Backhand High Serve - The Setup
For this serve to work properly, it requires correct preparation in order to deceive the opponent. If not set up correctly, the server will be in a lot of trouble, because he will then be serving a very easy serve to attack strongly. Be warned!I prefer to use a backhand serve, but on occasion I do use a forehand variation just to remain unpredictable. The idea is to make it appear obvious that you are going to serve a very short, low serve to your opponent's backhand. This can be done by only using a low toss and a small backswing, and standing close in to the table and crouching low when serving. When put together, these actions will strongly indicate to your opponent that you are going to serve short and low. It can sometimes help to stay crouched over your serve preparation a fraction longer than normal, giving your opponent plenty of time to see that your body language is saying "Short serve coming!".
I also aim this serve at my opponent's backhand, since it will be harder for my opponent to adjust once I have deceived him about the length and height of the serve. If I served to my opponent's forehand, it would be easier for him to use his waist and lean backwards in order to still attack the ball, since he would have plenty of room to adjust. It's much harder for the opponent to get out of the way and attack the ball when it is coming straight at him.
