The Pendulum Serve

Dear PingSkills,

My name is Cameron and I started playing Ping Pong when I was 3 (I am 13 now). I have been told by many strong players that I should join serious tournaments (which I have). I have hosted three at my house and have been to many others. I have playedwith great players (Barney Reed just last month) and Brian Pace 2 years ago in Mexico and put up some well played matches. I am hoping you can give me good advice and drills on how to master the pendulum serve because I really beleive it will make my game much stronger and I will be able to play in much higher skill tournaments. If you just name something for me to practice I will do whatever it takes to practice it.

Thanks so much,

Cameron

Hi Cameron,

It is great you are so into your table tennis.

The main thing with the Pendulum serve is to hit it a lot of times.  Get the action of the arm right and you are half way there.

The other thing is to get the contact of the bat on the ball correct to be able to generate the spin.

I find it easier to practice this with my students off the table.  This way you can get the action and contact right without turining your focus onto where the ball is going.  When you have this smooth and consistent, try doing it on the table.

Of course, if you can get yourself a copy of the PingSkills'  Serving Secrets Revealed DVD this will give you all the tips you want.

Good luck with it Cameron.