Serving is one of the most important parts of the game of table tennis. You can't win a game without a good serve! It is very important to follow the rules when serving so as not to be considered a violation by the referee. You should also make the serve difficult to return by practicing basic and advanced serve techniques.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Positioning the Body Well
Step 1. Hold the ball flat in the palm of your hand
To perform a proper serve, keep your hands open and flat after picking up the ball. Keep the ball in your hand for a second or two. Keep your hands steady before throwing the ball in the air.
Errors in service can result in a violation. Even though you may only be warning if the referee is unsure of the validity of the serve, a clear foul will result in a point for the opponent
Step 2. Keep the ball on the table and behind the service line
The hand holding the ball (or “free” hand) must be higher than the table when you serve. The ball must remain behind the table (serve line).
Your thumb may cross the service line as long as the ball stays behind it
Step 3. Keep the hand holding the bet under the table out of sight
Unlike balls, your bets can be hidden under the game table. This will help you hide the type of service to launch. You must lift the racket immediately after throwing the ball in the air to serve.
Until you are good at serving, place your bet on the table. This complex technique is legal, but should only be performed by more advanced players
Step 4. Throw the ball at least 16 cm into the air
This is the minimum height in table tennis. The lower throw will be marked as a service violation. The ball must be thrown vertically, not sideways or diagonally.
Make sure your throw makes the ball rise straight into the air. You may not, for example, drop a ball from a height of 16 cm. This will not be considered a vertical throw
Step 5. Hit the ball as it starts to descend
Do not hit the ball that is still up in the air or while it is on the top. Wait for the ball to land on the table to avoid a foul.
Step 6. Bounce the ball into your playing area before it crosses the net
Hit the ball to land in your playing area first. If the ball floats over the net without bouncing first, the serve is considered illegal.
- Practice until you are able to estimate the energy required to follow this rule. You need to serve fast enough to outwit your opponent, but not so strong that you fly without touching your area of play.
- The ball may also be deflected to the side of the bet as long as it is able to land in the opponent's playing area. This is quite a difficult skill. So, first direct the ball over the net before being able to make a curved serve.
Step 7. Hit the ball anywhere on the table if you are playing singles
The entire opponent's table area can be used if you are only playing alone. This method allows you to take advantage of the entire game area. You can serve both short and long to make it difficult for your opponent.
Step 8. Aim the ball diagonally across your opponent's table if you are playing doubles
The game is limited to a diagonal square area that is in the opponent's area when you are playing with a partner. A ball that is hit outside the area is considered a foul.
Step 9. Move your free arm away from the ball after serving
You may not "hide" the ball from the referee's or opponent's view with your arms after serving. Pull the free arm back so as not to be accused of doing so.
Method 2 of 4: Learning the Twist Punch
Step 1. Use a closed racket to produce a topspin shot
This shot is made by hitting the ball in a position known as a closed racket, i.e. the bet position is tilted slightly downwards. This service is very effective if it is hit quickly until it hits the back of the opponent's table.
Step 2. Hit the top edge of the ball for a topspin hit
Hit the top edge of the ball in a closed racket position as quickly as possible. The ball will rise after being hit, then dive sharply downwards.
Step 3. Use the open racket position for backspin shots
Backspin strokes use the open racket position, which is the bet position facing slightly upwards. The backspin serve is also known as the “low serve”. This short, low serve is especially useful against players who like to attack.
Step 4. Hit the bottom edge of the ball for a backspin
With the open racket position, hit the bottom edge of the ball quickly with a bat. Make sure the ball stays low and straight as it passes over the net.
Step 5. Hit the sides of the ball for sidespin
Hit the ball on the left to twist it to the right, or hit the right side to twist it to the left. This will cause the ball to bounce in that direction. This complicated serve is quite difficult to return because the opponent will have a hard time guessing the direction the ball is coming from.
Step 6. Move your wrist as fast as you can so that the ball spins more sharply
Turning the wrist can accelerate contact with the ball and increase the speed of the stroke. This will make the ball spin faster, making your serve more difficult to return. Learn to develop this skill each time you serve.
Method 3 of 4: Performing Basic Service
Step 1. Tilt your body about 45° from the playing table
The support foot (right foot if your right hand is dominant) should be slightly further from the table than the other leg. This position allows you to tilt slightly from the table. You can use this position for extra power when turning your body before serving.
Step 2. Bend your knees and keep your feet in line with your shoulders
Your stance must be strong and stable. Not only is it useful for maintaining balance before serving, this position also allows you to move faster when returning the ball.
Step 3. Lean slightly forward for more balance
Lean from the waist, not the chest. Keep your shoulders open and straight. Check your balance to keep yourself stable.
Step 4. Hold the bat with the elbow bent at about 90°
This position is perfect for easy arm and wrist movement when serving. Keep your arms flexible and don't lock your elbows.
Step 5. Move the bat up and forward to perform a forehand backspin serve
Move your bat back and slightly up after throwing the ball. After that, bring your hands forward while twisting your body and shoulders. This is a backspin serve. So, hit the ball with an open racket position.
Focus on the ball when throwing and serving
Step 6. Hit the ball up and down for a forehand topspin
Move your bat back and slightly up after throwing the ball. Move your arms forward until you rotate your torso and shoulders. After making contact with the ball, hold the bat close to the racket and hit the top of the ball.
Stay focused on the ball when throwing and serving
Step 7. Shake your arms in front of your body for a backhand serve
This service uses a different arm position. Position the bat in front of the body by waving your arms in front of your upper body. This service also provides a different curve.
- Sidespin serve is usually done from the backhand position.
- Stay focused on the ball when throwing and serving.
Method 4 of 4: Performing Advanced Service
Step 1. Hit the ball with a short swing for a short backspin serve
The backspin serve is especially effective if your opponent is standing away from the table. This stroke can add variety to attacks in matches that contain a lot of long topspin serve.
Step 2. Add sidespin to your backhand serve to make it harder to return
If your opponent doesn't know where the ball will turn, he will stand in the middle. This position will make it difficult for him to return a sidespin serve.
Step 3. Throw the ball higher for a sharper turn
The higher the ball is thrown, the higher the speed at which it falls. This speed allows you to turn the ball more sharply when hit. The ball that turns sharper is certainly more difficult for the opponent to return.
Step 4. Perform a forehand pendulum serve by hitting the ball from left to right
This serve makes the ball twist a little. This will make the ball more difficult to return with the backhand because it moves away from the opponent so he can't hit it over the net. The bet must be in a closed racket position to perform this serve.
Step 5. Perform a reverse pendulum serve by hitting from right to left
This serve also gave the ball a slight twist, this time in the opposite direction. Most players are used to a regular pendulum serve. So, this service can overwhelm them.
Step 6. Hit the ball from right to left with the tip of the bat to perform a tomahawk serve
Use the open racket position, then hit the ball from right to left. This serve can also twist the ball making it difficult for the enemy to control the return.
Step 7. Practice hitting serves from a variety of distances, spin types, and ball placements
The best way to have a deadly service is to set up a variety of options. You might just find one mainstay service. Be sure to practice short and long range serves, a variety of spins, and ball placement on the table.
- Practice with a partner to serve like in a real match. You can practice together to hone your bat positioning, hitting and spinning skills.
- You can also use the wall for serve practice if you're alone.
