Returning Smash

Suleiman Shuman Asked 1 year ago

How to return smash serves I struggle at that. So please help me 

Alois Rosario Answered 1 year ago

Hello Suleiman, Returning a smash in table tennis can indeed be tricky, but with the right techniques and some practice, you can improve your defense against this aggressive shot. Here are some tips to help you deal with smashes effectively.  Look initially at this tutorial on Receiving Smashes.

Position yourself with your knees slightly bent, leaning a bit forward, and be on your toes. This makes it easier to react quickly to the incoming smash.

Try to stay at a good distance from the table where you can cover the angles but still be close enough to react. This usually means a moderate distance from the table, but it can vary depending on the smasher's power and placement. Look at this tutorial on Positioning to Return a Smash.

Pay attention to the smasher's racket angle, contact point, and swing speed to predict the trajectory of the smash. This will give you a split-second advantage in your reaction time.

One of the most effective returns against a smash is a block. Take a look at this tutorial on the Backhand Block.  Use a short, controlled stroke to redirect the speed of the ball back onto the opponent's side with minimal effort.

When blocking a smash, it's important to have "soft hands," meaning you should relax your grip slightly upon contact to absorb the power and reduce the chances of the ball going out.

The other option is to move back away from the table and play a Lob.  Take a look at the tutorial on the Lob stroke.