How to read service spin

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Returning serves can be tough. It’s something all table tennis players can struggle with at some point or another. Even professional players will have certain opponents whose serves they find difficult to deal with.

There’s three parts to returning serves well.

  • First, you have to read the spin of the serve.
  • Second, you have to play a correct stroke based upon the spin on the ball.
  • Third, you have to do something decent with your return to put your opponent under pressure.

All of this decision-making and execution has to happen very quickly – in the time it takes for the serve to reach you (about a second).

This is why it’s tough.

In my latest coaching video, I look at the first part – how to read service spin.

If you can read the spin, then it makes other parts of returning serves easier. If you can’t read the spin, then you’re going to struggle.

In the video I explain the two big clues to look out for when trying to read service spin. At the end of the video I do some of my serves. See if you can read the spin. Good luck…


 

Returning serves – online course

If you would like more help on returning serves, I recommend joining Tom’s TT Academy. I have a 10 lesson in-depth online course all about returning serves. The lessons include…

  • Returning backspin serves
  • Returning topspin serves
  • Returning sidespin serves
  • Reading service spin
  • Learning from mistakes
  • Where to stand when returning serves
  • How to apply pressure on your opponent when returning serves

You will also get access to a wide range of coaching content, including 

  • in-depth courses
  • training drills
  • fitness videos
  • robot training videos
  • member discussions
  • video analysis
  • skill challenges 
  • coaching clinic
  • and lot’s more!

You can access all this content for less than £1 per week. New content is added regularly. Join hundreds of table tennis players around the world today at www.tomsttacademy.com

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