Undoubtedly, the most important, and difficult, part of table tennis is service, and return of service. In doubles, we serve 25% of the points and return service for 25% of the points. This means that 50% of the time we are directly involved in this part of the game. In singles, service becomes even more important as these numbers go up to 50% service, 50% return of service for a whopping... 100% of the points!

With this in mind, it would benefit every player to put together for him or herself an effective approach to this crucial aspect of the game. Certainly books can be written on the subject. However, I would like to briefly suggest some important elements that would be beneficial in devising an effective service routine. The following is a suggested seven item "checklist" that could easily be incorporated into anyone's game:

1. Taking Control - Having the serve is our opportunity to "take the wheel" and run the show for a few moments. It is important that we relish this chance, seize this momentary advantage, and attempt to optimize its potential! However, along with the valuable benefits, having control comes with some important responsibilities. How well we respond to our responsibilities will go a long way toward our acceptance among our fellow players. Having control allows us to command the situation in a way that maximizes our own strategy while yet being fair and courteous to all. Use control to accomplish both. As a proper lead-in to service, let's first dispense with some very important server obligations. Attention to these points will make the game a pleasant experience for all:



2. Courtesy: Check to see that all players are ready. - Before beginning service, it is proper etiquette to make sure that ALL of the other players are set, in position, and ready for the play to begin. This simple courtesy is directly in the hands of the server and should not be overlooked. It can be aggravating to find your reward for retrieving a wayward ball is to return to the table only to find the other eager players are already launching a service before you have even set yourself for play! Also, as the server, don't forget to check on your own partner especially if he is positioned behind you!



3. Obligation: Call the correct score! - It is also the server's responsibility to call the score... and receive acknowledgement that the called score is correct... BEFORE beginning service. Others may call the score while the ball is being retrieved, but it is the server's call at the start of service that is the "official" call and the one that counts. It must be made... and one cannot defer to someone else's call. It is wise for other players to stop play if the ball is served without a clear call of the correct score... by the server. It is good sportsmanship to give proper concern to this matter and to build this common courtesy into the service routine. It is very distracting and disconcerting to be trying to decide if you agree with the called score... when the ball is already on its way! Beyond the obvious sportsmanship to the other players, being fully aware of the score is good mental practice (even when not serving) and helps keep one's attention in the game and in the "now".



4. Strategy: Decide on the optimum serve - Now is the server's opportunity to evaluate his receiver and the situation. Take the time to decide what serve is best suited. What is your opponent expecting? Where is he positioned? Where would he least want the ball to be delivered? What serves has he missed previously? Know what spin, speed, and location your ideal serve would possess... and then focus on how the ball must be struck to deliver it... before rushing into the serve!



5. Begin Service: Show the Ball - When all of the above has been accomplished, we are then ready to begin service by showing the ball in the open hand thus indicating to all that the serve is ready to begin. This is also the last opportunity to finalize any strategy changes based on perhaps the receiver moving to a different position. It is also helpful, at this time, to picture the serve as you would like it to go. This mental reinforcement will aid in the proper delivery. Remember you are in control... do not begin service if you are not 100% ready to deliver an effective serve!



6. Execution: Toss the ball, focus well, and execute the serve to the best of your ability - Toss the ball with the open palm and focus on the proper striking of the ball. A well executed serve is the server's reward for careful planning. A missed serve is a "gift" point to your opponents and can often be the difference in the outcome of a close game. Practice service whenever possible. Take a jar of say 15 balls and use the entire jar on a single serve practicing its strategic placement. This can then be called upon during critical situations during a game. Remember the proper placement of a serve can win you many easy points! Guard against mis-serves. Every point is meaningful. In a deuce game, you will wish you had that wasted point back!



7. Escape the center playing area - It is important to remove yourself from the playing area after your serve so that your partner will have a clear path to any quick return. This cannot be taken too lightly. Getting out of the way will be greatly appreciated by your partner and is especially important if you are right-handed and serve forehand. Avoid being "flat footed" (weight on heels) during service as this will make an effective escape more difficult. Knowing where to move after service will often determine whether you are in position for your next shot. It is better to escape deep (backward) than to escape to the sidelines where you can get "pinned" and leave your far corner unprotected and easy pickings for an observant opponent. However, you must be ready to alter your escape according to the playing style of your partner and particularly your opponent who is hitting to you. Know where you would like to ideally be positioned for your next shot and try to best position yourself during your partner's hit to get to that spot. Don't be lazy. A little extra effort here will position you well for your following shots.

If you follow this procedure, you will find that you will minimize bad or wasted serves and maximize your playing potential. In addition, the other players will appreciate your courtesy and will respect your demonstrated control of the play.