returning-sidespin-backspin-or-sidespin-topspin-from-a-left-handed-player
Nomad asked 2 years ago
Hi Guys
Just to let you know that the change of rubber from D.N.A. soft to hard was a good decision as it made a big difference to my match play.
On a different issue I will be playing my next league game this week and one of the opponents I am up against is left handed with a heavy spin technique.. Having played him before on several occasions, one of the serves he uses is a slow pendulum sidespin, either with topspin or backspin which he varies. The serve lands about a foot from the net near the right hand side edge of the table (my forehand) which restricts a strong reply.
While I can return the serve it is rather weak and tends to sit up which my opponent takes full advantage of and wins the point with a fast left handed topspin/backhand drive. What is the best way to keep the ball low or play aggressively against this type of soft serve whether sidespin / backspin or sidespin / topspin. Should I take the ball earlier with adustment to back angle (e.g. a strong push on the side of the ball or try a forehand fick depending on the spin?
Cheers
Alex
Tom Academy Coach answered 2 years ago
Hey Alex, Great to hear the change has been helpful for you! Ok so for returning against this type of serve against a left hander I would say mostly a positive, deep and aggressive push is the best shot to play. Of course having to adjust the bat angle for spin as you mentioned, also trying to take the ball early and really play an attacking push and not simply just trying to out it on the table. Try to play deep into the corners or right at his body so he can\’t get an easy attack at you. If you spot very early that it\’s a topspin serve then the flick is the best choice but you have to be quite clear in your mid about the spin to choose this. In the main I would stick to positive pushes and just the occasional flick. Also be sure to step in nice and close to the table, staying low with your head and body forward when returning to keep it low and the shot quality good. Cheers, Tom
NomadThat’s great Tom. If I can be positive in following your advice I am sure that whatever the outcome of the match my game will have gone up another level.
Thanks again.
Alex
No problem Alex, yes exactly right. Focus on what you can control and try to be positive and do the right things 🙂
Hi Tom
The advice you gave on returning the heavy spin from a left handed player was very useful. Concentrating on the bat angle of the opponent, making a firm decision on the return, whether it was to be an agressive push or heavy topspin, worked a treat and took away any advantage that my opponent had with his service. This has added another dimension to my game which was lacking before.
Thanks again
Alex
That’s great to hear Alex! Glad it helped and you could apply it well in the game 😀
Cheers, Tom
