My most unpopular serves from an opponent
Nomad asked 1 year ago
Hi Tom / Dan
Just to get you views on how to cope with the following serves (assuming both players are right handed)
Player A serves a low, disguised, tomahawk style heavy backspin/sidespin serve from the right side of the table which lands in the middle of the right hand edge on my side and then drops low quite quickly when the backspin takes effect. My attempt to topspin it back usually goes into the net as I can’t generate enough topspin from below table height to clear the net. If my return does go over the net it is easy for the opponent to attack it with a speedy forehand or backhand topspin drive. (I am also slightly out of position at this point as I have to move back round the side of the table to try to get into position to return the 3rd ball.)
The next serve is similar with sidespin and backspin which takes the ball over the net and keeping it low…This was easier to return but harder to get back into the position for a 3rd ball attack if the return was too high.
I just wondered how you would deal with these types of serves.
Alex
Dan Academy Coach answered 1 year ago
Hey Alex, Ok so with the first serve I would say a good long aggressive push would be a good option to return as this is easier to keep low and not be out of position as well. Ince you get used to pushing this serve slightly around the side to keep it low it can be a great return.
You can of course still attack both of these serves but you do need to be quick and really work on using the legs well to lift the backspin. Also getting a relaxed wrist and good acceleration through the contact. So I would try to practice both the aggressive pushes and opening up with a lot of spin into the body of the opponent, these are the main ways I would say that you can give yourself a good chance to play a strong return.
Dan 🙂
NomadThanks Dan
Will try these out.
