Ping Pong Tips and Strategies

Sharpening your table tennis game means playing a good number of matches, of course. But there are quite a few between match drills and mental exercises that can keep you on top of your game even when you're not competing.

Serves

You may already spend plenty of time practicing your serve, but the area where many beginning table tennis players need practice is in serve returns. If you have a practice partner, take turns serving repeatedly. Have your partner serve balls at different speeds and with different spins all over the table, and try to get comfortable with what it takes to keep the ball in play.

For long serves, learn how to return them with a loop shot, the most effective shot in table tennis. On short serves, perfect your push or flip backspin shots, which are also crucial for any well-rounded ping pong player.

Table Tennis Robots

Table tennis robots are also available for players that don't always have available partners or teammates. Table tennis robots can serve at varying speeds with varying spins, and can place serves all over the table. If you are serious about ping pong, a table tennis robot that falls in your price range is a great investment.

Practice Better

You can put in all the practice hours you want, but none are as valuable as those against skilled players. Play with tougher opponents as often as possible. You may not score many points, but you will be able to identify and work on your weaknesses.

Control the Tempo

Smart players control the tempo of the game not only during play, but between points as well. Go with the flow. If things are going well for you, continue at a quick pace. If you happen to be struggling, take your time between serves to catch your breath to restore focus.

Fancy Footwork

You don't always need a table tennis paddle or even a ping pong table to practice. Incorporate footwork drills into your practice schedule. This will make your feet quicker, which will put you in position to hit more balanced shots. Better footwork makes a better ping pong player.

Stay in the Loop

The loop shot is the most important in table tennis. Practice it and then practice it some more. Focus on the three components of the loop shot: backswing, contact, and follow through. Develop a mental image of the loop shot swing. Relax your arm, swing forward, and strike the ball as you shift your weight from back to front, turning your shoulders and waist along with your swing. Snap your forearm and wrist as you make contact, and follow through in the direction of your shot. No effective loop shot comes without plenty of practice.

Smarter Defense

Even the best offensive players need to rely on their defensive skills from time to time. When hitting block shots, be sure to hit them as wide as possible, which will force your opponent to move. Not only that, a well placed block will prevent a kill attempt.

Watch and Learn

You may not enjoy watching ping pong as much as playing it, but observing the pros has its benefits. Don't just watch the game; keep your eyes on the players' feet, their stroke motions, and their footwork. This will help your creativity and give you a good model for your own technique.

The Game within the Game

Don't underestimate the importance of mental toughness. Be sure to test your opponent's mental mettle by giving them a good staredown before each of your serves and between points. You'll never know if can get in your opponent's head unless you try. Most importantly, don't let unforced errors get you down. Catch your breath; it will help you regain your focus. Each serve is an opportunity, a new point to be won.