return-fast-deep-backspin-sidespin-serve-at-the-backhand-corner
Resznotes asked 5 days ago
Hi, Dan and Tom,
Sometimes I play with an opponent who has developed a very fast and deep underspin/sidespin ball to my backhand corner, and I’m having trouble returning it. I’m not having success reading the serve until it’s too late for a strong return (or any return). Can you provide me with some options for returning this serve? If I don’t get behind the ball should I try pushes, a spinny loop? I don’t have chopping skills, but is that an option? Finally, Where would you stand for service receive if your opponent often uses such a serve?
Thanks,
Resznotes
Thanks,
Resznotes
Dan Academy Coach answered 4 days ago
Hey Resznotes, ok yeah I can understand this as I do find this hard myself and it’s something I’m working on. What I’ve found really helps is of positioning yourself so you are in the backhand corner with a bit more room from the table. This make it easier to do a spinny loop which is the best option if possible, it’s important to really commit to the shot and not go too careful with it you need to basically overpower the spin on the serve with your own topspin.
Sometimes if it’s very fast and low pushing the ball back well s another good option, to return these serves well and keep it low it’s important to keep your body weight low and forward and be sure to cushion the contact and try to get the feeling the ball is staying as long as possible on the rubber as you push through and under the ball.
It’s also really important with backspin and sidespin serves even if it seems obvious to be sure to aim for the middle line to get maximum saftey incase the sidespin makes the ball kick to one side. Let us know how this goes! Dan 🙂
ResznotesGreat answer. Thanks, Dan.
