Described for a right-handed server; the tips on reading and returning speak to the receiver.
How to read it
- The racket lies sideways with its tip toward the server's left, and it moves from their left to their right.
- The ball curves to your right, toward a right-hander's forehand — reverse-pendulum spin.
- The elbow stays low and close; a reverse pendulum with the same spin has the elbow high.
- An open blade passing under the ball adds backspin; a hook over the back of the ball adds topspin.
How to return it
- It kicks to your left off the racket: aim right of the target, toward the server's backhand side.
- Short to the forehand: step in and flick, or push with the racket angled to the right.
- Read the backspin from how open the blade is, then choose push or flick.
Common mistakes when serving it
- Moving only the arm: without the wrist hooking round the ball there is little spin.
- Tossing the ball too far to the right, which leaves the racket no path across it.
- Lifting the elbow, which turns it into a reverse pendulum and loses the disguise.
More forehand serves
- Pendulum Backspin
- Pendulum Side-Backspin
- Pendulum Side-Topspin
- Pendulum No-Spin (Float)
- Reverse Pendulum
- Tomahawk
- Reverse Tomahawk
- Shovel Serve
- High-Toss Pendulum
- Fast Long Serve
- Squat Serve
Learn to serve it
The step-by-step technique — grip, stance, toss, backswing, contact and finish — and a 3D demo you can turn and slow down are in Trainoro’s Service Drills, along with 12 ways to receive. To practise serving with a partner, see the serve and return drills.
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