Learn and Improve the Basic Backspin Serve
Learn and Improve the Basic Backspin Serve
Most players have a fairly good handle on serving basic backspin, but there are those who can struggle a little. This video goes into some very simple tips for improving the very basic backspin serve core motion.
1. Don’t Overcomplicate Your Action
In the beginning it is important to keep the action very simple, isolate to forearm, waist, wrist and finger/thumb. A large action from the shoulder will only make the serve harder to control. A simple, linear motion which contacts towards or on the bottom axis of the ball is most useful.
2. Foundations First
Once you have the action, be sure to practice getting the ball short (at least 2 bounces on other side) and low over the net. You need these two elements to be consistent before you try and start increasing your rotation on the ball.
3. Build Up the Backspin
A fine contact is required to create more spin, using the fingers and thumb to tighten through the contact is very beneficial for creating friction and a higher degree of spin. You can also build up through targets, first backing the ball bounce many times on the other side, then making the ball stop, then finally being able to make the ball start travelling backwards. You can use targets of pathways – as in the video, to help improve these aspects.
The backspin serve is a crucial skill to have in table tennis, so make sure you work on yours. You can revisit this core motion to improve your base mechanics, then returning that core motion into your regular service actions!
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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