A mate I play with often does the same serve that is very awkward for me to return. From the southpaw corner, he attempts to do a underspin, fast, short serve to my forehand near the net. (actually I think he serves inside the table to get the angle, but that’s another story).
Anyway, this serve comes quite fast. Also, he is trying to make underspin, but his brushing is poor so the serve is more like a dead ball. When I push the ball, it often pops up high or goes long. So I have a lot of trouble returning this serve. Occasionally the serve drifts long, and I am able to loop the serve. I also tried flicking this serve, but it feels like a low percentage shot. Sometimes I miss the flick, sometimes I make the flick but I am out of position for the next shot and I don’t feel any advantage to this method.
What’s the best way to return this serve?
