Without a doubt, the most crucial aspect of table tennis is your serve. In a table tennis match, you'll spend half your time serving, giving you complete control over constructing a winning point. Consequently, your serve should take centre stage in your training regimen, especially when gearing up for a significant event. I have several insights on optimizing your serve, and I hope you find them valuable.
Here are steps for perfecting your competition service:
1 -Solo Practice: Begin by practicing alone and setting specific goals for your serving.
Focus your goals on three key aspects: Placement, Speed, and Spin.
Avoid serving mindlessly without considering these essential qualities.
2 - Real-Life Example: Select a service action, such as the pendulum serve with backspin and placement to the short forehand. Delve into the precise location where you want the ball to land and its trajectory. Once you achieve perfection, replicate it at least 10 times without any mistakes. Initially, it's better to serve the ball slowly to ensure accuracy.
It's worth noting that speed in serving is not just vital for long and fast serves; it's equally crucial for short serves. A prime example of a lightning-fast short serve can be observed in Taiwan's Lin Yun-Ju. Here's a helpful video explaining his technique: https://youtu.be/bupBbNp9otA?si=HWOnq6gKAoC6HsCy
If you can execute a swift short serve, it reduces your opponent's reaction time and increases the chances of them returning with a weaker shot. Additionally, it makes your long serve more deceptive as the bat speed remains similar to your short service.
3 - Game Conditions: After mastering your serve, practice it under simulated game conditions. Return to your ready position promptly after each serve to ensure you are always prepared to react to the opponent's return.
4 - Adding Stress: Elevate the intensity by introducing stress into your practice routine. You can replicate stress by engaging in 45 seconds to a minute of net post sidestepping to elevate your heart rate. Then, proceed to repeat the process of serving the perfected serve.
5 - Competitive Matches: Ultimately, nothing can substitute real match experience. In the lead-up to an important event, aim to participate in as many competitive matches as possible.
By following these steps and focusing on refining your serve in various dimensions, you'll be better prepared to compete at your best in table tennis competitions.
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