Tips for the reverse pendulum

Table Tennis Serving

Last updated 11 years ago

Grenville Pereira

Grenville Pereira Asked 12 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff

  I have been working on the reverse pendulum for quite some time and I am able to get the topspin variant of this serve quite well however I am currently having trouble with the reverse serve with backspin. I am just not able to get the bat to slide under the ball , pin it - so as to get the correct pitch on my side of the table and over the net.

 Can you please give some advise on this so that I would effectively be able to make two consecutive revese serves in a match with spin variations.

Also other questions on this serve would be -

a) Would this be an effective serve if a player is aiming for the 3rd ball attack as the return would be away from me because of the spin and I would be able to make an effective top spin swing.( and not being cramped up )

b) Would you recommend this serve in a doubles match . I am currently having a bit of difficulty since I am supposed to serve across the table making sure it does not cross the centre line on my side as well as opponents side.

Thank You

Regards

Grenville


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Grenville,

The backspin variation of the reverse serve is really difficult.  You just need more time. Simon has made video response to an Ask the Coach question that deals with this.  When it comes out you will learn more from him.  He advises to stand up a little straighter so that you can reach over the top of the ball.

It is an effective serve for 3rd ball.  Some players like the ball coming in toward them for the 3rd ball and some don't.  It sounds like you don't like it so it may be better to stick with the normal pendulum for you.

In doubles you may find that this serve slides off the side of the table with the second bounce because that is the way the spin is taking it.  See if you can get it close to the middle line on the other side of the table to avoid this happening.  You may want to serve it from closer to your own middle line to help with this. 


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Grenville Pereira

Grenville Pereira Posted 11 years ago

Hi Alois

  I saw the video of the reverse pendulum backspin serve which you posted and still when I try the backspin veriant mostly the ball goes into the net or is inconsistent however I am comfortable with the topspin version of the reverse pendulum.

I noticed from the video that you contacted the ball on service well above the net. Is this the right observation. I would like to know what are the other points I need to focus on when doing the reverse pendulum backspin serve apart from getting the bat right under the ball when serving.

Thanks

Regards

Grenville



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