If you use the European “shake-hand” grip, purchase the correct bat as opposed to the Asian “pen-hold” grip which has a shorter grip. When selecting your first bat, do not purchase a bat which is advertised as being extremely spinny and/or powerful, tempting though it may be. Know your level. If you don’t, it will be detrimental to you as you begin playing.
If you have a better forehand, stand a little more to the left and vice versa if you have a stronger backhand. If you are right-handed, stand generally to you’re left with your right foot slightly forward. If you are left handed, stand generally to your right with your left foot slightly forward.
Stay reasonably fit. Go jogging and do some dynamic stretching before playing to warm your body and reflexes up.
This can be a highly strategic move when combined with speed. One minute you’re sending a fastball to the far edge of the table and the next you’re sending a snail just in front of their net on the right ledge. Corners are especially tricky when your opponent doesn’t know what to expect.
There is, however, an exception to this rule: lobs. In this case, send the ball incredibly high over the net and place it on the very edge of the table, encouraging your opponent to miss.
Don’t know your fouls? Then you could lose the game anyway – sort of like not knowing that you can’t scratch on the 8-ball in pool. Make sure you’re familiar with the basic rules of ping-pong before you go into any seriously competitive games.
Watch the angle of your opponent’s racket. If it’s moving from low to high, you can expect topspin (spins upward). From high to low, backspin (spins downward). From left to right, ride sidespin, and from right to left, left sidespin. You can compensate for spin with your racket angle. If you’re facing a ball with topspin, angle your racket down and hit to ball above its center. If you’re facing a ball with backspin, angle the racket up and hit the ball below its center. If right sidespin, angle the racket to the right and hit the ball on the left. If left, angle the racket to the left and hit the ball on the right. Master the art of the sidespin, too. This can severely limit your opponent’s options when it comes to returning the ball. Experiment with hitting the ball on the right or left and drawing it to center, creating a sidespin. Often the ball won’t go where your opponent expects it to go.
To stroke your forehand, rotate your hips and shoulders backwards during the backswing. Then come forward as you complete the swing. This transfer of body weight gives your swing more power and oomph. If also leads to a consistent attack.
To make this easier on you, use that ready stance. Be ready to transfer your weight at any point, but especially after serves and in between strokes. Be ready for an attack at any given moment.
Relax your mind, too. If you lose control of your temper, you might as well hand over the game. If you’ve missed several shots in a row, don’t get mad – get even. Never give up until the game is over. In ping pong, the tide can turn in a heartbeat. [4] X Research source
Because this racket is like your right arm, take good care of it. Keep it in a case when you’re not using it. Wash it with warm soap and water if it has a smooth surface (inverted sponge rubber). Alternatively, use a racket cleaner to keep it in tip-top condition.
You can also use the floor for spins. Practice hitting it downward and getting it to come right back to you. Then move onto different angles, too. [5] X Research source
However, in the beginning, stick to practice and not competing. It’s easy to get frustrated with something that seems so simple, even though it’s not. There’s a reason it’s a competitive sport in certain areas of the world.
Think of it like driving. At first, you were so nervous, taking in all the stimuli around you. Now you can drive and not even remember getting there. Ping pong is the same. Just relax and let it happen.
USA Table Tennis has a great website listing all clubs affiliated with their organization; take a gander at the page to find one in your area. Their clubs also come with coaches who can help you work on your weaknesses and develop your strengths, too.
