Thanks for the great video. I am trying to learn to "read" my opponent, watching how they serve or return a ball. There is this one guy that does side spin apparently, and he is so fast with his serves, but I now know what he is doing. The thing is, the ball is coming straight, fast, and low at my right forehand area (I have my eye on the ball), and then the darn thing curves to my left, backhand at the last moment. I am getting better at anticipating what he may be up to. These videos are a great help.
Thanks JE, maybe check this one out and see if it can help with those serve returns. Good luck! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-666qbGjP8sE.html
The #1 thing to tell people on defending the slice is a slice shot goes lower off your paddle, the opposite of a topspin shot which jumps higher off your paddle. People who hit driving deep slice returns off serves often see the 3rd shot return of the slice go in the net. I am a professional and use the driving slice return often because the ball stays low and you get more missed 3rd shots.
Good video. You implied this by saying it’s important to clear the net but I don’t think said it outright: the backspin will make the ball descend from your paddle perhaps into the net if you’re not careful. Another thing to keep in mind that your opponent’s backspin can become your topspin. I’ve noticed this when I do a backspin return that stays up against someone who can add that topspin. That can result in a real dive just over the net. This video is good because it feels like some people go crazy with backspin and while it can be effective if you understand it’s coming and know how to counter not such a big deal.
