Shovel/Reverse Pendulum
Serving
Jack Tan Asked 7 years ago
I'm looking for a substitute for my backhand serve. Both shovel and reverse pendulum serves can produce the same type of spin, so should I just use whichever I'm comfortable with or are there pros and cons for each of these serves?
On a side note, why do most penholders use the shovel serve instead of the reverse pendulum? Wouldn't the reverse pendulum be better because more wrist=more spin?
Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago
Hi Jack,
Definitely use the serve that you are comfortable with.
I am not sure that most penholders use the shovel serve. The Reverse Pendulum can be very effective with the penholder grip.
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.
Watch NowThoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Jack Tan Posted 7 years ago
Thank you!
D K Posted 7 years ago
Jack,one thing is you can interchange those servesto create what I call "reverse deceptivity"
= you create one spin with two different actions.
I think the reason is that controlling the shovel serve placement is much easier than reverse pendulum.