The first stroke you must learn for defense is the block shot, which is executed by holding your racket at a right angle to the table and meeting the ball just after it has landed on your side of the net. This shot is quite easy to master once you have learned to grip the racket properly and time the ball well enough so that you hit it more or less in the center of the racket face.
Although expert players use a great deal of spin on almost every shot, and perform drives and chops with ease, you will want to learn the block shot first because it is the easiest and simplest way of returning the ball.
If it were not possible for the opponent to put a great deal of spin on a light ball, we probably would use this shot exclusively. However, it is extremely difficult to adjust the angle of the racket face rapidly enough to return shots made with sidespin, under spin, or over spin.
TECHNIQUE FOR THE BLOCK SHOT
The block shot is usually taken on the backhand, with the right foot in advance of the left and the right side of the body turned slightly toward the net. Left-handed players, of course, reverse these directions. Bend your arm at the elbow and keep your wrist firm. Stand close to the table, keep the blade of the racket horizontal and block the ball with a quick motion just after it has bounced on the table. (Note: In table tennis it is against the rules to volley, that is, to hit the ball before it has bounced.)
THE CHOP
To gain more time and sureness in returning hard shots, players learn to retreat behind the table and use a chopping motion to keep the ball in play. A forehand or a backhand chop is made by starting the racket up high, around your shoulder, and chopping forward and down in back of the ball at a forty-five-degree angle. Not only does this stroke return the ball, but it keeps the return low and applies enough backspin to force your opponent to hit his return into the net, unless he adjusts his racket to allow for your spin.
THE FOREHAND AND BACKHAND DRIVES
Just as the chop is the weapon of defense in table tennis, so the fore-hand and backhand drives are the attacking weapons. To make a drive, turn slightly in either direction; tilt your racket face forward; bring your racket to the ball, then up and slightly over it with a pronounced brushing motion, finishing out with the racket well above your head. This vigorous motion gives the ball the topspin which makes it drop down on the other side of the net.
The prime purpose of the drive, as an attacking stroke, is to win the point by speed or by placement. It is often necessary to take a chance on missing the ball when you are trying to play offensively. Obviously, if you take too many foolish chances you will end up by making too many errors and by losing the game.
THE SERVE
Service in table tennis must be made by bouncing the ball on your own side of the table first. There are many restrictions placed on service, which generally prevent the serve from being an offensive weapon. Any spin imparted to the serve must be imparted by the racket and not by hand. Take care to vary the length and speed of your serves so your opponent will not be able to make aggressive returns.
There is of course more you can learn about the sport of table tennis, but once you have learnt these shots, you will be off to a great start!
To get the right table tennis for you, answer the following questions below:
1. How many times will you use Table tennis?
Est-ce que la Table tennis will be used inside the house only for recreational purposes? Or will it be used transmissions on a competition to come? Will you be using the table for several hours a day? A number of table tennis, which are available on the market today can easily be folded for storage. And there are models that require a complex configuration. Taking off the table after each game is not desirable. Get the foldable model if you do not use much the table.
2. Who are the actors and what are their skills?
A table tennis can be classified as a beginner, intermediate, advanced or a table tennis. A Beginner's table tennis is built mainly for entertainment rather than performance. Table tennis for intermediate players is more sustainable. However, advanced players would prefer a table that meets international standards tournament.
3. How thick must be the table?
A competitive standard table tennis is at least an inch thick. The table should be completely even without any distortion. If you are simply using the Table tennis at home, a half-inch thick table is sufficient. This type will be less costly.
4. What features do you need?
A good function of a table tennis that you should always be looking leg levelers. Many people install their table tennis on a garage which has flooring irregular. Leg levelers would ensure that the table is standing in a vertical position. A strong and solid leg to accept it is very ideal.
5. Inside or outside?
If you intend to use the Table tennis outdoors, you have to make sure it is resistant to moisture and warping. Outdoor table tennis are usually constructed of aluminum with thin coating. When you take into table tennis outside, out appropriate care. Cover the table with a plastic quality when not in use so as to protect it from weather.
6. What is your budget?
How much are you willing to invest on a table tennis? Each manufacturer has its own evaluation of the prices of their products. table tennis can cost $ 200 to a thousand dollars, depending on the table characteristics. Give priority to your personal needs and decide on a budget. Then follow accordingly.
Both Jimmy Cox & John Simmons are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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