1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Table Tennis / Ping-Pong

The Backhand Topspin/Sidespin Serve - Side View - Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong

By Greg Letts, About.com

1 of 10

Ready Position

Photo of BH Topspin/Sidespin Serve - Side View - Ready Position

Ready Position

(c) 2006 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This tutorial is a companion to the backhand topspin/sidespin serve - front view tutorial, but showing a side view instead. Rather than repeat much of the front view version, I'll just be pointing out items that are relevant to the side view.

Points to look for:

  • The ball is held above the playing surface, and above the endline.
  • Note the distance the player is from the table, which allows for quicker recovery to a good attacking position. Standing too close to the table can cramp the stroke and make you take longer to get into ready position for the next shot.
  • The left foot is further forward than the right foot, to help the player be in the ready position to hit a good forehand stroke.

Explore Table Tennis / Ping-Pong

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Table Tennis / Ping-Pong
  4. Beginner's Guide
  5. Basic Concepts
  6. Basic Strokes
  7. How to Serve
  8. The Backhand Topspin/Sidespin Serve - Side View - Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong Basic Strokes

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.