One of the most important parts of table tennis is serving.A good serve is required to win a match.You don't want to get called out by the official, so it's important to follow the rules.It is possible to make your serves more difficult to return by practicing basic and advanced serves.
Step 1: Put the ball in your hand.
After you pick up the ball, keep your hand open and flat.If you want to throw the ball up into the air, you should let it sit there for a second or two.If you serve an illegal serve, the official will call it "incorrect", which will lead to your opponent getting their points.
Step 2: The ball should be behind the serve line.
The hand holding the ball has to be above the table as you get ready to serve.The ball should be behind the end of the table.As long as the ball doesn't hit the serve line, your thumb can cross it.
Step 3: To hide it, keep your racket hand below the table.
The racket can be hidden under the table.If you do this, you may be able to hide the kind of serve you will make.Once you throw the ball into the air, you need to quickly bring your racket up to serve.You should leave your racket hand above the table until you serve.It is legal, but only for more advanced players.
Step 4: The ball has to be thrown up in the air.
The minimum height is required by the officials.It won't count as a legal serve if it's lower.The ball has to be thrown vertically.Make sure your throw is straight up into the air.Dropping the ball from a height of 6.3 inches (16 cm) is not possible.The toss won't be considered a vertical toss.
Step 5: When the ball is falling, strike it.
When the ball is in the air or at the top of the throw, don't hit it.Wait until it returns to the table to avoid being called out by the official.
Step 6: Before the ball goes over the net, bounce it on your side.
Hit the ball so that it lands on your side.It is an illegal serve if it sails over the net.The proper amount of force is needed to follow this rule.You want a serve that is fast enough to trick your opponent but not so strong that it misses your side of the table.The ball can go around the net if you curve it enough to get it back onto your side of the table.Aim straight over the net until you know you can make a curving serve.
Step 7: If you are playing singles, hit anywhere on the table.
If it is just the two of you, your opponent's whole side is fair game.This allows you to use the table.The match can be more difficult if you serve short and long.
Step 8: If you play doubles, hit the opposite diagonal.
If you are playing with partners, you can only play in the square that is diagonal from you.It is illegal to hit anything outside this square.
Step 9: Move your arm away from the ball.
It is against the law to hide the ball from the official or your opponent.You don't want to be accused of doing this if you pull your hand all the way back.
Step 10: You can use a closed racket.
Topspin is created by hitting the ball with a closed racket and holding it low to the ground.The serves work best when they hit the back of your opponent's table.
Step 11: Take the ball from the top.
Use a closed racket to brush the top of the ball.As the ball moves away from you, it will curve downward.
Step 12: You can use an open racket for backspin.
Backspin uses an open racket, which means you hold the racket up towards the ceiling.Under-spin serves are also known as back spin serves.These serves can be useful against players who like to attack the ball.
Step 13: Take the ball from the bottom.
Using an open racket, brush the bottom of the ball in a quick forward motion.As the ball travels over the net, keep it low and straight.
Step 14: You can spin the ball on the sides.
If you hit the ball on the left, you can get it to rotation right.The ball will bounce in those directions.The tricky serves can be difficult to return, as your opponent won't know which direction to run to get the ball.
Step 15: You can improve your spins with fast wrist actions.
You can add speed by snapping your wrist.This speed will make it difficult to return serves.You should practice developing this snap every time you serve.
Step 16: Close your body to the table.
If you are right-handed, your leading foot should be slightly farther away from the table than your other foot.You will be able to angle your body away from the table.When you turn your body into the serve, you will get more power.
Step 17: Keep your legs shoulder-width apart by bending your knees.
Strong and steady is what your stance should be.This will allow you to move quickly when you need to return the ball, as well as keeping you balanced as you get ready to serve.
Step 18: If you want to balance, bend your body forward.
Lean over from your waist.Keep your shoulders open.To make sure you feel steadier, check your balance.
Step 19: With your elbow bent at a 90 angle, hold your racket.
If you want to use your wrist and forearm when serving, this is the position for you.Don't lock your elbow and keep your arm loose.
Step 20: If you want to serve a forehand backspin serve, move the bat down and forward.
After throwing the ball, move your racket back and forth.Turn your body and shoulder as you bring your arm forward.Hit the ball from the bottom with an open racket if you want to serve this backspin serve.Stay focused on the ball as you serve.
Step 21: To serve a forehand topspin serve, hit the ball up and forward.
After throwing the ball, move your racket back and forth.Turn your body and shoulder to bring your arm forward.Put your racket in a closed position and hit the top of the ball.Stay focused on the ball as you serve.
Step 22: For backhand serves, turn your arm across your body.
A different arm position is involved in backhand serves.Turn your arm across your torso to position the racket.Different types of spin can be involved in these serves.Side spin is usually delivered from the backhand position.Stay focused on the ball and serve.
Step 23: Hit the ball with a short stroke and serve.
When your opponent is standing back from the table, backspin serves are best.There has been a lot of long, topspin serves in the match.
Step 24: For a tough return, add sidespin to a backhand serve.
Your opponent will need to stand in the middle of their side if they don't know which way you're going to spin the ball.It will be difficult for them to return sidespin serves.
Step 25: To get more spin, use a high toss.
The longer the ball is in the air, the quicker it will come down.After you strike the ball, this fast speed will allow you to put more spin on it.Your opponent might have a harder time returning the ball if you have more spin.
Step 26: Hit from left to right with a forehand pendulum serve.
The serve puts a spin on the ball.It will be hard to return the ball with a backhand as it will break away from your opponent and may not make it back over the net.The closed position is where your racket should be.
Step 27: If you want to do a reverse pendulum serve, hit it from the right to the left.
This serve puts sidespin onto the ball from the opposite direction.The serve may catch the players off guard because they are used to the forehand pendulum.
Step 28: If you want a tomahawk serve, strike right to left.
Hit the ball from right to left with an open racket.This serve will make it hard for your opponent to control their return.
Step 29: Practice varied lengths and spins.
The best way to have a great serve game is to be prepared with lots of options.Your favorite go-to serve will probably be a specialty you develop.You should also practice long and short serves, all the different spins, and different table placements.To get the feel for serving in a match, run drills with a partner.You can practice all the different racket positions with each other.If you are alone, you can serve against the wall.