How To Improve Your Long Serve In Table Tennis

Courtesy of Anders Lind – Anders has relied on #DONIC for many years and plays with an Original True Carbon blade and Bluegrip C2 and Bluestorm Pro rubbers.

Introduction

Welcome, Paddle Palace fans, in this video, Anders Lind will delve into the intricacies of enhancing your long table tennis serves. Long serves play a pivotal role in the game, not only posing a challenge for opponents but also setting the stage for more effective short serves. He’ll break down the process into three key focus areas: spin touch, speed, and technique refinement.

Spin Touch

Spin touch refers to the crucial contact between your racket and the ball during a serve. Here’s how you can improve it:

Stay relaxed until the point of contact to ensure better touch and control.
Utilize a smooth acceleration through the ball upon contact, rather than tensing up prematurely.
Emphasize follow-through to maintain consistency and rhythm in your serves, regardless of the type of spin employed.

Speed

Speed is paramount, particularly for long serves. Consider the following tips to maximize velocity:

Focus on ball placement on your side of the table to control trajectory and ensure a successful serve.
Aim to strike the ball in the lower portion of your side of the table for optimal trajectory and bounce.
Mask your intentions by starting your serve with a motion similar to your short serves, then adjust subtly to catch your opponent off guard.

Technique Refinement

Refining your technique can significantly enhance your serve’s effectiveness. Here’s how:

Commit fully to the shot by engaging your entire body, maintaining compactness in your legs, and activating your core.
Execute a controlled, powerful movement from start to finish to ensure consistency, even under pressure.
Anticipate your opponent’s response and adjust your movement accordingly after the serve, whether it’s stepping back to prepare for a rally or anticipating a return.

Ground Stomping Technique

You may have noticed players stomping the ground during serves. While the exact mechanics behind this may vary, it’s often used to facilitate weight transfer and add power to the shot. Experiment with this technique to see if it enhances your serve’s effectiveness.

Conclusion

Incorporating these tips into your practice regimen can elevate your long table tennis serves to new heights. Remember to focus on spin touch, speed, and technique refinement, while also experimenting with ground stomping for added power. With dedication and practice, you’ll soon become a formidable force on the table tennis court. Enjoy the game, and may your serves be as swift as they are strategic!