How to Do a Topspin Serve in Table Tennis

The topspin serve is a good basic attacking serve. The topspin causes the ball to accelerate as it hits the table, forcing your opponent to act quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Athletic Gear
  • Table Tennis Balls
  • Table Tennis Nets
  • Table Tennis Paddles
  • Table Tennis Playing Tables
  • Table Tennis Video
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand with your body turned three-quarters to the table, holding the ball forward and your paddle back.

    • 2

      Take note of your opponent's position as you serve.

    • 3

      Keep your paddle-elbow close to your hip as you draw the paddle back. Hold the paddle low, so that you swing upward on the ball.

    • 4

      Hold the ball loosely in your palm and toss it up about head high (a higher toss is more difficult to hit, but will have more spin).

    • 5

      Swing through the ball as it descends in front of you. Swing from your shoulder.

    • 6

      Strike the ball with a closed paddle (face down), about ten to fifteen inches above the table. The closed paddle and upward swing are essential to achieving the desired topspin on this serve.

    • 7

      Follow through, allowing the paddle to cross your body, almost to your opposite shoulder.