logo
logo
Sign in

Learn to Play Table Tennis at a Higher Level

avatar
Table Tennis Store
Learn to Play Table Tennis at a Higher Level

Nearly all of us have picked up a table tennis racket at some pong in our lives and played a game. But lately, more people are developing a deeper interest in the sport and want to become more serious about playing well. If you're one of them, you've probably been browsing ping pong accessories and most likely rackets. Taking the plunge and buying a racket equips you to begin playing against better opponents and developing your game. Then it's time to start understanding more about the strategy of the sport and developing stronger playing skills. You may even want to take lessons or hire a coach.

In many racket sports, and table tennis especially, placing a spin on the ball is a crucial element of play. There are many variations, and each type of spin has a specific purpose. More advanced players know how to use it to their advantage throughout a match. You brush the ball with your paddle as you hit it to create spin. If you're at the beginner level, you can experiment a bit on your own at first to get the hang of it. Then to put it to use during play, you'll need to play practice matches and possibly try training drills. No two players use it the same, and over time you'll develop your style of spin shots.

The flip side is learning to play return shots against an opponent who is putting a spin on the ball, which is everyone at the advanced beginner or higher. You need to watch and understand the kind of spin your opponent uses and adjust your return shots accordingly. It takes concentration and not letting yourself become distracted. Formidable opponents will push you hard during a game and land many serves and shots with spin and finesse. Your success relies on doing the same and keeping up with them as you make your returns. A lot can be said for the value of playing against skilled opponents early on. The sooner you become accustomed to a relentlessly intense game, the quicker it is you'll do better.

If there is a table tennis center in your town, playing there is a good idea, and it's also where you'll find a coach. If you can afford it, coaching will help you learn to play high-level table tennis more quickly than nearly anyone could do on their own. Training drills that isolate crucial playing skills like footwork also prove valuable over time. It develops proficiencies that you won't gain from playing practice matches alone. When you're in a particularly intense game, you'll notice yourself doing better when you have the foundational skills the land the more challenging shots. The game is more fun to play when you're doing it better.



collect
0
avatar
Table Tennis Store
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more