ball is going off your bat.  Then angle your bat the other way to counter the spin.  Don’t try to do too much with the ball.  Try to learn each time you hit the ball.  After a little while you will find you will get better at returning the serve.

Treat each return as a learning experience.

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Recommended Video

Returning Short Topspin Serves: Two Options

Returning Short Topspin Serves: Two Options

Returning a short topspin serve can be tricky because the spin wants to lift the ball up. In this video, we look at two effective options: developing an attacking flick and learning how to push the ball safely.

For the flick, the key is to be positive. Take a few risks, hit through the ball a little harder, and aim for a fast, flat contact. In practice, don’t worry too much about making mistakes as this is how you learn to control the shot under pressure.

The second option is the push. You can push a short topspin serve, but you need to adjust your contact. Instead of getting under the ball, come down the back of it more, almost feeling like your bat is moving slightly backwards. This helps counter the topspin and keeps the return lower and more controlled.

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Raresh Paunescu

Raresh Paunescu Posted 12 years ago

Thanks Alois! Your answer really helped. I will be competing today. Probably against him so wish me luck. :D

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Hey good luck… Let us know how you get on.

Raresh Paunescu

Raresh Paunescu Posted 12 years ago

Thanks. I almost won. Second place. But it's my first tournament so I think I did good. The final was against that guy and he defeated me 3-2 but it was a good match. Your advices really helped. :D thanks

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

Well done Raresh.  Now keep working hard and you will keep improving even more.  Try to practice this in training whenever you get a chance to play with someone with good serves.

Ayesha Noon

Ayesha Noon Posted 12 years ago

Is it good to use a block to return a sidespin?

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

It is difficult to block the sidespin.  Probably better to topspin it.

Ayesha Noon

Ayesha Noon Posted 12 years ago

So a counterhit would work?

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

It is better to topspin.

Ayesha Noon

Ayesha Noon Posted 12 years ago

So I should use a more vertical stroke?

Ayesha Noon

Ayesha Noon Posted 12 years ago

Thanks. I'll do that.

redzuan yaakob

redzuan yaakob Posted 12 years ago

Hi coach..can i do chop toreturn the sidespin serve rather tha topspin?

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

You can.  If the ball is short especially, it is good to chop it back.

Oscar Moe Myint

Oscar Moe Myint Posted 12 years ago

How about snap hit to the ball?

Alois Rosario

Member Badge Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago Latest

You can flick the ball but if there is a lot of backspin it will be risky.

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