Reverse Backhand Serve
Serving
Marcin Lonak Asked 9 years ago
Hello Alois and Jeff
why is it that you never see a reverse backhand serve. Means moving the hand (right handed player) from right to left. Actually it's easy to do and gives the opposite sidespin to the traditional backhand serve.
i did that kind of serves in my schooldays. But I never seen anybody doing it. Is there a disadvantage?
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Marcin,
I think any changes in service can be good. You could be the pioneer that makes it popular.
Recommended Video
The Kicker Serve
The kicker serve is one of our "must learn" serves. It's fast, fun, and has lots of topspin. It can be dangerous because if it's not fast enough and if you don't surprise your opponent then they may be able to attack it forcefully putting you on the defensive straight away. Used well though, and sparingly, it can be a great weapon. It can win you a point outright and it will stop your opponent from standing over the table waiting for your short serves since they need to be ready for anything.
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Jean Balthazar Posted 9 years ago
I do such a serve from time to time to confuse the kids at the club, but never in matches. I think the biggest problem with a backhand swing that goes from right to left is that you can't use your wrist much. Even if you bend it to the max in your preparation, your bat will just point downwards, and from there you'll can have about 90° angle to work with. From left to right you have much more wrist freedom, hence speed and spin possibilities. It could work as a surprise serve until a certain level though. Maybe a penhold player would have better chances to make such a serve efficiently.
John Vancott Posted 9 years ago
The reverse tomahawk serve has that same right to left movement. But most players who use that do it essentially from the forehand or middle position (e.g., Kenta). There is a guy in a nearby club that uses the the reverse tomahawk but actually starts it from the backhand side and kind of stabs at the ball and generates a pretty mean spin.
Marcin Lonak Posted 9 years ago
Actually, my serve it's more what Alois talks about like this pendulum serve with the bat switched over. i named it backhand serve, cause the movement and the bat side is similar to the backhand serve. Just the leg position is different. More like for the tomahawk serve
An advantage of this serve for me is, you're automaicly close to the ready position after the stroke with my hand
Johan B Posted 9 years ago
I use it occasionally too as a surprise serve, but mostly from a pendulum position stance
Aha, now we all know which one you are talking about...