Sports Then and Now

Like in the case of other sports, being good in ping pong does not happen overnight. You need to practice and persevere to bring out the best in you. That being said, this post will provide some tips to improve skills in table tennis.

Legends are not born. They are made. In table tennis, no one is born to be great. Rather, even the seasoned players started at the bottom. They practiced to achieve mastery of the game, which you can do as well by keeping in mind the tips briefly mentioned below.

Start with the Right Paddle

In this sport, your best weapon is the paddle. Therefore, you should spend time in the selection of the best ping pong paddle. There is no universal truth when it comes to what is best. Rather, you should look for one that you are most comfortable with. Take time to try the paddle and see if it fits your preferences.

If you are a novice, choose one that is designed specifically for beginners. Your type or style of grip will also determine the paddle that is most suitable for you.

Practice your Stance

A lot of beginners may not know it, but stance is one thing that will greatly impact one’s performance. You need to find your balance. Your body should be ready to respond to the attack from your opponent. Regardless of how intense the game is, make sure to keep your body relaxed and not too stiff.

For your feet, you need to have quite a wide base, which will allow you to move with ease. Your knees should be slightly bent. If the legs are straight, there is a greater tendency that you will lose your balance.

Know Where to Send the Ball

Similar to other sports, strategy will let you win. Therefore, one of the most important things that you need to do is to know where you would like to ball to hit once it lands on the ping pong table. Let the ball land in a place where it is going to be difficult for the other player to respond.

According to seasoned players, it would be best to aim for the ball to land on the corner. This way, there is lesser clearance for your opponent to hit. However, you will need plenty of practice to aim at the corner. So, do this at your own risk.

Know the Spin of the Ball

Being attentive will be greatly instrumental in your victory in table tennis. Therefore, you should watch your opponent, specifically the spin. This will help you to be prepared as you know how the ball will reach your side.

If the racket moves from low to high, it is most probably a topspin. On the other hand, if it goes from high to low, this is a backspin. Meanwhile, if it is from left to right or from right to left, this is a sidespin.

Learn your Stroke

When it comes to the technical basics that you have to master in table tennis, one of the most important is the stroke. It will serve as the foundation of a great game. The right stroke will determine how the ball will travel all the way to your opponent.

There are four basic strokes that you need to practice – forehand drive, backhand drive, backhand push, and forehand push. Coupled with the right bat, it will be effective in generating a great amount of spin.

Be Patient

Patience is a virtue, even when it comes to table tennis. Perfection is not one thing that you will achieve overnight. Keep your cool and do not be frustrated if you do not get it right on your first tries. Do not lose your temper and always focus on your goal – to become a better player!

Conclusion

Follow the tips mentioned above, and for sure, it won’t take long before you will be able to unleash your potential. Remember, no one is born a star player. Even the best players have endured years of practice to be where they are right now. Be patient, keep on practicing, and you will soon be the best ping pong player that you can be!