Reverse serve for a left hander

Simon Lewis Asked 13 years ago

Dear Pingskills,

Do you agree that a left hander doesn't really need to use a reverse serve when playing a right hander? Surely the left hander's normal sidespin serve is the equivalent of a right hander's reverse serve? Am I right?

The right hander uses the reverse serve when playing a fellow right hander to reverse the spin, as if it were a left hander playing the serve. But a left hander serving a reverse serve to a right hander will again reverse the spin, meaning it will be exactly what the right hander is used to when playing a right hander.

Am I right!? Should left handers use a reverse serve when playing a right hander?

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Simon,

This is interesting.  I think they definitely should because some right handers don't like the ball moving in that direction.  In fact I would say you should always try spinning the ball both ways against each player you play to see which way they like and dislike.