Ping pong can get a bad rap.It's a way to kill time in your basement.It's a sport where the top competitors get paid a lot of money.If you want to turn your hobby into a skill, grab your racket and start.
Step 1: Purchase a paddle.
You need a good head that has a lot of grip on it.The beginner paddle is designed for less spin and speed on hard-to-return balls.If you're ready for something a bit more advanced, get a medium-fast blade for optimal control and emphasis on technique.If you use the European "shake-hand" grip, purchase the correct bat as opposed to the Asian one which has a shorter grip.Don't buy a bat that is advertised as being extremely spinny and powerful, though it may be tempting.Know your level.As you begin playing, it will be detrimental if you don't.
Step 2: It's time to start playing in a stance.
Your body needs to be balanced, relaxed, and ready to move.You should return to ready position after every stroke.Make sure your arm is prepared to hit the ball.If you have a stronger backhand, stand to the left and the right at the same time.Stand with your right foot slightly forward if you are right-handed.Stand to your right with your left foot slightly forward if you are left handed.
Step 3: Be ready to move quickly.
Depending on how it is placed and curved, the ball can go anywhere.You will have more speed if you stick to your stance.Don't use it!A fast opponent can be hard to beat.Stay in shape.Go jogging and do some stretching before you play.
Step 4: Aim for corners.
It is almost impossible to hit for experienced players if you get the ball to land in a corner.The edges of the table work as well.Don't risk it if you're not skilled enough to aim the ball precisely.If the ball goes off the table you could lose a point.When combined with speed, this can be a highly strategic move.One minute you're sending a pitch to the far edge of the table and the next you have a snail in front of their net on the right ledge.When your opponent doesn't know what to expect, corners are difficult.
Step 5: Keep your returns low.
Remember that less space means less angle.It's harder for your opponent to put a fancy angle on the ball if you send it over the net.It will be hard for them to hit the ball with power.There is an exception to this rule.Place the ball on the edge of the table to encourage your opponent to miss.
Step 6: Be aware of your fouls.
There are many fouls and things that are considered points for the other team.A loss of point is when you bounce the ball twice before it goes over.Throw the ball up 6 inches above your hand if it is a foul.Are you not aware of your fouls?It's like not knowing that you can't scratch on the 8-ball in pool.Before you play any seriously competitive ping-pong games, make sure you know the basic rules.
Step 7: Add spin to the ball.
Curves can be hard, but once mastered, they can save your game.Don't forget to watch the angle of your opponent's racket.You can expect topspin if it moves from low to high.Backspin is from high to low.From right to left, ride sidespin.With your racket angle, you can compensate for spin.If you're facing a ball with topspin, hit the ball above its center with your racket.The best way to hit a ball with backspin is to angle the racket up and hit it below the center.If the right side spins, hit the ball on the left.If left, hit the ball on the right if you angle the racket.Don't forget to master the sidespin as well.This can make it difficult for your opponent to return the ball.If you want to create a sidespin, hit the ball on the right or left and draw it to the center.The ball can't go where your opponent expects it to.
Step 8: When you stroke your forehand, use your entire body.
Your whole body is what gives you power.You need to use your hips and shoulders as well.You can stroke your forehand by rotating your hips and shoulders backwards.As you complete the swing, move forward.The transfer of body weight gives you more strength.It also leads to a consistent attack.
Step 9: You should mix up your speed and length.
If you play like a madman with no consistency, you'll be able to psych your opponent out.Go deep, short, use spin, hit it straight, ride the ledge, etc.The competition should be kept on its toes.You can use that ready stance to make this easier on you.After serves and in between strokes, be prepared to transfer your weight.Be prepared for an attack at any time.
Step 10: Relax your body.
The ball is almost nothing.It's always spinning.You're going to kill it in mid-air if you come at it with a tight grip.Before you play a game, loosen up your body and grip.It just needs a light touch if the ball comes to you or if you have to chase after it.Relax your mind as well.You should hand over the game if you lose your temper.Don't get angry if you missed several shots in a row.Do not give up until the game is over.The tide can change in a heartbeat in ping pong.
Step 11: You can only use your own racket.
There are different rackets.They all have their own characteristics.You can use your own racket if you want to sit back and relax.You know how to work it and what to expect from it.Your performance won't be consistent if you use someone else's game.Take good care of this racket because it's like your right arm.When you don't use it, keep it in a case.If it is smooth, wash it with warm soap and water.Alternatively, use a racket cleaner.
Step 12: Only practice alone.
Try practicing alone against a wall if you need to get to a point where your strokes are consistent.Work on your spin, length, and speed while practicing each shot.This will allow you to get a feel for your racket and know what you need to do.The floor can be used for spins.Get it to come right back to you by hitting it downward.Move onto different angles as well.
Step 13: All the time, practice.
Practice is not perfect, but it is habit.You'll learn what to expect from yourself if you practice all the time.You'll be able to aim the ball within an inch of its life if your shots are consistent.Whether you are practicing alone, with a friend, or competitively, do it.Stick to practice and not compete.It's easy to get frustrated with something that isn't very complicated.It's a competitive sport in certain areas of the world.
Step 14: Your strokes will become second nature when you train.
All of your mental energy and focus is going to be used when you start a sport or develop a skill.You need to get past that stage in order to truly relax and develop your technique.When the strokes become automatic, you don't have to think about what you're doing with the ball or where it's going.Think of it as a vehicle.You were so nervous that you didn't know what to do.You can drive and not remember where you were.The same game is played.Relax and allow it to happen.
Step 15: You can join a league.
Your game is never going to improve if you only know who your uncle and the 8-year-old are.If you want to put your skills to the test, join a league or club.It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a professional; most clubs welcome all players.There is a page on the USA Table Tennis website where you can find clubs that are affiliated with the organization.They have coaches who can help you work on your weaknesses and develop your strengths.