Table tennis tables are a common fixture in the basements and game rooms of many homes. Though the sport is often played for recreation, there is room to increase your skill level and play more competitively. Learning basic table tennis techniques, including how to hold the paddle, how to strike the ball and how to move your feet and body during play, can increase your skill set. Practice the basics in order to play a decent game of table tennis.
Step 1
Determine the type of grip you want to use and work only with that grip. Use the shakehands grip--which is your hand wrapped around the handle of the paddle as if you were shaking hands with it--if you want to hit the ball with power on the forehand and backhand, according to MegaSpin.net. Play with the penhold grip--which is your thumb and index finger wrapped around the handle as if holding a pen and your three remaining fingers gripping the back of the paddle--if you prefer better ball control at the sacrifice of power. Practice using the grip you choose to get more familiar with the types of shots you can make when using that grip.
Step 2
Stand in the ready position at all times while reaching and stepping around the table when playing. Keep your feet approximately shoulder width apart with your knees bent and your weight centered on the balls of your feet. Your body is more prepared to make quick movements if you stand in the ready position during play.
Step 3
Move side to side in order to face the table at all times. Limit the distance you step around the table as much as possible to prevent your opponent from hitting a shot out of your range when you are positioned on one side of the table.
Step 4
Hit the ball with topspin when possible by looping the racket over the top of the ball when you strike it. Roll your wrist and forearm over when hitting the ball to bring the racket over the ball and create topspin. Hitting the ball with topspin creates a quick-moving, low-bouncing shot that is difficult to return. Use the shot during rallies and when serving.
Step 5
Learn to use other strokes such as the push, block and kill. Push the ball by holding the racket so the face is pointed at your opponent and striking the ball just after it bounces, if the ball is it low, according to PongWorld.com. Block a hard incoming shot by striking the ball shortly after it bounces with the face of the racket pointing downward. Kill shots are performed by making a full backswing and following through by swinging your hips when hitting the ball. Perform kill shots when the ball comes in high and use the power of the kill shot to immediately win the point. Practice the different shot types regularly in order to handle any type of situation that arises during play.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice playing table tennis regularly to become more adept at specific situations within a game. As with any sport, practicing regularly increases your skills.
Member Comments