3 Simple Steps for Learning the Reverse Pendulum Serve
3 Simple Steps for Learning the Reverse Pendulum Serve
1. The Rocking Step Weight Transfer
As the body does not rotate in the same way it would with a pendulum serve, and the wrist action is not enough to generate forward motion, you need to focus on weight transfer. The best thing to do is use a ‘rocking step’, which brings your body weight onto the back leg, and then rocks the weight back onto the front leg under the contact point. Timing is important, and also the direction of your weight transfer.2. Make a Box
I have always taught students using these simple steps, and have found the most relatable point to get the shape of the service motion right, is to draw your racket back so that your arm makes a box shape. This means your wrist and racket are parallel to your bicep, with your forearm perpendicular. This happens as you are transferring your weight onto the back foot.3. Flick Out Into the Contact
As your body weight pushes towards the front foot and you near your point of contact, you must then flick out of the box shape with your wrist and into the ball. A common mistake is using too much arm motion in the serve. It is also important that you balance weight transfer and contact direction to ensure the ball travels forward and not sideways too much.These are 3 very simple tips to follow for one easy method of learning the basic serve. This is the way I have always taught people when they are learning or fixing their serve, as it is easy to follow and effective in getting players a good foundation for the serve.
About Matt Hetherington
Matt Hetherington is a Content Specialist at JOOLA and an auto-immune athlete. Originally from New Zealand, Matt has represented his home-country in table tennis tournaments all over the world. He currently runs the popular coaching blog, MHTableTennis. Previously, he served as the Media and Communications Director for USA Table Tennis (USATT).
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