How to do the reverse pendulum serve in table tennis

Once you have the pendulum serve down, you will notice a problem: your opponents get used to the spin and start returning it well. The reverse pendulum serve solves that. It uses the forehand, from the same spot on the table, but spins the ball the opposite way.

The reverse pendulum is harder to learn, because the motion feels less natural. In return, it is one of the most respected serves in the game, and many top players use it as a main serve.

Pendulum vs reverse pendulum

The backhand sidespin serve spins the ball the same way as the reverse pendulum. The advantage of the reverse pendulum is that you serve with your forehand from the backhand corner, with no change of position compared to the pendulum. Your opponent only finds out the direction of spin at the last moment. See the other serve in pendulum serve.

Reverse pendulum serve, step by step

1. Grip. Use the same loose grip as the pendulum, with your thumb and index finger firm. Some players rotate the paddle slightly in their hand to make contact easier.
2. Stance. Backhand corner, side-on to the table, just like the pendulum.
3. Toss. Straight up, at least 16 cm (about 6 in), without spin.
4. Backswing. Rotate your forearm and wrist so the paddle face points to the right, with your elbow high. The paddle starts to the left of the ball.
5. Contact. As the ball falls, swing the paddle from left to right and brush the left side of the ball.
6. Wrist. The final acceleration comes from the wrist and forearm rotating outward.
7. Recover. Get back into your ready position quickly.

The motion usually feels awkward at first. Practice slowly, without a table, just feeling the brush, before going for speed.

Variations

Like the pendulum, the reverse pendulum takes combinations:

• Reverse pendulum with backspin: brushing the lower side of the ball with an open paddle. Good for short serves.
• Reverse pendulum with topspin: brushing the side and lifting. Good for long, fast serves.
• No-spin reverse pendulum: the same motion, with flatter contact.

Using the reverse pendulum tactically

• Alternate it with the pendulum. The strength is the contrast: same spot, same posture, opposite spin.
• Vary the placement. A short reverse pendulum to your opponent's forehand and a long one to their backhand, with the same motion, make the receiver cover the whole table.
• Read the return. Since the return tends to go to your right, get set for a forehand.

Remember: all of this is a tendency, not a guarantee. An experienced receiver compensates for spin by changing the paddle angle. See how in how to return a serve.

Common mistakes

• Tossing at an angle to help the swing. The rules require a nearly vertical toss.
• Flat contact instead of a brush: the ball comes off with no sidespin.
• Hiding the ball with your shoulder or free arm as you turn. That is illegal. See table tennis serve rules.
• Changing your setup compared to the pendulum: if your opponent notices, the disguise is gone.

Frequently asked questions