The BASIC STROKES
There are two ways to play the ball in table tennis - hitting and pushing.
The Basic Strokes
There are four basic strokes in
table tennis from which all strokes are developed.
1.The backhand push, played with bat at open angle.
2.The forehand push, played with bat at open angle.
3.Backhand drive, played with bat at closed angle.
4.Forehand push, played with bat at closed angle.
A closed bat is where the bat faces the table. An open bat is where the bat faces the ceiling.
For ALL shots, read the play and look at the opponent's cues.
Always point to the ball with your free hand.
Always strike the ball at the peak of its bounce. The top of the arc.
Always try to have half of the stroke done before contact with the ball.
Backhand push
What? Is a stroke that is low with backspin and would bounce twice on the receiver's side, the second bounce being close to the baseline.
Why? A push is designed to reduce an opponent's opportunity to attack but increasing your opportunity to attack.
How? Be Ready Square to the line of play.
Table position Stay close to the table
Base movement You're nearest foot to the ball moves to point that allows stability to execute the stroke and recover.
Body Action Maintain a good crouched position.
Bat Arm Strike the ball with movement from the elbow.
When?
The approaching ball is
low and would bounce twice on your side of the table.
Forehand Drive
What? A drive is an attacking stroke, which has topspin and is most effective when placed deep or angled with speed.
Why? It is designed to attack and reduce your opponents organisation time, and could increase your organisation time if your opponent retreats.
How? Ready Square to the line of play
Table position Stay close to the table.
Base movement The nearest foot to the ball moves to a point that allows stability to to execute the stroke and recover.
Body action Maintain a good crouched position, the upper part of the body turns to 90 degrees to the right and turns back quickly.
Bat length Strike the ball in the saluting action
When? The approaching ball has depth or height
Backhand Drive
What? A drive is an attacking stroke, has topspin and is most effective when placed deep and/or angled with speed.
Why? It is designed to reduce your opponents organisation time and could increase your organisation time if your opponent retreats.
How? Ready Ready Square to the table.
Table Position Stay close to the table
Base Movement The nearest foot to the ball moves to a point that allows stability to execute the stroke, and recover.
Body action Maintain a good crouched position
Bar arm Strike the ball with an elbow and loose wrist action.
When? The approaching ball has depth or height
Forehand Push
What?
A push is a stroke that is low in backspin and would bounce twice on the
receiver's side with the second bounce being close to the baseline.
Why? A push is designed to reduce your opponents opportunity to attack whilst increasing the opportunity for you to attack.
How? Ready Square to the line of play.
Table position Stay close to the table.
Base
Movement The
nearest foot to the ball moves to
a point that allows stability to execute
the stroke and to recover.
Body action Maintain a good crouched posture. The upper part of your body turns 60 degrees to the right and turns back slowly.
Bat arm Strike the ball with movement from the elbow.
When? The approaching ball is low and would bounce twice on your side of the table.
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