Underspin serves can be challenging to return, but mastering the right techniques can significantly enhance your table tennis game. This article breaks down four essential methods for returning underspin serves, offering both beginners and advanced players valuable strategies to improve control and precision.

1. The Short Push

The short push is a reliable return technique for handling underspin serves, especially when the goal is to keep the ball low and close to the net.

- Racket Position: Keep your racket slightly horizontal to the table, with a slightly open angle.
- Stabilizing the Racket: Use your elbow as a support point and maintain a firm wrist to ensure precise control.
- Light Touch: Aim for a gentle contact with minimal force. A brief touch ensures the ball stays low.
- Avoid Overextending: Keep the racket close to the ball and avoid extending your arm too much.
- Push with Short Stroke: Keep the stroke short and controlled, moving your forearm forward as you push.
- Two Options for Timing: You can either hit the ball as soon as it bounces (easier) or wait until the ball starts to fall (more deceptive).

This technique utilizes your opponent's spin and works best when aiming for a low bounce near the net. Watch top players like Ma Long and Fan Zhendong to see the effectiveness of the short push.

2. The Long Push

The long push is an excellent choice when you want to surprise your opponent, especially when they are expecting a short push.

- Racket Position: Adjust your racket angle to be more open and almost horizontal to lift the ball over the net.
- Forward and Upper Push: Execute a forward push with a slight upward motion. Ensure your follow-through is controlled.
- Targeting the Baseline: Aim for a fast, low ball that challenges your opponent's ability to attack.
- Timing: Make contact at the peak of the ball's bounce or just as it begins to descend to utilize the spin effectively.

This variation on the push works well when your opponent expects short returns, allowing you to catch them off-guard.

3. The Banana Flick

The banana flick is a dynamic return technique that can be executed from both the backhand and forehand side.

- Racket Angle: Adjust the racket to counter the underspin by positioning it close to the table, with enough space between the racket and the ball.
- Elbow Lift: Lift your elbow to create space for a dynamic forearm motion that generates spin before contact.
- Flicking Motion: Execute a quick flick with your wrist and forearm, focusing on the underside of the ball to lift it.
- Imparting Topspin: Brush the ball upward while flicking to generate topspin, enhancing the ball’s speed and trajectory.
- Controlled Follow-Through: Keep the follow-through concise to maintain accuracy and ensure optimal placement.

This technique adds variety to your returns, making it difficult for your opponent to predict your next move.

4. The S Spin Push

The S spin push is a more advanced technique that can change the rhythm and spin of your return, often confusing your opponent.

- Positioning: Position yourself either on the forehand or backhand side and prepare to brush across the ball’s line.
- Side-to-Side Brush: Unlike a standard push, where you come underneath the ball, for the S spin push, you brush across the ball from side to side.
- Rhythm Disruption: This technique adds an unexpected element to your return, altering the spin and rhythm, which can catch your opponent off-guard.

Mastering the S spin push is a great way to throw off your opponent, especially when they are accustomed to regular pushes.

Conclusion

Returning an underspin serve effectively requires precision, control, and an understanding of how to manipulate the ball’s spin. By incorporating the short push, long push, banana flick, and S spin push into your game, you can add crucial variation to your playing style. Practicing these techniques consistently will not only enhance your ability to handle underspin serves but also make you a more unpredictable and formidable player on the table.