Table tennis started in England and was a parlor game in the beginning. However, with time, the game gained popularity, and finally, in 1988, the game was added to the Summer Olympics. Although the rules of table tennis seem very simple and easy, the needed skills are challenging. In this article, you will learn all the basic table tennis skills.
But First, What Are The 4 Basic Strokes In Table Tennis?
To master the basic skills in table tennis, you need to be aware of the basic strokes in the game. So, let’s check out the 4 basic strokes in table tennis.
1. Forehand Drive:
Forehand drive is one of the most fundamental and basic ping-pong strokes. The purpose of this stroke? It will land the ball close to the sideline or baseline of your opponent.
With this stroke, you can easily rotate your whole body to the back for adding some power to the ball. So, you will have to move your upper body away to transfer your body weight upon your back foot while easily moving your arm right back.
The moment you spot the ball hitting your side on the table, rotate yourself towards it while moving your weight forward. Then, while the ball is bouncing at its peak, hit it – don’t forget to add some speed impactfully for imparting backspin, topspin, or sidespin.
2. Backhand Drive:
You guessed it, right? The backhand drive is obviously a mirror to the forehand drive. Its purpose? Return attacking shots to land the ball at the opponent’s baseline.
In order to perform this stroke, you will need to stand on the ball’s path. Instead of reaching for the ball with your arm, keep yourself angled towards the table tennis table while pointing your free hand towards the ball.
Moreover, while moving your paddle arm upward and forward, you have to bend your waist forward and lift it upwards. That way, you will be able to hit the ball at its bouncing peak while finishing the upward and forward motion.
3. Backhand Push:
This table tennis stroke is known for returning short balls and preventing players from making any attacking return. So, how can you perform the backhand push?
Just like the backhand drive, you should just keep yourself on the ball’s path instead of reaching for the same with your arm. After that, move your arm in the front from the chest, allowing your paddle to brush under the ball swiftly.
Also, the backhand push is a controlled move. To make it more impactful, you can also aim towards the net or downwards (towards the table) to impart different amounts of spin.
4. Forehand Push:
Just like the backhand push, the forehand push also aims to return the short ball and prevents opponents from making attacking shots.
Also, similar to the forehand drive, you have to keep your dominating foot a little backward and simply move your torso to accentuate the paddle’s motion.
But in contrast to the forehand drive, you will have to make a relatively small backswing and rotate your wrist towards the front through the motion range. Also, to make the forehand push work, you have to ensure the paddle’s open to swiftly brush under the ball.
What Are The Skills Needed In Playing Table Tennis?
You can play this game with a tennis table, two rackets, a table tennis ball, and an opponent. There are both singles and doubles matches at the competitive level.
So, if you want to start playing table tennis or have just started playing the game. Then you need proper skills to be a better player. So, here are the basic skills in playing table tennis.
Forehand
The fundamental skill for playing table tennis is the forehand drive or a forehand. A rookie player needs to learn this basic skill to play. When the ball comes to the paddled side of the body, this shot is necessary.
You need to hit the running ball while rotating your body and the other arm. A forehand shot increases the power, and the opponent gets a powerful knock. While playing this shot, you need to put your thumb upwards.
Backhand
The second fundamental skill is to know the backhand drive or the backhand. When the ball comes to the other side of the paddled hand, this skill is required.
You can also play this shot when the ball comes straight at your body. In both of these scenarios, your footwork and stance are important when swinging the racket. You can also play this shot when the ball is fast, as you don’t need to apply force.
Read more: Ping Pong Vs Table Tennis: What’s The Differences?
Serving
Serving in table tennis is important, as your opponent will get the opportunity to hit the ball after an easy serve. In serving, you need to bounce the ball on your side and then to the other side.
After every point, players start the new point with a serve. There are so many variations of a table tennis service. You can serve with both forehand and backhand serve. Players who can swing the ball are the best servers.
Pushes
There are mainly two strategies players follow. One is to play the ball with full force, and the other one is to play a short ball.
So, when a short ball is played, you need to get closer to the table and lean forward. You don’t need to apply force to the ball as your body movement will automatically apply force to the ball. You can use this skill regardless of which side of your body the ball is.
Flicks
The flicks are the skill to return a spin shot. Suppose your opponent plays a shot where the ball has a spin and is also close to the net. You may confuse this skill with the push. But here, a motion from your wrist and elbow is needed to deliver the ball to the opponent’s side.
Also, you don’t need to apply full force to the ball, as a force can push the ball outside the table.
Read more: How To Play Tennis: Understand The Tennis Rules
Spinning
In table tennis, there are four main spins. Spin is very important in a table tennis match, as it is a tricky shot that can challenge the opponent.
No matter whether you want to play defensive or offensive, you need to learn to spin the ball.
- Topspin – Paddle swings from low to high.
- Backspin – Paddle swings from high to low.
- Right Side Spin – The paddle goes left to right.
- Left Side Spin – The paddle goes right to left.
Loops
This is one of the basic basic skills. Recently, table tennis players have acquired the skill of putting a spin on the ball during offense. Players play this shot by swinging their racket from low to high to put swing and force.
The style of the shot generates topspin and makes it harder to play for the opponent. When there is a monotonous game running, then there is a need for loops.
Footwork
There are two types of footwork needed in a table tennis match. Players need to move front and back, as well as left and right.
Also, table tennis professionals are agile, quick, and masters at moving anywhere. If you want to play a competitive game, then you need to move quickly. You also need to get back to your original position after playing every shot.
Stance
For a game where footwork and fast movement are necessary, stance is also one of the most important things. First, when you take the service, you must put your other leg in the front and the paddled leg in the back.
Also, this is the basic stance. This is the stance you need to follow when you play a short ball. And when you have to defend, put your legs parallel to play both forehand and backhand shots.
Read more: Ping Pong Rules: Everything You Need To Know
Speed
With time and experience, you should be able to be agile with your movement. If you want to pay at the highest level, then you need speed both in your legs and hands. For example, a professional player can volley the ball at 70mph.
Though recreational and casual games are different, I am talking about competitions. The game’s pace is fast, and sometimes, you will need help to keep up with the game while watching a professional game.
Final Words
So, are you ready to start a table tennis match? Now that you know basic table tennis skills, I guess you don’t have to face any trouble while playing.
But, if you want to compete at a high level, there is only one thing to do. And it is practice. Only practice can take you up to a competitive level.
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