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Tips to Play Better Table Tennis

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Tips to Play Better Table Tennis

If you've been playing table tennis for a while and are thinking about taking the game more seriously, there are things you can do to play better. Even professional table tennis players were once beginners, and as you play the game with increasing skill, you'll enjoy it more when you play against skilled opponents. One of the biggest things to understand is the spin they're putting on the ball – and how to make a successful return shot. You figure it out by observing racket movement. For example, a low to high motion adds topspin and the reverse for backspin. You compensate for the spin with your racket angle.

When you play a forehand shot, you need to use your entire body. If you're only playing your forehand shots with an arm motion, you're seriously limiting their power and consistency. It may take a while to master the whole-body move, but when it becomes automatic, you'll see your game improve overall. Being in the ready position also counts for a lot. It's a low and wide stance that keeps you more at the level of the table and ball in play. Once a rally is underway, return to the ready position after each shot you make. It will add consistency to your game and help you successfully return more shots over time.

Serious table tennis players who have coaches often strive to get to the point where strokes become automatic. At intermediate and higher-level play, there is a structured approach to follow, and unless you're playing with those skills, you'll fall short against opponents who have them. When you get past thinking about your strokes, and they are automatic, then you'll see your game progress, and you'll enjoy playing more. If you haven't yet, consider purchasing a table tennis racket and shopping carefully, and selecting one that suits your style of play matters a lot. Specialty retailers can help you make a choice.

As you're becoming a more proficient table tennis player, you're going to want your shots to stay low over the net – and the net set at the regulation height of six inches of 15.25 centimeters. Avoid playing practice games on tables with non-standard nets because it's an easy way to develop bad habits. When your shots stay close to the net, it reduces the available angle for your opponent to play a return. Most coaches will tell you that you need to play many more practice games than competitive ones. It's the best way to hone your skills and find out where you need improvement. Practice daily if possible.



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