Returning short sidespin/topspin
martink asked 5 years ago
Today I discovered that I struggle with short or just half-long right sidespin (and maybe a tad topspin) to my forehand. I may use the spin, and this gives me a good angle returning it left (diagonally to the forehand). If it is higher, I think I have to flick it to avoid a pop-up. However, the biggest problem is returning this serve to the right (down the line to the backhand). Got a hard time keeping it short and low with a push here, and it is immediately attacked from the bh side.
martink answered 5 years ago
And I have to add, flicking it to the left too often leads to my arm crossing over for some reason. But the short return to the left is most tricky.
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Martin,
Yes i kn what you mean witht these types of serves being difficult to return well to the backhand side. As you are having to go against the spin and when there is some topspin as well as side spin the ball can pop up high.
We’ve actually just filmed a video on this tioic and will be releasing it next month so definitely look out for that one! For now I would suggest trying to flick but making sure the bat points finishing where you want the ball to go and try to come over the top of the ball more and snap forward with the wrist. It’s difficult to touch the serevs short and low but can be done if you really come around the aide of the ball,hit it softly and try to take the ball early. These arw all things we cover in our video coming soon.
When your are pushing now you can also try playing with a more downward motion so your bat finishes towards the table more, as long as you don’t hit the ball to aggressively or firmly this can keep the ball lower on returns!
martinkThank you Tom. Excellent tips, I will give those a try!
Tom Academy Coach answered 5 years ago
Hi Martin,
Yes i kn what you mean witht these types of serves being difficult to return well to the backhand side. As you are having to go against the spin and when there is some topspin as well as side spin the ball can pop up high.
We’ve actually just filmed a video on this tioic and will be releasing it next month so definitely look out for that one! For now I would suggest trying to flick but making sure the bat points finishing where you want the ball to go and try to come over the top of the ball more and snap forward with the wrist. It’s difficult to touch the serevs short and low but can be done if you really come around the aide of the ball,hit it softly and try to take the ball early. These arw all things we cover in our video coming soon.
When your are pushing now you can also try playing woth a more downward motion so your bat finishes towards the table more, as long as you don’t hit the ball to aggressively or firmly this can keep the ball lower on returns!
