Ping pong often gets a bad reputation. In some cases, it is a way to spend 5 minutes in the cellar. In others, it is a sport in which the best players in the world are paid millions of dollars. If you're looking to turn your hobby into a skill, grab your racquet and let's get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Buy a good table tennis racket
You will need one that still has all the grip. If you are a beginner, choose an amateur racquet - they are designed to give less spin and speed on hard-to-respond balls. If you're ready for a more advanced racquet, try a medium speed one for optimal control and make the most of your technique.
- If you use the European "handshake" grip, buy the correct racquet, other than the Asian "pen" grip, which has a shorter grip.
- When choosing your first racquet, don't buy one that gives a lot of spin and power to the ball, although you may be tempted. Consider your level. If you don't, the racket would be a hindrance for you.
Step 2. Start playing with the right position
You need to keep your body balanced, relaxed and ready to move in all directions. Indeed, after each stroke, you should try to return to the waiting position. Make sure the arm you are holding the racket with is ready to hit the ball.
- If your best shot is the forehand, stay further to the left and do the opposite if your best shot is the backhand.
- If you are right-handed, stand further to the left with your right foot further forward. If you are left handed, stand further to the right, with your left foot slightly forward.
Step 3. Get ready to move quickly
The ball can bounce anywhere, thanks to the positioning and effect. If you always assume the waiting position, you will be faster right away. Take advantage of it! Fast opponents are often the hardest to beat.
Get in shape. Go for a run and do some dynamic stretching before playing to warm up your muscles and reflexes
Step 4. Aim for corners
If you manage to bounce the ball into a corner, it will be nearly impossible for even the most experienced players to respond. The edges of the table are also ideal. But if you're not good enough to aim accurately, don't risk it. You could lose a point if the ball doesn't hit the table.
This move can give you a great strategic advantage when combined with good speed. After a quick shot to the edge of the table, continue with a short, slow ball in the opposite corner of the court. Corners can make it difficult for opponents who are not expecting such shots
Step 5. Always answer low over the net
Remember this rule: less space means less angle. The lower your responses are on the net, the harder it will be for your opponent to give the ball extreme angles. It will be equally difficult to give a lot of force to the blow.
There is one exception to this rule: lobs. In this case, hit the ball very high above the net and drop it very close to the far edge of the table, to cause an opponent to miss
Step 6. Learn about the infractions
There are many infractions and rules that award a point to the opponent. For example, if you let the ball bounce twice before hitting it, you will lose the point. When you hit, on the other hand, you will have to lift the ball at least 30 cm above the hand or it will be considered a foul.
Don't know the infractions? You might lose because of it - kind of like in billiards. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of table tennis before taking part in serious competitions
Part 2 of 3: Developing a Good Technique
Step 1. Give the ball spin or spin
Effect is a difficult technique, but it can save you on many occasions. Here are some things to consider:
- Look at the angle of the opponent's racket. If it moves from the bottom up, you can expect a topspin hit (which rotates upwards); from bottom to top, a backspin shot (which rotates downwards); from left to right, a side spin to the right will come; from right to left, a lateral spin to the left.
- You can compensate for the effect with the angle of your racquet. If you need to respond to a topspin hit, angle the racquet down and hit the ball over the center. If you need to respond to a backspin hit, angle the racquet upward and hit the ball below its center. For a right spin, angle the racket to the right and hit the ball on the left. For a left spin, angle the racket to the left and hit the ball on the right.
- Master the art of the side effect as well. This effect can greatly reduce the opponent's chances of responding. Experiment with hitting the ball left and right while pushing towards the center, to create a side effect. Often the ball will not bounce where your opponent expects.
Step 2. Use your whole body, especially to hit the forehand
The whole body gives power to the blow, not just the arm or wrist. You will need to be quick and agile, using your hips and shoulders.
To strike straight, roll your hips and shoulders back as you charge. Then advance when you complete the move. This way, moving your body weight will give your shot more power. It will also allow you to attack more effectively
Step 3. Vary length and speed of strokes
Even if you haven't perfected your technique, playing erratically and inconsistently can surprise your opponent. Shoot long, try a short shot, spin, hit flat, just rely on speed, aim for edges, etc. Keep your opponent on your toes.
To make it easier for you, always assume the waiting position. Be prepared to shift weight at any time, but especially after the serve and between shots. Prepare for an attack at any time
Step 4. Relax your body
Remember that the ball weighs very little. It also always has a certain amount of effect. If you hit her with a tight grip and too much force, you'll send her off the court. Before playing, loosen your muscles and loosen the grip. You need a light touch, whether the ball lands in your position or you need to chase it.
Relax your mind. If you lose control, you will certainly be beaten. If you have missed many hits in a row, don't get angry but try to make up for it. Don't give up until the game is over. In table tennis, the inertia of a match can change in the blink of an eye
Part 3 of 3: Keep Improving
Step 1. Use only your racquet
Each racket is different. Each model has unique characteristics and peculiarities. If you want to stay relaxed and express yourself at your best, use your racquet. You know how to use it and what to expect from it, unlike the others. If you copy someone else's style, your performance won't be consistent.
Since the racket is like your right arm, take care of it. Keep it in a case when not in use. Wash it with warm soapy water if it has a smooth surface (reversed rubber sponge). Alternatively, use a dedicated cleaning kit to keep it in top condition
Step 2. Train alone
If you need to improve your shot accuracy, try practicing alone against a wall. Practice all kinds of shots, working on spin, depth and speed. This will help you get to know the racquet and you will know exactly how to handle each shot.
You can also use the floor to practice spinning shots. Try throwing the ball on the ground and making it come back to you. Then, try from different angles
Step 3. Always practice
Practice doesn't make perfect, but it creates habits. If you train often, you will learn about your potential. The shots will always be accurate and you will be able to aim the ball to the centimeter. So, whether you train alone, with a friend, or train competitively, do it.
In principle, however, limit yourself to training and not competitions. It's easy to get frustrated with something that seems so simple, even if it's not. There is a reason why it is a competitive sport in some areas of the world
Step 4. Practice until the shots become second nature
When you start playing a sport or developing a skill, all of your mental energy will need to be devoted to that activity. To relax and really develop the technique you will need to pass that stage. Keep playing until the shots become automatic and you don't have to think about what to do with the ball or where to send it.
Think of ping pong as driving. In the beginning, you will be very nervous and absorb all the stimuli. Now you know how to drive perfectly and you don't even remember the difficulties you faced. Ping pong is the same. Relax and experience it without thoughts
Step 5. Join a league or club
If the only people you know who play ping pong are your uncle and the eight-year-old who lives downstairs, you'll never get any better. Join a league or club in your area to find people who love the game as much as you do and can test your skills. It doesn't matter your level of play - almost all clubs accept players of all types, from beginners to professionals.
