Table Tennis Techniques Spin ... the hidden side.

Spin - the hidden side of table tennis.
So what happens when you impart spin onto a table tennis ball?

Spin plays an important role in the sport of table tennis, so if you're intending to play at an advanced level, you'll need to master this vital skill.

Generally, the ball is struck with either topspin or backspin - although sidespin may also be added.

Let's have a look at each of these table tennis techniques in turn ...

1. Topspin

Topspin is produced by starting your stroke below and/or behind the ball and brushing the ball in an upward and forward motion.

2. Backspin

Backspin is produced by starting your stroke above and/or behind the ball and

brushing the ball in a downward and forward motion

3. Sidespin

Depending on whether your racket moves to the right or to the left, you'll impart different sidespin

Sidespin is produced by brushing the ball in a sideways motion

So what happens when you impart spin onto a table tennis ball?

Spin effect

When you impart topspin onto the ball, it has a higher trajectory and 'kicks' off the table surface in an upwards direction.

When you impart backspin onto the ball, it has a much lower

trajectory which causes it to stay low as it bounces off the table surface.

When you impart sidespin onto the ball, the ball will bounce off your opponent's racket in the same direction that your racket was travelling when you hit the ball

Using excessive spin is particularly effective when you serve.

Spin practice

Being able to play good spin shots relies on good ball control. If you're a beginner, I'd recommend that you use the following exercises to improve your table tennis technique:

1. Using the forehand side of your racket and a loose wrist action, bounce the ball vertically to a height of approximately 30cm (12 inches), imparting sidespin.
   

2. Repeat 1 above, but use the opposite sidespin.
   

3. Repeat the above, but use each side of your racket alternately.

My table tennis techniques:

When practising these exercises, try to ensure that the ball bounces as near to vertical as possible.

Also, ensure that your wrist action produces most of the movement necessary to produce the spin - and that you use a light touch.

As you improve, it's important to develop a variety of strokes because basic spin will be easy for your opponents to read.

"Vicky"

waiting 4 ur comments....