How to Receive Service in Table Tennis

The key to a good service return is reading the spin of the serve.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

1. 

   Await service in a relaxed ready position. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, with your shoulders squared toward your opponent and your paddle up and ready.

2. Watch your opponent's paddle as he or she serves. Watch for telltale tendencies - players typically have certain serves they like to use over and over, and you can try to capitalize on this.

3. 

   Remain calm during the serve. Keep your paddle up and ready.

4. 

   Recognize an upward swing and a forward-tilted paddle as a sign that topspin is coming. Be ready for the ball to bounce low and fast.

5. 

   Block topspin by angling your racket forward as you return with a push or a block (see Related eHows section for more information on these shots).

6. 

   Recognize a downward swing and a backward-tilted paddle as a sign that backspin is coming. Expect the ball to take a slow bounce and lose speed.

7. Neutralize backspin by tilting your paddle back as you return with a block or a push.

Tips & Warnings

• If your opponent is hurting you with lots of spin on the serves, return the ball right off the bounce to hit it before it can spin. Or try hitting it late, after the spin has mostly worn off.

• Watch for the sidespin serve, which is easily noted by the extra sideways movement on the service.