Xu Xin's Serving Technique Analysis

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cool vid. Xu xin's technique is an art. very unique player because he is a left handed penholder. let us just hope that he won't be the last penhold top player.
 
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i say deceptively legal, because while he doesn't hide the ball, he hides his paddle with his body until the very last minute. It is apparent from certain camera angles in these videos that the contact point is actually visible from the table. As far as rule 2.6.5 is concerned, I'm still uncertain if he is breaking it or just barely meeting it!
 
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I definitely don't think he wants to get a dropshot back, he prefers a deep return that will allow him to step back and attack with his cpen forehand. Look at his equipment, he even prefers the tenergy64 over the tenergy05 on his backhand, implying he is more comfortable mid distance than close, where he relies heavily on athleticism and his forehand/crossover footwork combination to complete the job.
I myself switched to RPB (left handed) after strugling with shakehand, and find it very, very natural to emulate his style. Lately, even I prefer deep serves to allow my opponent to attack it, so i can step back and send it right back to him.
 
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but with a deep return you also risk falling off-balance if the return is fast/well placed. he is taking big risks relying on the opponents weak returns there. respect though!
 
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i say deceptively legal, because while he doesn't hide the ball, he hides his paddle with his body until the very last minute. It is apparent from certain camera angles in these videos that the contact point is actually visible from the table. As far as rule 2.6.5 is concerned, I'm still uncertain if he is breaking it or just barely meeting it!

No ifs, buts, or made up expressions such as "deceptively legal". There is no such thing as barely meeting the rules. It's either legal or not.
The vast majority of Xu Xin's serves meet the standard of legality required by the ITTF.
 
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yes, you are all right . but I think many player's serve is alsi illegal or maginally legal :).
 
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cool vid. Xu xin's technique is an art. very unique player because he is a left handed penholder. let us just hope that he won't be the last penhold top player.

There is a new penholder, his name is Zheng Peifeng. he beat Koki Niwa in the russian open. he is only 17 years old. I dont know he will become a top player but he ade a great start reaching the 1/2 final
 
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There is a new penholder, his name is Zheng Peifeng. he beat Koki Niwa in the russian open. he is only 17 years old. I dont know he will become a top player but he ade a great start reaching the 1/2 final
thanks for the info. let's hope we could see more penhold players in the international scenes. :)
 
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