When it comes down to Table Tennis there are lots of important things to remember first is the 3 basic principles
1. Timing—When To Touch The Ball
•There are three different opportunities to hit the ball
–As the ball is rising
–At the top of the bounce
–As the ball is descending
STROKE TIMING |
Stroke | TIMING |
Rising | Rising | Top | Falling |
Counter | • | • | |
Fast Loop | | • | |
Slow Loop | | • | • |
Reloop Off Bounce | • | | |
Reloop, Mid-Range | | • | • |
Push, Normal | | • | • |
Push, Fast | • | | |
Chop | | | • |
Block Against Loop | • | | |
2. How to hit the Table Tennis Ball
• Force contact occurs when a forward moving bat strikes the ball. An example of this occurs when you bounce the ball straight into the air on the bat.
– You can often hear a “wood” type of sound (hard sound).
– Most of the energy goes into producing forward motion.
• Friction contact occurs when you brush the ball with the bat.
– Most of the energy goes into producing spin (ball rotation).
– Sound is muffled (soft sound).
• Most strokes are a blend of Force and Friction.
– Slow Loops, serves, and pushes are maximum friction and minimum force.
– Fast Loops are medium Force and medium Friction.
– Counters and Kill shots are maximum Force and minimum Friction.
DIRECTION OF STROKE FORCE |
Type of Incoming Ball | Stroke Direction |
Against Topspin | Down & Forward |
Against Backspin | Up & Forward |
Against Right Sidespin | To Your Left & Forward |
Against Left Sidespin | To Your Right & Forward |
Against a High Ball | Downward |
Against a Low Ball | Upward |
3. Where to Touch the Table Tennis Ball
Most important of the 3 principles.
• Always contact the Front of the ball.
– Front of the ball is an area, not a specific point.
– Front of the ball is a constantly changing area, determined by the trajectory of the ball.
– It is the part of the ball facing the direction of travel.
AREA OF CONTACT FOR VARIOUS STROKES |
Stroke | Contact Area On Ball |
Counter Against Topspin | Above Centre |
Kill Against Backspin | Centre |
Slow Loop Against Backspin | Centre Or Below Centre |
Fast Loop Against Backspin | Centre Or Above Centre |
Reloop From Mid-Distance | Centre Or Below Centre |
Reloop From Close To Table | Top |
Push Against Backspin | Below Centre To Bottom |
Chop Against Top spin | Centre Or Below Centre |
Definition of "Front" and Relationship between the “Front” of the Ball and Stroke Timing
The area of the ball facing the direction of travel defines the “Front” of the ball. The Front does not change even if the ball is spinning. When you are aiming for a spot on the ball you must also consider the stroke timing that you are using.
Here is an example of how the contact point on the ball will change with the timing you use. Let's assume that your opponent chops a ball to your forehand that you wish to loop. According to the chart on where to contact the ball for this stroke, the contact should be below the centre of the “front” of the ball. Now look above at where that point on the ball would be when the ball is struck at the top of the bounce. Now compare how that location would change if you let the ball fall. You can see how your bat angle would have to change as your timing changes.
If you keep the 3 principles of Table Tennis in mind you will do fine at the sport.
