Where to serve from

Jon Unknown Asked 14 years ago

Hi there,

I always serve from the left side, I,m left handed. I have gotten good at putting all different types of spin from this area. However, I have noticed that in your videos and videos of professionals, everyone is standing on the opposite side of their hand, ex: right hander serving from left side.

If I am to improve, should I serve from the right side instead of the left? What are the advantages? Is it so you're facing the table for a quick return?

When returning a serve which way should I stand, forward, backhand side, or forehand side?

Thank you for taking time to respond.

Jon

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Jon,

Most players will stand in their backhand corner when serving because it is easier to get into the ready position for the next ball. The speed of getting into position fo rthe next ball is critical to be able to win the point.

If you stand on your forehand corner you tend to leave the backhand area exposed.

← Tomahawk serve Point of contact →

Leslie Unknown Posted 14 years ago

In addition to alois's answer, the ready position for many of the better players will be more to their backhand side. This is because the forehand covers a greater distance than the backhand side. Think about playing a shot from the forehand side, you arm comes out to the side whereas when you play a shot from you backhand, it come primarily from your stomach. If you stand in the middle and your opponent hits a shot thats wide to your backhand, it'll be very difficult to reach it, let alone play a good shot off it. Also it's alot harder to play a backhand whilst running than it is for the forehand. If you see videos of the pros playing (e.g. Ma Lin) you'll see that their ready stance is to the far backhand corner because their footwork and speed allows them to cover their far forehand corner. As for myself, I'm not up to that level yet :P so I'll be standing roughly 2 steps to the left of the middle (I'm right handed).

Where to serve from

Table Tennis General

Jon Unknown Asked 14 years ago

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Thoughts on this question

Leslie Unknown Posted 14 years ago

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