Ask The Experts: Maggie Tian, No. 192
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:

I notice that when the better Table Tennis Players serve they bend low than rise to serve, Is there a reason for this, more spin, faster, etc. Or is just a style of serving. Couldn’t they just stand up and serve?

Answer: 

This Ask the Experts question was answered by Maggie Tian. She is a coach at the India Community Center in Milpitas, CA. Coach Tian’s response is as follows:

Hi Richard,

 As you said, players do move up when serving.

 They do the same thing in tennis as well. It helps players generate their racket speed and maintain their momentum. It’s similar to jumping. People bend before they jump.

 Happy ponging!

 Maggie

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