‘Feel” the ball. Use slower strokes for better timing. “Power is nothing without control” – Pirelli marketing campaign. Use of soft rubbers can help with control – consider the classics like Yasaka Mark V, the Donic Acuda S3, or the more modern generation Donic Bluefire JP03. Stiga Airoc rubbers use an ‘oxygen capsule’ technology to…

Impart topspin to all lobs. Aim for the highest point above the net and the centreline of the table. You aim to make the ball land near the end line of the table and kick, making a smash by the opponent more difficult.

Use the rotation of the body to generate greater power – hit with greater force (not with spin). Commence the swing with the bat about shoulder height and finish at about waist level.

Watch the ball carefully and use a longer swing. Have the bat facing the floor to impart severe backspin / sidespin. Use a slow stroke with follow through to where placement is required. Vary the spin, placement and height of return. After using a heavy chop, move closer to the table in preparation to attack….

Hit the ball as late as possible using the forearm. Start with the forearm in the right angle position, then extend it forwards in the desired direction of ball travel by opening the angle of the elbow into an almost straight line. Allow the ball to come to the bat. Don’t strike the ball when…

Strike the ball while it is forward of the body keep your elbow close to the body Do not strike the ball too early – allow the ball to come to the bat and follow through on the intended flight path. The trajectory of the bat can be thought of as hip to lip Keep…

Move the feet to the ball, wait, and strike the ball crisply. Do not quit on the stroke – follow right through. Pay attention to your footwork – it’s critical to success. Study the video

Strike the ball early off the bounce using spin or no spin. For heavy spin, hit the bottom of the ball with the bat pointing to the net, not to the side. When returning heavy back spin, softly strike the bottom of the ball without imparting your own spin – your opponent will receive his…

TABLE TENNIS – SERVICE LAWS In the interests of improving the standard of serving with respect to the official Laws of Table Tennis, players are encouraged to conform to Table Tennis Laws. Clause 2.6 The Service from The ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Handbook 2018 – The Laws of Table Tennis applies. The key requirements…

Stand at arms-length from the table with the bat able to touch the table without any undue stretching. Lightly hold the bat so that the blade is positioned slightly higher than the elbow – if it is held too tightly, reactions will be slowed. Initially have the toes parallel to the end of the table,…