Serve that comes back over net

Eric Zhang Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois, 

I have seen some people serve the ball so that it bounces back over the net after one bounce. Is there any way to try to learn this serve?

Thank you,

Eric 

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Eric,

Yes there is.  You just need to generate a lot of backspin on the ball and hit the ball very slowly so that it doesn't have much forward momentum.  This will allow it to bounce back after one bounce because the backspin has more force than the speed of the ball.

This is not a very effective serve in a match because you have to hit the ball so slowly that you will give your opponent too much time.  He will easily step around and close to the net and play a strong shot against you.  That is why you never see it done in a high level match situation.  It is more just a good party trick.