Ping-Pong Tips

Serves

Even if you have gotten a few winners off one type of serve, mix up your style and placement. Eventually your opponent will figure out how to return even your best serve if you give her enough chances. Mix up serves of different length and spin. Some examples of advanced serves include medium-long, deep, short, and down-the-line. Serves to the elbow tend to be very effective, since the receiver must quickly decide to use a forehand or backhand.

Topspin

Topspin is one of a ping-pong player's most valuable weapons. Topspin is when the rotation of the ball is going in the same direction as the ball is moving. This causes the ball to drop faster and, thus, allows players to hit the ball harder but still land it on the table. Topspin is created by striking the ball with a slight upward motion to the paddle (a ping-pong paddle is also known as a bat, a blade, or a racquet).

Backspin

Backspin, as you might expect, is just the opposite of topspin. The rotation of the ball is towards you while the ball moves in the direction of your opponent. This is an important move to counter a topspin strike from your opponent. The ball is slower to drop to the table, so it is most effective for long distance hits.

Get offensive!

The first player to come bring strong offense to a volley is at a great advantage. Even if you are not serving, your return can be an opportunity to put your opponent on her heels. Don't just look to get the ball back across-vary your style of return with a backspin, topspin, or a strike down the outside line.

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