Very effective backhand serve tactic

Tom Lodziak

8 Jun 202209:19

Summary

TLDRIn this informative video, Tom Lodzjak introduces a simple yet effective backhand service tactic for table tennis. He demonstrates two serves: a wide serve with side and backspin, and a deep, fast serve with side and topspin. These tactics stretch the opponent, vary spin and speed, and set up opportunities for aggressive attacks. Tom shares tips on execution and encourages viewers to experiment with different spins and placements to keep opponents guessing.

Takeaways

🏓 The video introduces a simple but effective backhand service tactic used by Tom Lodziak in table tennis tournaments.
🎯 The tactic involves serving with sidespin and varying amounts of backspin or topspin to stretch the opponent and create opportunities for third ball attacks.
📐 The wide serve is executed by positioning on the forehand side of the table and using a sideways swing with a slice underneath the ball to achieve sidespin and backspin.
🚀 The deep serve is delivered fast into the opposite corner with sidespin and a bit of topspin, creating a surprise element and a change of pace.
🤔 The sidespin serve can cause confusion for the opponent, making it difficult to decide whether to take the ball over the table or let it drop.
🔄 A little bit of backspin on the serve is used to hinder the opponent's ability to be aggressive against the ball.
🌀 The topspin element in the deep serve can catch players off guard, leading to overhitting or tentative returns, setting up opportunities for aggressive attacks.
🛑 The video suggests not limiting oneself to just two service variations but experimenting with different spins and placements to keep the opponent guessing.
👀 Tom Lodziak's backhand service technique includes a unique leg movement, but it works for him at the amateur level and could work for others too.
🌟 For advanced backhand service techniques, viewers are encouraged to watch videos of professional players like Dimitri Ovtcharov or Darko Jorgic.
📝 The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their own backhand service tactics and an assurance of more content to come.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Tom Lodziak's video?
-The main topic of Tom Lodziak's video is a simple but effective backhand service tactic in table tennis.
What are the two types of serves Tom discusses in his tactic?
-Tom discusses serving with sidespin and a little bit of backspin wide, and serving with sidespin and a little bit of topspin deep into the opposite corner of the table.
How does Tom position himself on the table for the wide serve?
-For the wide serve, Tom positions himself on the forehand side of the table to get the wide angle more easily.
What is the purpose of the sideways movement and slicing action in the serve execution?
-The sideways movement generates side spin, while the slicing action underneath the ball gives a little bit of backspin.
What effect does the side spin on the serve have on a right-handed player?
-The side spin makes the ball cut across a right-handed player's forehand, which can be awkward to deal with and cause problems.
How does the long fast serve with side spin and top spin differ from the wide serve?
-The long fast serve is executed with a straightened bat angle and a lift to generate top spin, aiming deep into the opposite corner of the table.
What are the potential issues a player might face when receiving Tom's long fast serve?
-Players might be surprised by the serve's direction and pace, leading to overhitting or tentatively blocking the ball back.
Why might a player choose to block the ball back after receiving Tom's serve?
-Blocking the ball back can be a strategic choice if the player is unable to effectively counter the serve's spin and pace.
What advice does Tom give for varying the service tactic?
-Tom encourages players to vary the service tactic by changing the spin, speed, and placement of the ball, and even trying serves to different areas of the table.
Who does Tom suggest watching for better backhand service technique?
-Tom suggests watching videos of Dimitri Ovtcharov or Darko Jorgic for their fantastic backhand service techniques.
What is Tom's personal quirk when he serves with his backhand?
-Tom's personal quirk is that his left leg goes up into the air when he serves with his backhand.

Outlines

00:00

🏓 Effective Backhand Service Tactic

Tom Lodziak introduces a simple yet potent backhand service strategy in table tennis. He shares his recent success using this tactic in a tournament, which helped him win many points and set up aggressive third-ball attacks. The tactic involves serving with side spin and a bit of backspin wide to stretch the opponent or serving with side spin and top spin deep into the corner. This approach utilizes the full width of the table, varying spin, speed, and ball placement, as demonstrated through successful gameplay footage. The video then delves into the execution of these serves, starting with the wide serve technique.

05:05

🎾 Advanced Backhand Serve Techniques

The second paragraph discusses the effectiveness of the long, fast serve into the opposite corner using side spin with a bit of top spin. This serve can surprise opponents due to its unexpected direction and pace. The serve's side spin and top spin elements can cause the ball to bounce unpredictably, leading to errors from the receiver. Tom suggests varying the service tactics further by experimenting with different spins and placements, including serves to the middle of the table. He also mentions the importance of recovery position for setting up subsequent attacks. Tom acknowledges his unique backhand service technique, characterized by his left leg lifting, and encourages viewers to experiment with backhand serves, drawing inspiration from professional players like Dimitri Ovtcharov or Darko Jorgic, known for their exceptional backhand service skills. The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their own backhand serve tactics and an assurance of more content to come.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Backhand Service Tactic

A backhand service tactic refers to a method used in table tennis where the player serves the ball using a backhand motion. In the video, Tom Lodziak explains how he uses this tactic to win points and set up opportunities for strong third ball attacks. The tactic involves serving with sidespin and varying the spin and placement of the ball to stretch the opponent and create difficulties.

💡Sidespin

Sidespin is a type of spin applied to the ball in table tennis, causing it to move sideways after bouncing. In the context of the video, Tom uses sidespin on his serves, particularly in the wide serve, to make the ball cut across the opponent's forehand, creating an awkward angle and potentially leading to errors.

💡Backspin

Backspin is a spin that causes the ball to move backward after bouncing. Tom mentions adding a little bit of backspin to his serve to make it harder for the opponent to be aggressive. It adds an element of unpredictability and difficulty in returning the serve effectively.

💡Topspin

Topspin is a spin that propels the ball forward, causing it to dip less after bouncing. In the video, Tom discusses using topspin in his long fast serve, which adds a 'kick' to the ball and can surprise opponents, making it challenging to return accurately.

💡Wide Serve

A wide serve is a serve that is directed far to one side of the table, stretching the opponent and forcing them to move to reach the ball. Tom positions himself on the forehand side of the table to execute this serve, aiming to use the full width of the table to his advantage.

💡Long Fast Serve

A long fast serve is a serve that is hit deep into the opposite corner of the table with speed. Tom explains that this serve, combined with sidespin and topspin, can catch opponents off guard and force them to adjust to the change of pace, often leading to mistakes.

💡Third Ball Attack

A third ball attack refers to an aggressive shot played on the third stroke after the serve and return. Tom uses his backhand service tactic not only to win points directly but also to set up opportunities for strong third ball attacks, indicating a strategic approach to the game.

💡Variation

Variation in table tennis refers to changing the type of spin, speed, or placement of the ball to keep the opponent guessing. Tom emphasizes the importance of varying the spin and speed of his serves to keep the opponent off balance and to create more opportunities for winning points.

💡Recovery

Recovery in table tennis is the act of returning to a ready position after making a shot, preparing for the next stroke. Tom mentions the importance of recovering quickly after serving to be well-placed for the next shot, which is crucial for maintaining control of the rally.

💡Professional Players

The term 'professional players' refers to table tennis players who play at a high level, often as their main occupation. Tom suggests watching videos of professional players like Dimitri Ovtcharov or Darko Jorgic to learn advanced backhand service techniques, indicating the value of studying expert play to improve one's own game.

💡Experimentation

Experimentation in the context of the video means trying different service tactics to find what works best for the player. Tom encourages viewers to experiment with various service variations to find their own effective strategies, highlighting the importance of personalization in developing one's game.

Highlights

Tom Lodziak introduces a simple but effective backhand service tactic used in a recent tournament for winning cheek points and setting up third ball attacks.

The backhand service tactic involves serving with sidespin and a bit of backspin wide or with sidespin and topspin deep into the opposite corner.

The tactic uses the full width of the table to stretch the opponent and varies spin, speed, and ball placement.

Tom demonstrates the success of using just two types of serves in the video footage.

The wide serve uses side spin and backspin, with Tom positioned on the forehand side of the table for a better angle.

Serving technique includes getting low, hand next to the bat, and slicing under the ball for side spin and backspin.

The side spin on the serve can cause problems for right-handed players, making it awkward to handle.

A little backspin is added to make it harder for opponents to be aggressive against the serve.

The long fast serve into the opposite corner uses side spin with a bit of top spin for a surprising and fast-paced serve.

Tom's starting position for the long fast serve is the same to avoid giving away clues, with a focus on bat angle and lift for top spin.

The serve's surprise factor and change of pace can catch opponents off guard, leading to mistakes.

The top spin on the serve often catches people out due to being more than they expect, causing overhitting or tentative returns.

Blocked returns from the serve provide an opportunity for an aggressive forehand attack if recovery is quick.

Tom encourages viewers to vary service tactics even more, suggesting long fast side spin backspin serves or short wide top spin serves.

Services into the middle of the table can also be effective, varying short side top and back spins for more unpredictability.

Tom's unique backhand service technique includes his left leg going up, which adds a personal touch to his play.

Despite the risk of a short top spin serve being smashed, the tactic works well at the amateur level where Tom plays.

Tom suggests watching videos of Dimitri Ovtcharov or Darko Jorgic for professional backhand service techniques.

The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their backhand serve tactics and an announcement of more videos to come.