Ping-pong or table tennis sometimes gets a bad rap. For some people it is a way of spending five minutes in the basement. For others, it is a sport that pays millions to the best players. If you're looking to turn your hobby into a real skill, then grab your racket and let's get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get Started
Step 1. Buy a good racket
You will need one that has the rubbers with a good grip. If you are a novice player, choose a beginner racket because they are designed to give less spin and speed on balls that are difficult to return. If you are ready for something more advanced, then buy a medium speed racket for optimal control and emphasis on technique.
- If you do the European hold, also called "classic," buy the racquet with the correct handle instead of the Asian hold, also called the penholder, which has a smaller grip.
- When choosing your first racket, don't buy one that is advertised as being very powerful, even if it sounds quite tempting. You must know your level and if you do not know it yet it will be detrimental for you because you are just starting to play.
Step 2. Start in a position where you are ready to play
Your body needs to be balanced, relaxed, and ready to move in any direction. Actually after each shot you should return to the position mentioned above. Make sure the arm you are playing with is ready to hit the ball.
- If you have a good forehand, stand a little further to the left and vice versa if you have a good backhand.
- If you are right-handed, stand to the left with your right foot slightly forward.
- If you are left-handed, stand to the right with your left foot slightly forward.
Step 3. You should be ready to move quickly
The ball can go in any direction, depending on how it is positioned and curved. If you maintain the position of being prepared, you will have more physical speed at the start. Do it! A fast opponent is hard to beat.
Keep in shape. Go for a jog and do dynamic stretches before playing to warm up your body
Step 4. Aim for the corners
If you manage to land the ball in a corner, it is almost impossible for the opponent to answer that serve, even for experienced players. It can also be pointed at the ends of the table. However, if you still don't have enough skill to aim for the ball precisely, don't risk it. You could lose a point if the ball leaves the table.
This can be a strategic move if combined with speed. In a minute you send a fastball to the end of the table and then you send it in front of the net on the far right. Corners are tricky when your opponent doesn't know what to expect
Step 5. Return the balls low and over the net
Remember this rule: less space means a smaller angle. The lower you send the ball over the net, the more difficult it is for your opponent to form a sophisticated angle with the ball. It will also be difficult for them to hit the ball hard.
However, there is an exception to this rule and that is balloon return. In this case the ball is sent high enough over the net and placed at the end of the table, encouraging the opponent to miss
Step 6. You must know the faults
There are many fouls and actions that are considered points in favor of the opposing team. For example, if the ball bounces twice before it passes the net it is considered a point against. Also, on the serve it is mandatory to throw the ball up, 30 cm (12 in) above your hand, otherwise it is considered a foul.
Don't you know the faults? So you can lose the game anyway. It is like not knowing that in billiards you cannot jump the 8 ball off the table with the same shot that makes the last ball. Make sure you know the basic rules of ping pong before playing competitively
Part 2 of 3: Develop Your Technique
Step 1. Curve or twist the ball
The curves can be difficult, but once you master them you can save the game. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Look at the angle of your opponent's racket. If it moves from the bottom up, then the topspin technique can be anticipated. If it moves up and down, then it is a backspin. If it moves from left to right, it is a right sidespin and from right to left it is a left sidespin.
- You can compensate for the spin with the angle of your racket. If you are facing a ball with topspin, lower the racket and hit over the center of the ball. If you face a ball with a backspin, raise the racket and hit below the center of the ball. If it is a right lateral turn, move the racket to the right and hit the ball from the left. If it is a left lateral turn, move the racket to the left and hit the ball to the right.
- Master the art of side twists. This can seriously limit your opponent's options when it comes to returning the ball. Experiment by hitting the ball to the right or left, pulling it toward the center to create a side spin. Often times the ball does not go in the direction the opponent expects it to go.
Step 2. Use your whole body, especially when using the right
Using your whole body is what gives you strength, not just your arm or wrist. You need to be fast and agile. You should also use your hips and shoulders.
To hit with the right, roll your hips and shoulders back during the kick and the arm wielding the racket will initiate the preparation for the shot. Then head forward as you complete the turn. This transfer of body weight gives the turn more force and also leads to a consistent attack
Step 3. Use your strength and speed
Even if you don't master a technique 100%, if you play like crazy and inconsistently, you will confuse your opponent. Hit deep, short, and straight, make turns, use all your speed, exceed limits, etc. Keep your competition at a high level.
To make this easier, get into position. You should be ready to transfer your weight at any time, but especially after serves and between strokes with the racket. Also, you must be prepared for attacks at any time
Step 4. Relax your body
Remember that the ball weighs almost nothing and is always spinning. If you approach her with a firm grip and with violent force you will hit her in the air. Before playing relax your body and grip. Only a gentle touch is needed, whether the ball is coming your way or you have to go get it.
Relax your mind. If you lose the papers you can also lose the game. If you miss several shots in a row, don't bother and take it out. Never give up until the game is over. In ping pong, the score can change in the blink of an eye
Part 3 of 3: Getting Better and Better
Step 1. Just use your own racket
Every racket is different; all have a unique texture and characteristics. If you want to sit back and relax so you can play better, use your own racket. You already know how to use it and what to expect from it like no other person. If you use someone else's racket, your performance is not going to be consistent.
The racket is like your right arm, so take good care of it. Keep it in a case when you are not using it. Wash it with soap and warm water if it has a smooth surface (reverse sponge). Also, use a racquet cleaner to keep it in excellent condition
Step 2. Practice alone
If you need a point to keep your shots consistent, try practicing alone against a wall. Practice all types of shots, work on the turns, on the length and speed. This will also help you to know your racket and to know exactly what technique is needed in each stroke.
You can also use the ground to make turns. Practice pulling down and having the ball come back towards you. Then move at different angles
Step 3. Practice all the time
Practice does not make you play perfect but it becomes a habit. If you practice all the time, you will learn what to expect of yourself. Your shots will be consistent and you will be able to aim for the ball within a half inch of its course. So it's okay if you practice alone, with a friend, or competitively, keep doing it.
However, in the beginning, dedicate yourself to practice and not to compete. You can easily get frustrated with something that seems so simple when it isn't. That is why it is a competitive sport worldwide
Step 4. Train until your shots become instinctive
When you start playing a sport or developing a skill, all your mental energy and concentration will increase. In order for you to relax and develop your technique, you will need to pass that stage. Keep playing until your shots are automatic and you don't have to think about what to do with the ball or where it will go.
It's like you're going to drive. At first you were nervous and all the stimuli around you affected you. Now you can drive and you don't even remember how you get to your destinations. Ping-pong is the same. Just relax and let it flow
Step 5. Join a club
If the only people you know who play ping pong are your uncle and your 8-year-old neighbor, then you're never going to get better. Join a club near your home so you can put your skills to the test with people like you. Your level doesn't matter; most clubs host all types of players, from beginners to professionals.