5 ways to make your serves much stronger (with Craig Bryant)

Summary

In this instructional video, top coach and pro player Craig Bryant shares five essential tips to enhance your table tennis service game. He emphasizes the importance of keeping serves low for strategic advantage, creating spin for unpredictable bounces, and incorporating serve variations to disrupt opponents. Additionally, he highlights the significance of recovery post-service and the necessity of consistent practice with creative targets to improve accuracy and spin. Craig's insights, combined with his experience of transforming from an average player to representing his country, provide valuable guidance for aspiring table tennis players.

Takeaways

• 🏓 Keeping the serve low over the net is crucial to prevent opponents from hitting the ball with power and spin.
• 🤲 The contact point of the serve is essential; hitting the ball at net height can help keep the serve low.
• 🔄 Creating spin on the serve is effective as it results in different bounces and unpredictable ball movement.
• 💨 Brushing the ball with a light contact and using wrist speed can generate more spin, testing the opponent's control.
• 🎨 Variation in serve is key; changing serve location, speed, and spin can disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
• 🔄 Practicing different serve variations, such as pendulum serves to various areas of the table, can improve placement and spin.
• ⏱ Taking time away from the opponent by varying the serve can force them into making incorrect decisions.
• 🔄 Recovery after serving is important; being prepared for the next ball can give an advantage.
• 🎯 Anticipating the return after serving and adjusting recovery position accordingly can improve play.
• 🧘‍♂️ Practice is fundamental to improving serves; using targets can make practice more engaging and focused.
• 🌟 Serving is a unique opportunity for full control in table tennis, and mastering it can significantly elevate a player's game.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video featuring Craig and Tom Lesniak?

The main focus of the video is to provide five tips for improving one's service game in table tennis.

Why is keeping the service low over the net considered important in table tennis?

Keeping the service low over the net is important because it prevents the opponent from hitting the ball back with power and spin, making it more difficult for them to attack.

What is the significance of the contact point when serving in table tennis?

The contact point is crucial as it determines the trajectory and bounce of the ball. Contacting the ball at net height and pushing it towards the table can help keep the ball low over the net.

How can creating more spin on the serve benefit a player?

Creating more spin on the serve is beneficial as it results in different bounces and movement directions for the ball, forcing the opponent to adjust their racket and potentially making it harder for them to control the ball.

What is the role of the wrist in creating spin on a serve?

The wrist plays a key role in creating spin by allowing for a light brush contact with the ball and then accelerating through it at a higher speed to generate more spin.

Why is variation important in a player's serve?

Variation is important because it keeps the opponent guessing and disrupts their rhythm. It can involve serving to different areas, using different spins, and employing various techniques.

How can a player use the concept of recovery to their advantage after serving?

A player can use recovery to their advantage by being prepared for the opponent's return based on the type of serve and spin used, allowing them to take control of the next shot.

What is one way to make serve practice more interesting and challenging?

One way to make serve practice more interesting is by using targets, such as baskets or cones, to aim for specific placements or to spin the ball through obstacles.

How does Craig suggest improving one's serve through observation?

Craig suggests observing other good servers, learning from their techniques, and incorporating different ideas into one's own serve to improve.

What was the impact of improving Craig's serve on his table tennis career?

Improving his serve significantly boosted Craig's level of play, allowing him to progress from an average player to representing his country.

Who sponsors the video featuring table tennis tips from Craig Bryant?

The video is sponsored by Dry Bar Table Tennis.

Where can viewers find more information about Craig's coaching services?

Viewers can find more information about Craig's coaching services on his website at topedgetabletenniss.com.