Table Tennis Strokes

There are four basic strokes from which all of the more advanced techniques are developed:

• Backhand Push
• Forehand Drive
• Backhand Drive
• Forehand Push
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  The Order of Teaching Basic Strokes
  
  It is generally thought that if a player learns the forehand drive as their first stroke, they are more likely to adopt an attacking attitude towards the game. However, for this to be successful, the player needs to have a good consistent "feed" ball and this is not always possible in schools. It is, therefore, often more practical for the backhand push to be the first stroke taught as this is technically the easiest stroke. The forehand drive is normally the second stroke to be introduced. The backhand drive is the third stroke to be taught as this is a progression from the backhand push. The forehand push - technically the hardestis the last of the four basic strokes to be taught.
  
  Spin
  
  Spin plays a vital part in Table Tennis. The ball is generally struck with either topspin or backspin. In addition, sidespin may be added.
  
  Topspin
  
  Topspin is produced by starting the stroke below and/or behind the ball and contacting the ball as lightly as possible, i.e. brushing the ball in an upward and forward motion. (See Figure 2.6.)
  
  
  
  
  Backspin
  
  Backspin is produced by starting the stroke above and/or behind the ball and contacting the ball as lightly as possible, i.e. brushing the ball in a downward and forward motion. (See Figure 2.7.)
  
  
  
  
  Sidespin - view from above the ball.
  
  
  
  
  The Effect of Spin - on the trajectory of the ball
  
  
  
  
  The use of excessive spin is particularly effective in the service.
  
  STROKE VARIATION AND ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
  
  As players improve, it is necessary to challenge and extend them beyond the basic skills to the more advanced skills and techniques skills and techniques. Again, in doing this, it is necessary to remember that individual differences will play an important part in both the learning and performance of these skills. It is also important to remember that, at this stage, staff should be encouraging students to develop variety in their strokes because stereotyped skills are easy for opponents to read.
  
  Spin Practice
  
• Using forehand side of the bat bounce the ball vertically imparting sidespin as a result of a loose wrist action
• As above with the opposite sidespin
• As above with alternate spin
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  Teaching Tips
  
• The ball should bounce as near to vertical as possible
• A wrist action should produce most of the movement as opposed to the elbow
• Use a light degree of touch
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  The Block
  
  TASK
  
• Is to angle the ball away from the receiver. Usually near to the base or side lines.
• 
  WHY?
  
• To catch the opponent out of position. Reduce the time available to the receiver.
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  HOW?
  
• Stance - Facing the line of play
• Table Position - Close
• Length of Swing - Short with 50% before contact 50% after
• Timing - As the ball is rising
• Body Movement - Nil
• Bat Arm - Movement Moves from the elbow in an horizontal plane
• Free Arm - Points to ball acting as a reference point. Assisting with the body rotation and balance
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  WHEN?
  
  The approaching ball is moving very quickly and with topspin. The block strokes are best used when a player has very limited time available. 50% of the stroke should be before contact and 50% after to keep the receiver guessing as to what nature of stroke will be played.
  
  TEACHING TIPS
  
• Use a light degree of touch.
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  The Loop
  
  TASK
  
• Maximum topspin, with as much speed as possible. Play deep and/or angled.
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  WHY?
  
• To reduce the control level of the opponent. Increase the pressure on the opponent.
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  HOW?
  
• Stance - Facing the line of play for backhand. Side to facing for forehand
• Table Position - Close
• Length of Swing - Medium with 50% before contact 50% after
• Timing - Variable
• Body Movement - Accentuate the movement by pushing strongly with the legs
• Bat Arm Movement - Use all three joints of the playing arm to gain maximum spin
• Free Arm - Points to ball acting as a reference point. Assisting with the body rotation and balance
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  WHEN?
  
• The approaching ball is long and/or high enough. At the earliest opportunity.
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  TEACHING TIPS
  
• Practice against balls which have been repeatedly rolled along the table striking as early as possible when the ball drops off the end.
• Use a medium degree of touch with a fast brushing action.
• Vary the speed of the rolling ball.
• Use a loose grip.
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  The Chop
  
  TASK
  
• Maximum backspin. Place as short or as long/wide as possible.
• 
  WHY?
  
• To reduce the control level of the opponent.
• 
  HOW?
  
• Stance - Facing the line of play for backhand. Side to facing the forehand
• Table position - Variable
• Length of Swing - Medium with 50% before contact and 50% after
• Timing - Variable
• Body Movement - Accentuate the movement by pushing strongly with the legs
• Bat Arm Movement - Use primarily the elbow and wrist joints of the playing arm to gain maximum control and spin
• Free Arm - Points to the ball as a reference point. Assisting with the body rotation and balance
• 
  WHEN?
  
• The approaching ball is short or very deep and fast. At any time.
• 
  TEACHING TIPS
  
• Use a medium degree of touch with a fast brushing action.
• Use a loose grip.
• Keep the playing wrist loose.
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