Ping Pong Strokes That All Beginners Should Know About

Ping pong isn’t just about whacking a ball as most beginners think. Ping pong is also about learning how to hit the ball strategically and correctly in order to win a point. There are a few paddle strokes that you need to learn in order to have a competitive edge against other players or be on the level with more experienced players.

By learning the different ping pong paddle strokes, you will be able to hit the ball correctly and with more power and also with more precision. Using the correct paddle stroke in the right situation will give you good accuracy or control of the ball as well as giving it power and spin that can win a match.

The first stroke that you need to learn is the push. This kind of stroke is simple as you will just guide the ball to your opponent’s side of the table. It may not have a lot of power or spin but this stroke can guarantee a safe way for you to return a serve. Usually this stroke is aimed close to the net or you can try pushing the ball long so it will bounce deep on your opponent’s side of the table.

The block is where you return a powerful shot or a heavily spun ball. This kind of stroke doesn’t require you to swing the ball. Because the shot you will be returning is already very powerful, you don’t need to exert more power by swinging your paddle. All you need is to block the ball and you will see that the ball will return to your opponent’s side of the table.

The kill stroke is another stroke that you should learn about in ping pong. This is also called a drive, smash or slam. This stroke is used to win the point with speed. Although it can be blocked, you will see that this will keep your opponent on the defensive position as you continue on attacking.

When you encounter a drive, the counter-drive stroke is the best thing you can use. What you need to do is make solid contact with the ball with your paddle without putting some spin on it. Try hitting the ball with this stroke as it is on the top of its bounce and stroke when it is at eye level. Just do it with little follow through as too much follow through will either take the ball too long that it will not bounce at your opponent’s side of the table or you will be too late to get back in position to counter another drive. This is a great stroke to sustain rallies and also a strategy to plan a counter attack.

The chop is also a great stroke that you should know about in ping pong. With a firm wrist, brush the underside of the ball with a chopping motion as the ball falls back after the bounce. This will create an under spin which can be very tricky for your opponent to counter.

These are some of the available strokes that you should learn in order to have more power, control and spin to the ball when playing ping pong. With the different strokes available, you can be sure that you will be able to improve your game and become better at playing ping pong.