Step up to table tennis success! Table Tennis: Steps to Success combines the knowledge and experience of master instructor Richard McAfee with essential table tennis techniques and strategies for today's player.
With a unique 11-step approach designed to maximize table tennis instruction, you'll learn the proper grip for your style of play, execution of the basic strokes, and the correct way to apply spin to the ball. Then, build on these core techniques with masterful footwork, serves, returns, and stroke combinations.
Best of all, learn how and when to apply those skills in match play. With competitive strategies—adapted for both you and your opponent's playing style—you'll raise your game to a new level. And with clear instruction, comprehensive coverage, detailed photo sequences, and drills to ensure mastery of every technique, you'll be playing—and winning—in no time.
As part of the Steps to Success Sports Series—with more than 1.5 million copies sold—rest assured that Table Tennis: Steps to Success is the #1 resource for learning, and loving, the game.
Climbing the Steps to Table Tennis Success
The Sport of Table Tennis
Key to Diagrams
Step 1.Preparing to Play
Step 2.Hitting Drive Strokes
Step 3.Understanding Spin and Footwork
Step 4.Executing Spin Strokes
Step 5.Serving
Step 6.Returning Serve
Step 7.Using the Five-Ball Training System
Step 8.Understanding Styles of Play and Tactics
Step 9.Playing Intermediate Strokes
Step 10. Performing Intermediate Serves
Step 11. Competing Successfully in Tournaments
Glossary
About the Author
Richard McAfee has a lifelong commitment to table tennis. In his early years, McAfee was a successful player, winning many singles and doubles events including the 1972 U.S. Open Class B Championship and the Southern Open Men's Singles title. Later McAfee began to focus on his true passion of coaching. He has coached national champions in each of the past three decades, seven world-ranked players, and two Olympians.
In 1994 McAfee was named competition manager for Table Tennis at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. This led to further management positions on the international scene and earned him the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Merit Award. He is also certified by USA Table Tennis (USATT) as a national-level coach, their highest level. Honors include the 2004 U.S. Olympic Committee Doc Counsilman Science Award for table tennis, the 2003 Georgia AAU Coach of the Year award for table tennis, and the 1999 U.S. Committee Developmental Coach of the Year Award for table tennis. McAfee was inducted in to the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2009, he was appointed chairperson of the USATT's National Coaching Advisory Committee. He continues to travel around the world conducting coaching education courses for the International Table Tennis Federation.
"In Table Tennis: Steps to Success, Coach McAfee covers all the essential skills for becoming a successful table tennis player. Anyone who appreciates the sport and wants to learn more will love this book."
Scott Preiss
U.S. National Table Tennis Coach
Former U.S. World Team Trainer
"Table Tennis: Steps to Success is quite impressive. The step-by-step instructions lead players of all skill levels through the rules, drills, and tactics of the game."
Don Mudtangam
National Coaching Director of Thailand
Former National Coach and Player
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
Techniques for mastering table tennis backspin serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve, take a position completely off to the left side of the table; the backhand short backspin serve begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table.
Forehand Short Backspin Serve
To execute a forehand short backspin serve (figure 5.6), take a position completely off to the left side of the table, so that your left hand is located at the left sideline (right-handed player). Your left foot should be in front of your right, and your upper body should be parallel to the left side line of the table. The racket hand and the free hand, which is holding the ball, are close together at the start of the serve.
From an open palm, toss the ball at least 6 inches (15 cm) high and, at the same time, rotate your upper body to the right, bringing your racket back into the ready position. The racket blade is open and the wrist is laid back. As the ball begins to descend, rotate your body back to the left and bring the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Backhand Short Backspin Serve
The backhand short backspin serve (figure 5.7) begins with the left shoulder close to the left side line of the table (right-handed player). Rotate the right shoulder and hip so they are close to the table. Both hands are close together with the racket behind the ball and close to the left forearm. Begin the serve by throwing the ball up as you rotate your upper body more to the left. This puts your body weight on your back foot. As the ball descends, transfer the weight to your front foot and rotate your upper body back to the right, bringing the racket to the ball. Contact the ball at the bottom of the ball's face with an open racket. The racket travels under the ball and up at the end. The follow-through is very short to help disguise the type and amount of spin on the serve.
The first bounce on your side of the table should be close to the net. The bounce on the opponent's side of the table also should be short. If done properly, this serve will bounce several times on the table or even back up toward the net. After serving, quickly get into the ready position to take advantage of any loose return.
Use speed when using table tennis topspin strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game.
Topspin Strokes
The development of the topspin strokes closely parallels the development of the modern attacking game. The first use of a heavy topspin stroke came about as an effort to find a safe way to attack the backspin in defensive play, which was popular in the 1950s and early 1960s. By starting the stroke low and brushing almost straight up, it became possible to send a strong topspin return that went high over the net and violently kicked forward and downward after hitting the table. This made life very difficult for the chopping defender.
The high, looping trajectory of these early topspin strokes led to their often being called loops. As the years went by, players learned how to execute strong topspins against topspin returns (counterspins) as well. In today's game, topspin strokes and counterspins are the most-used strokes in the game. As discussed in step 3, topspin allows a player to hit the ball with great speed and still have it curve back down on the table.
Three Basic Elements for the Topspin Stroke Against Backspin
How to touch the ball = if a slow loop, with maximum friction; if a fast loop, with mixed friction and force contact
When to touch the ball = for maximum topspin, as the ball is descending; for fast topspin, at the top of the bounce
Where to touch the ball = if a slow loop, toward the bottom of the ball; if a fast loop, slightly below the center of the ball
When playing topspin strokes, you can contact the ball at several points along its path to produce varying amounts of spin and speed. For maximum spin, contact the ball as it descends. For fast topspin, play the ball at the top of the bounce.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
The forehand topspin is the easiest topspin stroke for a beginner to learn. The backspin return travels slowly, so you have more time to execute the stroke. Because you are adding to the spin on your opponent's return, you can produce the most topspin with this stroke.
When first learning this stroke, try to send the ball high over the net and create as much spin as you can. Adding speed to this stroke is easy. Developing the hand skills necessary for transferring all your energy into the ball as spin is the hard part to learn.
From the ready position with your left foot forward (if you are a right-handed player), bring the racket below the ball and slightly back (figure 4.8a). Rotate your hips and shoulders to the right and transfer your weight onto your right leg. The wrist points downward.
Five-ball training develops table tennis play patterns
In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Using the Five-Ball Training System
In previous steps, you learned the basic strokes of the game, including serves and serve returns, as well as how to move. In this step, all you have learned will be combined as you learn how to play and win actual points.
Although it is important to practice each stroke individually to learn the technique and establish ball control, all points are played in a set sequence of strokes. For example, you start every point by either serving or returning the serve. You may have a strong forehand topspin, but you must combine it with a good serve or serve return to be effective.
Research has shown that 80 percent of all points in table tennis end by the fifth stroke. Even if the point continues past the fifth stroke, one player usually is in a winning position at the fifth stroke. The goal of this step is to move you from executing one stroke at a time to planning out whole points. Until now, drills have been relatively simple, focusing on one stroke at a time. As you gain control of your strokes, you should practice them in the sequence in which they will occur during a point. These sequences, or patterns, can be developed by using the five-ball training system. This is the most common form of practice used by intermediate and advanced players.
To understand how this five-stroke pattern works, let's take a closer look at how the first five balls of every point can form patterns of play.
First Five Strokes of Every Point
First ball: Serve
Second ball: Serve return
Third ball: First attack for server
Fourth ball: First defensive stroke or counterattack for receiver
Fifth ball: Second attack for server
As you can see, the server controls the first, third, and fifth balls. The receiver controls the second and fourth balls. Both the server and the receiver try to use each touch of the ball to set up their next stroke. Both have the goal to get their strongest strokes into the game to win the point as soon as possible. To practice and learn these patterns of play, my students use a method I call the five-ball training system.
Understanding the Five-Ball Training System
For this type of practice, two players work together. One player, the attacker, does each drill. The other player, the feeder, feeds balls to the attacker in a set pattern. Each drill focuses on one of the first five strokes listed earlier. All strokes leading up to the one being focused on are predetermined so that the ball goes to the same location every time. After executing the featured stroke, the attacker tries to win the point and can play that stroke anywhere on the table. If the feeder can return the ball, the two play out the point. The same pattern is repeated, usually for five to seven minutes of practice. At this time, the two players switch roles and the feeder becomes the attacker.
The goal of this type of practice is to link strokes so that they happen automatically during a point. This allows players to create their own favorite patterns of play based on their strongest shots. The patterns you learn eventually will become the basis for the development of your own style of play.
Many possible patterns can be created within the first five strokes of each point, far too many to list. However, a few patterns that occur often for most players should be part of everyone's practice. As you gain experience with this type of practice, you will develop your own personal favorites.
Misstep
The attacker is able to complete less than 75 percent of the strokes in the drill.
Correction
The feeder needs to provide easier returns with less speed or spin.
Misstep
The attacker wins less than 50 percent of the points.
Correction
The attacker should focus on the placement of the main stroke. The target areas are the deep corners, cutting the side line of the table when possible, and deep into the opponent's playing elbow.
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