Table tennis is a sport where opponents hit a ball back and forth on a table with a low net.Table tennis is a challenging sport with an intense mental aspect.An opponent will either play defensively or will hit the other player with the ball.Key defensive strokes can be used if you find yourself playing an opponent who is going on the offensive.Your opponent's game can be crippled by these strokes and a defensive strategy.
Step 1: The ball needs to be pushed back.
Place a little backspin on the ball to return it to your opponent.To do a backhand push, hold the paddle parallel to the table and stand close to it.Keep the other arm pointing towards the ball.Use a short stroke to hit the ball.The spin will be given by this.This is a good way to return a ball that your opponent hits short over the net, one that would bounce twice on the table.Your opponent won't be able to use an attacking stroke.
Step 2: Use a forehand drive.
You can prevent her from playing an aggressive shot by sending the ball to your opponent's baseline.Turn so your side faces the play if you want to use forehand drive.Keep your arm pointed toward the ball as you raise your paddle.You can hit the ball at the top of it's bounce by twisting 45 degrees.Keep your paddle in a closed position if you want to give it some topspin.To keep it in a closed position, hold the paddle with the hitting side facing down.
Step 3: Go after the shot.
Your opponent could hit a high ball at you.She can't smash the ball back to you if she does this.You will need to return the ball or throw it.If you want your opponent to have a hard time timing her return shot, return the ball high in the air.If you can get the ball to the deepest part of the table, you will be able to slow it down.After you've returned the ball, get back into position as quickly as possible.If your opponent smashes the ball, you'll be prepared.
Step 4: You should block your opponent's shot.
If your opponent throws a high ball, you should slam it.This will cause your opponent to not be able to hit the ball.Take a few steps back.When your opponent throws a ball at you, raise your paddle high so that you can bring it down with force.Smashing the ball takes a lot of practice to make sure it doesn't bounce off the wall or into the net.
Step 5: You can use a chop stroke.
Stand about 7 to 10 feet away from the table with your right leg in front of the other.Swing the paddle back early so you're prepared to hit the bottom of the ball as it descends towards you.You can undercut the ball by sweeping the paddle down and up.The ball can be thrown on a new trajectory if you chop it.If you want to do a backhand chop, twist your body to the left.If you want to do a forehand chop, move your body to the right before the stroke.
Step 6: You can improve your stance.
Take a small space at the back of the table and stand with your feet shoulder width apart.It's important to keep your knees bent so you can return shots.If you want to return a variety of your opponent's shots, hold the paddle mid-distance from your body.You may want to hold the paddle in a backhand position to defend against different types of shots.This will be more effective in defending against slams.
Step 7: You should be the first to attack.
Being the first to attack will put your opponent under pressure to return your shot.This could be enough to throw off your opponent or at least keep her from getting comfortable.Wear your opponent out.If you can, start by hitting an aggressive shot.Return the ball so there's a lot of topspin.Bring your paddle up and forward to create topspin by hitting the ball on the bottom.
Step 8: You can play in the middle of the table.
Your opponent has fewer options for returning the shots if you keep your shots straight down the middle of the table.She will have to stay close to the table to return your shots.If your opponent is tall and has less room to maneuver backhand and forehand shots, you should play the middle of the table.Determine what power zone your opponent prefers.She might prefer to shoot from her forehand side or the area close to her body on the backhand side.The ball should not be sent to her power zones.
Step 9: You can change your strokes and speed.
Keep your opponent on her toes.She wants you to fall into a rhythm with your shots.You can force her to change her style of play if you change the speed of your shots.If your opponent likes hitting long strokes with a lot of topspin, try to return the shot low and close to the net.She can't do her preferred stroke this way.
Step 10: Practice.
Try to play against an opponent who is more skilled than you.You will have a harder time learning how to improve if you play against someone who is more skilled.Ask your opponent to vary her shots so you can practice returning them with forehand and backhand returns.If you throw the ball at your opponent, she will slam it back to you.It's a good way to practice returning a slam hit.Don't be discouraged.Much of table tennis is mental, you just need to practice.