Table tennis tutorial

Table Tennis
Tactics,StrategiesandTopTips
65 Bite Size Tips
To Elevate Your Game
To The Next Level
by
MartinHughes
https://www.partog.com/

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completeness or accuracy of the contents of the book.
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Created For You
Poole, Dorset
United Kingdom

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Introduction
WhenIstartedplayingtabletennisIdidn'tknow,andhadn'tbeentaught,
how important the use of tactics and strategies were to winning matches.
However, I quickly discovered this for myself when I encountered my first
"real" opponents in my local league.
Byusingtherightstrategiesandtacticsit'spossibleforaplayeroflesser
abilitytobeatastrongeropponent.Itisn'tjustaboutwhetheryoucanplay
bettershotsthanyouropponent.It'swhetheryouknowthelittletactics,
strategies and top tips that'll give you an advantage.
Well, since thoseearly days of playing in my localleague, I've been playing
thegameformorethan40yearsandduringthattimeI'vebeenfortunate
enough to benefit from the help and advice of some top International
coaches who were happy to pass on their knowledge and expertise to me.
Soifyou'reabeginnerorintermediateplayerandyou'dliketogettheedge
overyouropponents,I'veputtogether65tactics,strategiesandtoptips
thathavehelpedmeovertheyears,andwhichIthinkareworthpassingon.
They'reallbrief,bite-size,nuggetsofinformationbutIthinkthey'llhelpyou
to elevate your game to the next level.
They're simple and easy to use, but they can be very effective against
opponentswhohavenothadthebenefitofindividualcoaching.
SoIhopethey'llhelpyouandIlookforwardtohearingaboutyourfuture
successes.
OK. Let's getstarted…

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Warming Up
It'simportantthatyouperformwarm-upandwarm-downexercisespriorto,
and after playing.
Warming-up before you play reduces the risk of tearing or straining muscles,
and cooling down will clear the system of the chemicals in the body
(produced by the exercise) that can result in muscle stiffness.
Awarm-upshouldlastforabout10minutesandraiseyourcorebody
temperature.
Youshouldstartyourwarm-upwith2-3minutesoflightjogging.Thiswill
increaseyourcorebodytemperatureandheartrateandwarmupthe
muscles and associated tissues.
After 2-3 minutes of general jogging you should then move onto table tennis
specific movements such as shuffle (side to side) footwork.
Afterabout5minutesoflightjoggingandshuffle(sidetoside)footwork,
youthenneedtodosomestaticstretchingexercisestoincreaseyour
flexibility.Useshoulder,side,quad,calf,achilles,hamstring,groin,lower
back, buttocks and abdominal stretches.
Tactics Against Tall and Short Players
Tall players are better at playing shots which are played to the corners, so
play aggressively down the middle of the table.
Shorter players are weaker at playing shots which are played to the corners,
so play fast to the wide angles and move them from side to side.

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Tactics Against Long Pimples
Playersusinglongpimplescannotgeneratetheirownspin.Sothelessspin
you impart onto the ball, the less spin they can return to you.
Themorespinyouimpartontotheball,themorespinyouwillreceivein
return.
Soifyouimpartexcessivespinontothe ball,you'llusuallygetexcessivespin
in return, but if you play a no spin stroke, you'll generally get a no spin
(float) return.
Improve YourStance
The most common fault in lower level players is having a poor stance. They
stand too upright.
This means that they have poor balance and stability and cannot easily react
and move to play their strokes.
Soit'sveryimportantthatyouloweryourcentreofgravitybybendingyour
knees and improve your balance by making sure that your feet are a
minimum of shoulder width apart. This will give you a wide base.
Your body should be leaning slightly forward from your hips and your weight
should be on the front part of your feet.
Yourarmsshouldbeinfrontofyourbodyandabovetheheightofthetable.
Play Consistently
Oneofthebesttacticsyoucanemployissimplytokeeptheballinplayfor
longer than youropponent.

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By becoming consistent on all your strokes you can often win points by
default, as your opponent will make unforced errors.
Itsoundssimple,butit'sverydifficulttoachieve-soyou'llneedtopractice,
and then practice some more.
You can improve your consistency by using different practice routines and
counthowmanystrokesyoucanplaybeforeyoumakeamistake.
Theeasiestroutinetostartwithistoplaybackhandandforehandpush
strokes. You should be able to play at least 40 strokes before making an
error.
You can then move on to backhand and forehand drive strokes, and then on
to more challenging strokes suchas the loop or the backspinchop.
Startbyjusttryingtokeeptheballinplay,andthenyoucanprogressto
playing shots to particular areas of the table.
Play On Your Opponent's Weakness
Agreattactictoemployistoplayonyouropponent'sweaknesses.Butfirst
you'll need to work out what they are.
Ifyouhaven'tseenyouropponentplaybefore,you'llneedtodiscoverthem
for yourself during the match.
Playtheballtodifferentareasofthetable,usingdifferentstrokes,untilyou
find a weakspot.
Perhaps your opponent is weaker on the backhand side than the forehand
side.Ormaybethey'reweakagainsthighreturnsoragainstheavybackspin
or heavy topspin.

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Remember, the weakness may not always be where you expect it.
Once you've discovered a weakness you should then try to exploit it as
much as possible.
Move Your Opponent Around The Table
Is your opponent agile? Does he have good footwork?
You can win points by exploiting your opponent's lack of mobility.
Playyourshotstodifferentareasofthetableandtrytoworkoutthemost
advantageousareaswhereyoucanplacetheballinordertomoveor
wrong-foot your opponent.
For example, change direction from forehand to backhand or play to wide
positions.
Alternatively,varythelengthofyourshots,playingoneclosetothenetand
then one towards the end line of the table.
Once you've discovered a weakness you should then try to exploit it as
much as possible.
Vary YourShots
Ifyouplaythesameshotsorthesamesequenceofshotstimeandtime
again,youropponentismorelikelytogetusedtothem,andwillbeableto
anticipate them.
Somakesurethatyoumixthemupandplayavarietyofdifferentshotsand
different sequences ofshots.

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Youalsoneedtomakesurethatyoudon'tplayallyourshotstothesame
placeonthetableandthatyouvarythespeedandplacementofyourshots.
Vary The Speed, Spin and Direction
Ifyouplaythesameshotstimeandtimeagain,youropponentismorelikely
to get used to them, and more likely to be able to anticipate them.
Butbyvaryingthespeed,spinanddirectionoftheballyoucanmakeit
moredifficultforyouropponentbecausetheflightpathoftheballandthe
height of the bounce will vary.
Youshouldtrytohitsomeshotshardandfast,whilstothersshouldbe
played at a slower pace.
Some shots should have a high arc over the net whilst others should have a
shallow arc.
Youshouldalsoplayyourshotstodifferentareasofthetable-short,long,
wide and down the middle.
Themoreyoucanvaryyourshotswhenplayingmatchesthebetteryouwill
dobecauseyouropponentwillnotbeabletoanticipateyournextshotwith
any degree ofcertainty.
Thebestplayersareabletovarythespeed,spinanddirectionoftheirshots
ANDdisguisewhatshotstheyareabouttoplay.Thisstopstheiropponent
from getting into a comfortable rhythm.
Ifyouincorporatethisstrategyintoyourpractice,you'llfinditeasierto
deploy in a match situation.

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Play To Your Own Strengths
Whenplayingmatches,youshouldtrytoimposeyourstyleofplayonyour
opponent and not let him dictate the rallies.
Forexample,ifyouhaveanattacking/offensivestyle,trytoplayyourbest
shotsasearlyaspossibleintherally.Thiswillstopyouropponentfrom
controlling the rallies.
Athigherlevelsofplay,theplayerwhotakescontroloftherallyfirstwill
usuallywinthepoint,soyouneedtotakecontroloftherallyasquicklyas
possible.
Trytoplayshotsthatareoutrightwinnersorshotsthatwillforceyour
opponenttoplayaweakreturnand/orenableyoutodeployyourbest
shots.
Bydictatingtheralliesyoucanpreventyouropponentfromdeployingtheir
best shots.
Reading SpinServes
Use these general principles to help you read the spin being imparted by the
server...
To determine the type and quantity of spin on the ball, watch...
1) the angle of the racket as it strikes the ball
2) the trajectory of the ball, and
3) the logo on the ball itself
Theangleoftheracketwillindicateiftheservehasbackspin,topspinorno
spinandthedirectionoftheracketasithitstheballwillindicatewhether
it's left or right sidespin.
If the racket hits the bottom half of the ball it will impart backspin.

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If the racket hits the top half of the ball it will impart topspin.
If the racket travels sideways as it hits the ball it will impart sidespin.
Thetrajectoryoftheballwillalsoindicatewhetherithasbackspinor
topspin.Iftheballkeepslowitusuallyindicatestopspin,whilstahigher
bounce will usually indicate backspin.
Also,bywatchingthelogoontheball-particularlyonashortorslow
service - you can determine how much spin is on the ball.
Ifthelogocanbeseenclearly,thentheservewillhavelittleornospin,
whilstifitisblurredthenitusuallyindicatesheavy(excessive)spin.
Returning SpinServes
When returning spin serves, use these general principles to counteract the
spin being imparted by the server...
Sidespin serves
Takenoteofwhereyouropponent'sracketstartedfromandaimyour
return in thatdirection.
Soiftheserver'srackettravelledfromthebackhandsidetotheforehand
side during the service stroke, aim your return towards the backhand side in
order to counteract the sidespin.
Backspin serves
Whentheserverbrushestheundersideoftheballitwillimpartbackspin.
You will need to counteract this by using an open racket angle (this means
thestrikingsideoftheracketispointingupwards)andhittingunderneath
theballsothatyoulifttheballusinganupwardbrushingactionwithyour
racket.
Topspin serves
When the server brushes the top side of the ball it will impart topspin.

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Youwillneedtocounteractthisbyusingaclosedracketangle(thismeans
thestrikingsideoftheracketispointingtowardsthetablesurface)and
hittingabovethecenteroftheballwithaslightforwardmotionsothatyou
keep the ball trajectory low.
Returning ShortServes
Toreturnashortserviceyouneedtomoveforwardandpositionyourleg
under the table so that you can get as close as possible to the ball.
Ifyou'reright-handed,yourrightfootwillgounderthetableandifyou're
left-handed, your left foot will go under the table.
Ifyoudon'tmoveforward,butjuststretchyourarminstead,youwillnot
have as much control when you hit the ball.
Afterplayingyourshotyouneedtoquicklymovebackoutsothatyouare
ready for the next shot.
Returning LongServes
It'simportanttotryandplayoffensivelyatalltimessoalwaystrytoattack
long serves.
But if the ball is too low for you to attack, try to play your return to your
opponent's cross-over point - for right-handers, that's the right hip area.
It'salsoimportantthatyouvarytheplacementofyourfirstattackaswellas
varying the spin and speed. So remember to mix up your returns.

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The Flick (Flip)Shot
The flick shot is usually played in response to a service which is played short
over the net.
Theobjectiveoftheflickshotistoforceyouropponentbackontheirheels
andtogiveyoutheinitiativeintherally.It'sanattackingstrokeplayedwith
eitherthebackhandortheforehand,butmainlyusesjustthewristand
forearm.
The flick is produced by stepping forward and using an upwards and
forwards motion on the ball, hitting it at the top of the bounce.
Youneedtogetyourlegunderthetablesothatyoucangetclosertothe
ball,soforrighthandersyouneedtostepinwithyourrightlegandforleft
handers you need to step in with your left leg to play a forehand flick.
Sotheflickshotstartsbysteppinginandmakingsurethatyourheadgets
close to the ball. Then, using a slightly bent arm and starting with your
racketclosetothetable,itthenneedstotravelupwardsandforwards,over
and through theball.
Thenyouneedtomovebackawayfromthetable,readytoplayyournext
shot.
Third BallAttack
The Third Ball Attack is the most common tactic used by all the best players
and one that you should try to use too.
But what is Third Ball Attack?
Itjustmeansthatwhenyouropponentreturnsyourservice,youplaya
strongattackingstroke(onthethirdball/strokeoftherally)thatwilleither
win the point outright or put you in control of the subsequent rally.

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Tactics AgainstAttackers
Onetactictouseagainstattacking/offensiveplayersistotryandstopthem
from attacking by playing the ball short and low over the net with a
forehand or backhandpush.
Thistypeofshotrequiresgoodcontroloftheballsoit'simportantto
practice playing short push strokes.
Tactics AgainstDefenders
Adefenderwillusuallytrytoplaybackspinstrokesonboththeforehand
andthebackhandsideandrelyonagoodrhythmbyplayingataspeed
which suits them.
To counteract this style of play you need to vary your strokes and ensure
that the defender cannot get into a predictable rhythm.
Somakesurethatyoumixupyourstrokesandplaytodifferentareasofthe
table.
Tactics AgainstBlockers
Ablockerwillgenerallytrytoplayclosetothetableandusethespeedof
their opponent's topspin strokes to play a fast return and put their
opponent under timepressure.
Tocounteractthisstyleofplayyouneedtovarythespeedandspinonthe
ballandalsousebackspinwheneverpossible.Youalsoneedtovarythe
placement of yourstrokes.
Thelessvarietyofstrokesyouuse,theeasieritwillbefortheblockerto
dominate the rallies.

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How To Get More Spin on Your Serves
If you want to get more spin on your serves you'll need to do two things...
1) Make sure that your racket is travelling as fast as possible, and
2) Make sure that you strike the ball with a brushing action
Thebetteryourbrushingaction,themorespinyou'llbeabletoimpartonto
the ball.
Playing WeakerPlayers
Many players waste the opportunity that playing against a weaker opponent
gives them.
Instead of just beating them by playing your normal game, use it as a chance
to practice and perfect different strokes.
For example, try playing only backhand strokes or only forehand strokes
from any position on the table.
As well as practicing your stroke, you'll also be improving your footwork as
you'll have to move more.
Ifyoujustplayyournormalgameandcruisetovictory,you'llhavewasted
your time.
Check YourRacket
Many players use a racket which is much too fast.
Unlessyou'vealreadydevelopedgoodstrokesandgoodcontrol,afast
racket will hinder, rather than help your game.

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Afastracketmeansthatyouwon'tbeabletocontroltheballduringrallies,
andyou'llbehelpingyour opponentbyhitting theballoffthe tablemore
often.
So make sure that your racket consists of an allround blade and medium
speed rubbers until you become an advanced level player.
Check YourGrip
Using the correct grip is vital if you want to improve your game.
Fortheshake-handsgrip,therackethandleisheldinthepalmofyourhand
sothatthestartoftheracketheadfitssnuglyintothe"V"shapeformedby
your thumb and first finger.
Yourfingersshouldlieroughlyparallelwiththestraightedgeoftherubber
atthebaseoftherackethead.Thisenablesyoutohavegoodcontrolover
theracketangle.Theremainingthreefingersarewrappedaroundthe
handle to providestability.
This grip should remain constant during play.
It's also important not to grip the racket too tightly. Imagine holding a
delicateobjectinyourhandandthenusethatamountofforcetogripyour
racket.
Vary YourServices
Manyplayersonlyhave2or3differentserveswhichmeansthattheir
opponent quickly gets used to them.

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Somakesurethatyoulearnandpracticeavarietyofbackhandand
forehand serves so that when you need an easy point during a match you
can use a serve your opponent hasn't seen before.
Defendersliketogetintoarhythm,sotrytostopthathappeningbymaking
them move in and out from the table.
Playshortoverthenetandthenfollowthatbyplayinglongtothebaseline,
but make sure that you mix it up and don't play a predictable pattern of
shots.
Develop UnusualStrokes
Trytodevelopafewunorthodoxstrokesinordertoconfuseyouropponent.
Forexample,playbackhandstrokesfromtheforehandsideandhittheball
diagonally across thetable.
The greater the variety of unusual strokes you can develop, the more your
opponents will have to adapt their own game.
Manyplayersrelyontheirservestowinthemajorityofpointsinmatches,
butyoushouldtrytodevelopawidervarietyofstrokesthatyoucanusein
rallies.
Serve With a Low Trajectory
A high bouncing serve will enable your opponent to attack more easily, so
you must keep it low over the net.

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Tokeepyourserveslow,makesurethatyouhittheballwhenitisabout6
inches(15cm)abovethesurfaceofthetable-whichisthesameasthe
height of thenet.
Ifyourservesbouncetoohigh,youareprobablymakingcontactwiththe
ball when it is too high.
Never GiveUp
Withgamesbeingplayedupto11points,youwillneverbefarawayfrom
winningorlosingagame,soit'simportantthatyounevergiveupwhen
you're behind in a match, nor ease up when you're ahead.
Tryyourbestoneverysinglepointandrememberthatnomatterhowyou
winorloseapoint,theyallcount asonepointforyouoryouropponent.
Using Your FreeArm
Goodbalanceisessentialformovingaroundtheplayingareaandplaying
effective strokes.
Yourfreearm(thearmnotholdingyourracket)shouldbeusedasa
counter-balance when playing your strokes.
Theangleofyourfreearmshouldbecomplementarytothearmwhichis
holding the racket.
Think Ahead and Don't Look Back
Wheneveryouloseapoint,it'seasytoletitbotheryouandthenlosethe
nextpointtoo-becauseyou'restillannoyedwithyourselfatlosingthe
previous point.

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Assoonasapointisover,concentrateonthenextpointbecauseyou
cannot change the outcome of the previous point. Think positive about the
next point and don't look back - look forward instead.
Move, Don'tStretch
Good balance is essential for playing effective strokes so it's important that
youremembertomoveyourfeetandgetintothecorrectpositiontoplay
your strokes.
Ifyoustretchfortheball,youwon'tbeabletoplayagoodstrokeasyou'll
beoffbalance.You'llalsofindthatiftheballisreturnedagain,youwillbe
unable to recover and play your next stroke successfully.
Watch The Ball, Not Your Opponent
It'seasytogetdistractedbyyouropponentmovingaroundattheotherend
ofthetablewhenyou'reabouttohittheballandsubsequentlyplayabad
stroke.
Soit'simportanttokeepwatchingtheballbeforeyouplayyourstroke.
Don'twatchyouropponentorlooktoseewherethey'removingto,just
watch the ball and concentrate on playing a good stroke.
Don't Keep Changing Your Racket
Don'tkeepchangingyourracketand/oryourrubberstryingtofindthe
"perfect" combination.
You will improve MUCH MORE by improving your strokes than you ever will
bychangingyourracket.It'simportantthatyouchoosearacketandthen
just keep practising with it.

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Improve Your Game By Getting Fitter
Ifyouwanttoplaytabletennistoahigherlevel,you'llprobablyneedtobe
fitter than you are now.
So try to improve your fitness and stamina in small stages.
Getexpertadvicefromyourdoctorand/orlocalfitnesstrainerandstart
exercisingmore.You'llsoonseethebenefitsinyourgamebecause,asyou
get fitter, your mental capacity will also improve.
Even small improvements in your fitness can make the difference between
winning and losingmatches.
KeepNotesonPlayers
Ifyouwanttomakethebestuseofyourpreviousexperiencesyou'llneedto
remember what tactics
worked,andwhattacticsdidn'twork,againstplayersyou'vealreadyplayed.
Ifyoucannotremembereverythingyouneedto,keepnotesonallthe
players you encounter and use those notes to help you determine the best
tactics to use the next time you play them.
Tactics AgainstPenholders
Playerswhousethepenholdgripusuallyprefertoplaymostlyforehand
strokes,sotheytendtostandfurtherovertotheirbackhandcornerofthe
table.
Soagoodtactictouseagainstthemistoplaytheballfastandaswideas
possibletotheirforehandsideasearlyaspossibleintherally-andifthey
return the ball, play your next stroke wide to their backhand.

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Many traditional penhold grip players have a weaker backhand stroke when
youmakethemstretchtothatsideafterplayingawideforehandstroke.
Soyoucanexploittheirweakerbackhandbyfirstplayingwidetotheir
forehand, then attacking their backhand.
Stay On YourToes
Good balance is essential if you want to play good strokes so make sure that
yourweightisevenlybalancedandthatyoualwaysstayonyourtoes.
Keep your weight going forward, not backwards and make sure that you
keep your kneesbent.
This will help your footwork around the court.
Think About Your Serves
When you're serving it's important that you take maximum advantage from
your service.
Makesurethatyouknowwhattypeofserveyouareabouttouseandwhat
typeofstrokeyouwanttoplaynextifyouropponentreturnsyourservice.
Never serve without having a precise plan in place and always try to serve so
thatyouropponentwillbeforcedtoplayareturnwhichisadvantageousto
you.
Practice MakesPerfect
Ifyouwanttoimproveyourgame,you'llhavetopracticemoreoftenand
for longer.

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There are no shortcuts to improving your game.
It'salsoimportantthatyoupracticetherightthings,andthecorrectstrokes,
sotrytogetsomecoachingfromaqualifiedtabletenniscoachasearlyas
possible in your playing career.
Acommonmistakeistothinkthatusingaparticularbrandofracketor
brandofrubberwillelevateyourgametonewheights-butthetruthis-
youwillimprovemuchmorebypracticingmoreoftenandforlonger.
Tactics AgainstPenholders
Players who use the penhold grip often play blocking strokes until they can
work an opening for their forehand attacking strokes.
Somakeitmoredifficultforthemtoblocktheballbyplayingveryhigh
looping strokes, especially to their backhand side.
Stand Sideways
If you're an attacking/offensive style player who prefers to play aggressive
forehandattackingstrokes,trytostandsidewaystothetableratherthan
squareon,andstandslightlyfurthertowardsyourbackhandcorner.
Forright-handers,yourleftfootshouldbefurtherforwardthanyourright
foot (and vice-versa for left-handers) which will enable you to play a longer
strokeandusemorebodyrotationinordertoimpartmorespeedandspin
onto the ball.
Think About Every Point
Concentrationisessentialduringagame.Ifyouwanttoplaytothebestof
your ability, you need to think about every point you play.

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Alwayshaveaplanforeverypointyouplayandtrytoimposeyourgame
planonyouropponent,ratherthanletyouropponentdictatehowthe
points are played.
Defensive style players prefer to play away from the table and at a steady
rhythm, so it's important to try and disrupt their rhythm as much as
possible.
By using high bouncing topspin loops and varying the speed and spin on the
ball,youcanmakeitmuchmoredifficultforthedefendertochoptheball.
Keep Moving
It'simportantthatyoukeepmovingbetweenshotsandthatyoukeepyour
balance at alltimes.
Don'tstandstillafterplayingyourshotbuttrytoanticipateyouropponent's
next shot and move into position ready to play another.
Ifyoustandstill,especiallyafterreturningawide-angledshotbyyour
opponent,youwon'thavetimetorecoverandyou'llbeunlikelytogetto
the next one.
Always assume that your shot will come back, so keep moving and be ready
to play anothershot.
Tactics AgainstAttackers
When playing against fast attacking players, try to disrupt their rhythm by
changing the pace of your shots.

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Ifyouplayataconstantspeedtheywillgetintoaneasyrhythm,soyou
needtomixupyourshotsandtakethepaceoutofsomeofyourstrokes.
Useasoftgripandplaytheballslowerand/orwithextraspinandthen
follow it up with a faster stroke.
Don't just hit every shot as hard as possible.
Playing The Forehand Smash
If you have problems playing a forehand smash when the ball bounceshigh,
makesurethatyouhittheballwhenitisatshoulder heightorlower,and
hit downwards.
Don't try to hit the ball when it is above shoulder height, wait for it to fall to
shoulder height orlower.
Develop UnusualServes
Many players use a small variety of conventional services which means that
theiropponentquicklygetsusedtothemandthereforehasnodifficultyin
returning them.
Sotrytodevelopafewunusualservicesinordertoconfuseyouropponent.
Youmayalsofindthatyoucanwinafewpointsdirectlyfromtheseserves,
especially if you only use them at crucial stages of the game.
Adapt to the Playing Conditions
Manyplayersdonotplaytothebestoftheirabilitybecausetheyuseupall
their mental and physical energy complaining about the playing conditions.

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If you want to play at your best, it's important that you take note of the
playing conditions and adapt your game accordingly.
The size of the room, the brand of table, the brand of ball and the
temperature can all affect how you play. So make sure that you change your
gametosuittheplayingconditions,andyou'llhaveaheadstartonyour
opponent. Remember - complaining is not an option!
Give Yourself The Best Chance
Ifyouwanttoplayyourbestandwinmatchesit'simportantthatyoudon't
ruin your own chances before you even start your matches.
So make sure that you don't over-eat or over-exercise before you play. You
won't be able to play to the best of your ability if you're bloated or tired
before you start.
Use A Video Camera
Many of us now have access to video cameras so it's easier than ever to
record and analyse our own matches.
Bywatchingyourselfplayamatchonvideo,you'llbeabletoseeallyour
mistakes and what you need to improve.
Youcanstarttoanalyseyourowngamebywatchingforthesebasicpoints…
1) How good is your footwork?
2) Do you play all your shots to the same position?
3) Where do your serves go?
4) How many mistakes did you make?

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Practice WithPurpose
If you're serious about wanting to improve your game, you should always
practice with purpose and intensity.
Beforeyoustartpracticingyouneedtodecidewhatyouaregoingto
practice and have a plan of action.
You should also make sure that you adopt the same intensity as you would
in a match, and that you don't mess about.
If you mess about, rather than practice seriously, you're just wasting your
time.
Monitor YourMatches
Tomakeimprovementstoyourgameyoufirstneedtoknowwhatyouare
doing wrong.
Askafriendtotakenotesofeverypointyouplayinamatch(andthendo
the same for their match) and study the notes.
Thesenotescanbeinasmuchdetailasyouwant,butcouldincludethetype
ofshotyouplayed,whetheritwasforehandorbackhand,serveorreturnof
serve, topspin, backspinetc.
Practice Against Different Styles
Ifyouwanttoplayatahigherlevelthanyoudonow,you'llneedtobeable
to play against many different styles of play.
Sotrytoavoidpracticingwiththesameplayersallthetime,andtryto
practice against as many different styles of play as possible.

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You'll need to practice against attackers, defenders, penhold players,
blockers and counter-hitters as often as possible, so that you'll know how to
play against those styles in a match.
Be ProperlyPrepared
Whenyou'replayingamatchit'seasytoforgetthesimplethingsthatcan
make the difference between winning and losing.
So make sure that you're properly prepared for every match you play by
arriving early and ensuring that you warm up before you play.
Start with some light jogging and stretching exercises before you play any
strokes at thetable.
Think About Your Strategy
At the start of the match, if you win the coin toss, you have the choice of
whethertoservefirstorreceivefirst(orchoosewhichendyoupreferfirst).
So you need to think about your strategy.
Ifyouanticipatethatthematchwillbecloselycontested,wouldyouprefer
to be serving at the start of the game or at the end - when the first match
points are played?
If you serve first, you will be receiving serve when the game reaches a score
of 9-9 or 10-8 and vice-versa.

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Adapting To The Playing Conditions
Ifyou'reatavenuewhereyouprefer playingatoneendofthetable,
perhapsbecausethere'sadistractingbackgroundbehindtheotherend,
makesurethatyoutrytouseyourfavouredendforgames1,3and5.
You'll then use your favoured end for the maximum time possible.
Youcaneitherchooseyourfavouredendifyouwinthecointoss,and/or
youcantakeupyourfavouredendwhenyoustartyourpre-matchwarm-up
andhopethatyouropponentwon'tselectyourfavouredendifhewinsthe
coin toss.
Play Towards Their Cross-Over Point
Oneofthemostdifficultmovementsintabletennisismovingawayfrom
theball,sotrytoplayyourshotstowardsyouropponent'scross-overpoint.
Thisistheareawhereaplayerhastochoosewhethertoplayaforehandor
backhandshotandforaright-handeritistheirrighthiporrightpocketarea.
Play one wide shot and then play your next shot as fast as possible straight
into their cross-overarea.
Serving When Playing Doubles
Maximise your chances of winning more points when you are serving by
making sure that your partner knows in advance what type of service you
are about touse.
Topplayersusehandsignals,butthisisnotnecessaryatalowerlevel.Just
agree in advance what serves to use.

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You should also both try to use services which will make your opponents
play a return that enables your partner to execute their best shots.
Practice Your Return Of Serve
Manylowerlevelplayersfailtopracticetheirreturnofserviceandthen
complain that they cannot return spin serves effectively.
Thesimpletruthisthatyouhavetopracticeallpartsofyourgameifyou
wanttoimprove,andsoyoumustensurethatyoupracticeyourreturnof
service too.
Startbyjustlearningtogettheballbackontothetableandthenprogressto
learninghowtoplaceyourreturnstospecific areasof the table, and/or
attack the service.
Perfect Your Ball Placement
Agoodtactictouseagainstanyopponentistonotletthemplaytheirbest
shots against you.
Todothisyouneedtobeabletoplaytheballtotheareasofthetable
which make it difficult for them to deploy their best shots.
Thiswillonlybepossibleifyouhavegoodcontrolsoyoushouldtryto
practice and improve your control and ball placement at every practice
session you play.
Keep Your Serves Simple
Althoughwewouldallliketobeabletoserveaswellasthebestplayersin
theworld,it'simportanttorememberthatwearenotworldclassplayers,
so we will never be able to serve as effectively as they do.

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So, although we can watch the best players and get ideas about how to play
betterspinserves,justkeepyourservessimplebuttrytomakethemmore
effective.
Forgetaboutusingexoticsoundingtomahawkandpendulumserves,just
keep it simple but effective.
Returning Side-SpinServes
If you have problems returning side-spin serves try using this technique until
you improve.
Usealoosegriponyourracketandaimallyourreturnstowardsthemiddle
of the table. Try to play a short stroke with very little force.
Your chances of returning it successfully by aiming at the middle of the
table, rather than trying to read the spin, will be much greater.
Examine Your Opponent's Racket
In1983theruleswerechangedsothatboththeumpireandyouropponent
must be allowed to examine your racket before it is first used.
So make sure that you examine your opponent's racket before you start
your match so that you know which rubbers are being used.
Your tactics should have already been decided, but you may need to amend
themifyoudiscoverthatyouropponentisusingdifferentrubberstowhat
you were expecting.

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Beating YourNerves
Ifyoufindthatyougetreallynervousduringmatches,whatcanyoudoto
overcome these nerves?
Well,theonlywaytobeatyournervesistohavemoreexperienceofplaying
matches.Themorematchesyouplay,andthemoretimesyouplayunder
those conditions, the better you'll become at conquering your nerves.
There's no substitute for the experience of playing matches.
Pre-Match ServingPractice
Howwellyouserveandreturnservewilloftendeterminewhetheryouwin
orloseyourmatches,soit'svitalthatyoupracticethispartofyourgame
before starting anymatch.
Manyplayersonlypracticetheirtopspinanddrivestrokesintheirpre-
matchwarm-ups,andfailtopracticetheirserveandreturnofserve.So
make sure that you practice this vital part of the game BEFORE you start
your matches.

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About TheAuthor
Martin Hughes lives in England and has been involved in table tennis for
over 40 years as a player, administrator, organiser and writer.
Hecurrentlywritesabouttabletennisonhiswebsite
https://www.partog.com/
© Created For You
All rights reserved worldwide.
ThisfreeE-bookmaybepassedontoothers
butitmustnotbechangedoralteredinanyway.
Theauthor,MartinHughes,andthepublisher,CreatedForYou,
have made their best effort to produce a high quality,
informative and helpful book. But they make no representation
or warranties of any kind with regard to the
completeness or accuracy of the contents of the book.
They acceptno liability of any kind for any losses or damages
causedorallegedtobecaused,directlyorindirectly,from
using the information contained in this book.
Created For You
Poole, Dorset
United Kingdom

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