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The Use of the Long Service
The long service is mostly used as a variation to the short serve. It is a big advantage if the movement is basically the same no matter if it is a short or a long serve. The surprise factor is more than 50% of the long serve. The different services described in the past two e-zines can all be done long, but it is better if they are done with speed as well as length.
The bounce should be very early on the server’s own half of the table and the contact point has to be close to the table, otherwise the serve will be too slow and too high.
Remember that the receiver has to move an extra half a metre if the service is placed wide to the forehand.
Service against Lefthanders
A right-handed player should use a good sidespin/backspin, or sidespin/topspin service when playing against left-handed players. The left-hander will then receive the ball with their forehand at a difficult angle to return. For variation, long services should be used to the backhand or to the crossover point, this is normally a good combination. For the server it is important that the left-hander tries to return to the forehand crossover where it is difficult to play short or to flick. Reverse and backspin serves are most effective against the backhand, because most players try to return with backhand from around the ball.
It is a good idea to look at the receiver’s starting position. If they have a forehand player’s stance then the situation should be tested with a quick long serve to the forehand. If they have a backhand stance then test the crossover with a quick long serve.
Service Tactics
It is very important to vary the speed, placement and spin in different situations, so that the opponent will have to change their game.
- Variation starts with the serve and the serve selected should be dependent on the difficulties an opponent has returning that service.
- Variation with the first attacking stroke will, by moving the opponent in and out, create openings for the next ball or force an error. Even more variation can be achieved by mixing fast and powerful topspins with heavy and slower spin.
- Variation in the placement of all strokes should be used.
- It is always a good tactic to make an opponent move constantly.
- Short serves to the backhand are always good when mixed with serves to the middle or forehand. The decision will depend on the opponent’s quality of return with their forehand or backhand.
- It is important not to be afraid to serve long and fast to break up the pattern of short serves so that the opponent cannot move too early.
- The server should try to read the difficulties the opponent has at returning different spins on service:
- If they want to return with forehand, they often have a good forehand flick and are good from the middle of the table. Therefore it is better to serve short into the backhand or forehand.
- If they prefer the backhand return, the server must vary the placement between forehand, middle and backhand, so they do not know which to prepare for.
At international level it is important that players are able to serve short with topspin or no spin. Many players when they cannot topspin try to return short which is difficult against these types of service. Therefore the opponent is forced to play long. |
