backspin-serve-contact-and-body-movement
Oldpath asked 6 years ago
I have been experimenting with my backspin serve. I’ve notice that many professionals kind of bow down into the serve and contact the ball very close to their body. I tried a few and it seemed like I was maybe getting more speed on the ball but not much else. I know you don’t stress those movements in your video so I’m probably not going to work them into my game but I was curious if you could offer any insight. Thanks!
Dan Academy Coach answered 6 years ago
Hey oldpath,
Its great that you sent us some footage so we can take a close look at your serves. I know what you mean about top players almost bowing down as they serve, this means they can contact the ball low and keep it tight to the net, as well as being in a good low position for their next shot. Taking the ball close to the body can also help with control, but serving is quite an individual area of the game so it’s important to find a method that you are most comfortable with yourself and can produce the most quality.
Awesome so I have watched your serves on the footage, thanks for providing this 🙂 Really nice serves, you have good consistency and good placement. I would say, there is a lot more room for you to bring your wrist back more before you contact the ball. This will give you more bat speed as you accelerate into the ball giving you more spin. You may find the serve going long initially when you use more wrist however once you practice this, you will soon be able to control the ball placement.
I actually think your approach to bowing forward is putting to much downward momentum on your serve which can make it to bouncy and lose out on cutting underneath the ball for back swing. If you follow through more forward and through the ball you will get more speed and spin. If you watch from here at 7.30 we talk a little bit about this here: https://tabletennisdailyacademy.com/videos/backspin-serve/ in regards to the direction of your bat when you contact the ball.
Hope this helps and keep up the great work practicing. The key thing is trying to do 2 or 3 times a week of 20 minute sessions on your serves. This will make a big difference. Please send us in a video in a few weeks time after practicing the extra back swing and forward momentum. Looking forward to it 🙂
Oldpath
Dan