Table tennis is a recreational release and a highly competitive sport. The fast-paced game played by professional athletes at events such as the International Table Tennis Federation’s World Championship might seem overwhelming at first, but athletes just beginning in the sport can make quick strides by building from the fundamentals. By repetitively practicing elements such as footwork and strokes, you can learn to play table tennis correctly so you can build your game later.
Step 1
Learn the basic rules of the game. Consult the ITTF Handbook to understand how to serve, where to serve, how to return and how to score in a table tennis match. Learn the rules for both singles and doubles matches.
Step 2
Choose a grip that suits the type of table tennis you want to play. A table tennis paddle is held in two common ways: the shake hand grip and the penhold grip. English Table Tennis Association coach Bernie Morris advises players that want to have a style equally strong with the forehand and backhand to use the shake hand grip. The penhold grip is popular with players from Asia and offers a more powerful forehand in exchange for a weaker backhand.
Step 3
Practice your stance and footwork. Stand with your body square to the table and your feet shoulder-width apart. Straighten your back and bend at the hips slightly so you are low to the playing surface. Shuffle your feet from side to side when you move, but never cross them. Morris encourages players to execute Falkenberg drills to build footwork skills, which involves hitting a series of backhands on one side of the court, followed by a forehand near each sideline.
Step 4
Develop good forehand and backhand techniques. Table tennis has four basic shots: backhand push, forehand drive, backhand drive and forehand push. Allabouttabletennis.com suggests that this is the order for beginners to learn the strokes. Have a partner or a ball machine serve you balls repetitively so you can practice the form for each stroke. Learn the game context that each stroke is useful in to counter an opponent’s hit.
Step 5
Work on your serving technique. Most beginners start by using a backhand push. Stand near the corner of the table on your backhand side with the ball resting in the palm of your free hand. Toss the ball upward vertically at least 6 inches and strike the ball with a backhand push before it falls to the table. The ball should bounce on your side of the net once before landing on the opposing side of the table. Repeatedly practice this technique until it becomes natural.
Step 6
Practice as often as possible. Regular practice of table tennis strokes helps you build muscle memory so you can execute the strokes effectively when playing in a tight game. Employ a practice partner to serve you balls or consider investing in a ball machine.
Things You'll Need
- Practice partner or ball machine
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