Ask The Experts: Brian Pace, No. 275
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:

Hi Brian, How much difference does the ball make? I practice serves at home with newgy training balls. Right now, I am practicing the heavy underspin (ghost) serve. I think I have the serve down with consistency. Then I go to the club and train with the plastic ball and all of a suddenly am not getting the same (heavy) underspin or consistency with my serve. It appears the spin differs with the plastic ball and the different table surfaces. Is this correct or am I doing something wrong??. Should I begin practicing my serves with the plastic ball?

Answer:

Your Ask the Experts question was answered by Brian Pace. Coach Pace is National Level Table Tennis Coach with Dynamic Table Tennis and his response is as follows:

Hello Richard,  Thanks for your question, I appreciate you taking the time to reach out for advice.   The main factor that is affecting your serve is not the ball, but the table and surface your table is sitting on. Many players perfect their serve in their home environment which can be a garage, attic, basement, or patio. This can give you a false experience when you have to go to your club and try to do the same serve. My advice would be to go to your club early, and make the same serve for at least 30 mins so you can acclimate your serve at the club where you will be playing.   I would say to serve with different types of balls so you can figure out if the material is the reason that your serve is not the same as your home.   Good Luck with your training my friend.  Brian