What is Forehand Serve in table tennis? Pros and Cons

Comparison of Forehand and Backhand Serve

Forehand serve in table tennis is the most common type of serve. So, What are the Types and Tips for a forehand serve in table tennis?

What is Forehand Serve in table tennis?

Forehand serve is the most common type of serve in table tennis. It is executed by holding the paddle in the right hand and hitting the ball with the front of the paddle. The aim is to hit the ball so it bounces twice on your side of the table, and then once on your opponent’s side.

1. Advantages

  • The main advantage of the forehand serve is that it is very simple and easy to execute.
  • It is also a very effective serve, especially when used with topspin or backspin
  • The forehand serve is also very versatile, as it can be used to create different types of spin and speeds.

2. Disadvantages

  • One of the main disadvantages of the forehand serve is that it can be easy for your opponent to read. This is because the motion of the serve is very similar to a forehand stroke.
  • Additionally, if you do not hit the ball in the sweet spot of the paddle, it can be difficult to generate a lot of spin.

Comparison of Forehand and Backhand Serve

The main difference between the forehand and backhand serve is the way in which the ball is hit.
With the forehand serve, the ball is hit with the front of the paddle, whereas with the backhand serve, the ball is hit with the back of the paddle.

The backhand serve is generally considered to be more difficult to execute, but it can be more effective as it is harder for your opponent to read.

Comparison of Forehand and Backhand Serve

Types of forehand serve table tennis

There are two main types of forehand serve: the topspin serve and the backspin serve.

  • The Topspin serve is used to create a lot of spin on the ball, making it difficult for your opponent to return.
  • The Backspin serve is used to make the ball float and is effective against opponents who like to hit hard.

1. Forehand sidespin serve table tennis

The forehand side spin serve is a type of serve that is used to generate spin on the ball. To do this, you will need to hit the ball with the side of the paddle. This type of serve is effective against opponents who like to stay at the back of the table and return powerful shots.

Forehand side spin serve table tennis

2. Forehand no-spin serve table tennis

The forehand no-spin serve is a type of serve that is used to make the ball float. To do this, you will need to hit the ball with the flat side of the paddle. This type of serve is effective against opponents who like to attack the ball.

3. Forehand pendulum serve in table tennis

The forehand pendulum serve is a type of serve that is used to generate spin on the ball. To do this, you will need to swing the paddle around your body and hit the ball with the back of the paddle. This type of serve is effective against opponents who like to stay at the back of the table and return powerful shots.

Forehand pendulum serve in table tennis

How to Basic Forehand serve table tennis

Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your body weight balanced.

Step 2: Bend your knees slightly and hold the paddle in front of you with your arm extended.

Step 3: When you are ready to serve, toss the ball up and hit it with the paddle.

Step 4: After hitting the ball, follow through with your swing and end up in a ready position.

>> See more: How to Table Tennis Serve for Beginners | Step by Step 

Tips for improving your Forehand serve Table Tennis

To improve your forehand serve, it is important to practice consistently and master the basic technique. Once you have the basic technique down, you can start experimenting with different types of spin and speeds. It is also important to vary your serves so your opponent cannot predict what you are going to do. Lastly, make sure you practice serving under pressure so you can perform in tournaments.

Common faults with a forehand serve

One of the most common faults with a forehand serve is not hitting the ball in the sweet spot of the paddle. This can cause the ball to come off the paddle at an angle and make it difficult to generate spin. Additionally, another common fault is not following through with the swing. This can cause you to lose power and accuracy.

Lastly, another common fault is not keeping your arm extended when you hit the ball. This can cause you to lose power and control.

How to correct common forehand serve faults

If you are not hitting the ball in the sweet spot of the paddle, it is important to practice your aim. You can do this by setting up a row of cones or balls and practicing hitting them in the middle. Additionally, if you are not following through with your swing, it is important to focus on your form. Make sure you are swinging your arm in a smooth arc and keeping your elbow relaxed. Lastly, if you are not keeping your arm extended, it is important to practice keeping it straight. You can do this by holding a towel in front of you and trying to hit it with the back of your hand.

How to return a Forehand serve in table tennis

When returning a forehand serve, it is important to be patient and wait for the ball to float. If the ball is spinning, you will need to adjust your aim accordingly. Once you have hit the ball, follow through with your swing and end up in a ready position.

Tips for improving your return of a forehand serve

To improve your return of a forehand serve, it is important to practice consistently and master the basic technique. Once you have the basic technique down, you can start experimenting with different types of spin and speeds. It is also important to vary your returns so your opponent cannot predict what you are going to do. Lastly, make sure you practice returning under pressure so you can perform in tournaments.

Common faults with returning a forehand serve

One of the most common faults with returning a forehand serve is not hitting the ball in the sweet spot of the paddle. This can cause the ball to come off the paddle at an angle and make it difficult to return accurately. Additionally, another common fault is not keeping your arm extended when you hit the ball. This can cause you to lose power and control.

Lastly, another common fault is swinging too late. This can cause you to miss the ball altogether.

Conclusion

When deciding which serve to use, it is important to consider your strengths and weaknesses. If you are more comfortable with the forehand serve, then you should use that. However, if you feel that you can generate more spin and speed with the backhand serve, then you should use that. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which serve is best for you.

I am Toney, an office worker, a lover and passionate about table tennis. For me, table tennis helps me entertain and relax after every hard working hour.