ROOKIE TT
Forehand Attacks
The ability to use the forehand attack to get on top in rallies or win the rally is a major and really exciting part of Table Tennis. The main variations for use in the rally are the forehand top-spin drive and the more extreme forehand top-spin loop. The drive is usually more basic and first learnt. The loop is attacking, dynamic and actually a pretty safe way to get that little ball up and down within 10 foot approx. Whenever playing a forehand you will often need to adjust the bat angle depending on the shot and spin the opponent has given you. These do take some time to learn but are worth. A player with a strong forehand has many advantages.
Finally there is the smash! Played off a higher ball and usually to finish the point!
Forehand Drive
A forehand drive in table tennis, also known as a forehand topspin drive, is an offensive shot used to put pressure on your opponent and control the rally. Here's how to play a forehand drive:
1. Stance and Grip:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the table.
- Hold the racket with a shakehand grip (the most common grip in table tennis) or your preferred grip.
- Make sure your grip is relaxed, allowing you to generate wrist action.
2. Ready Position:
- Position yourself in the center of the table, ready to move in any direction.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced on the balls of your feet.
3. Ball Placement:
- Anticipate the ball's trajectory and bounce, and step into the optimal position to meet it with your forehand.
4. Backswing:
- As the ball approaches, pivot your upper body and open your racket angle slightly.
- Raise your racket to a point behind and slightly above your playing hand.
5. Contact Point:
- As the ball reaches the peak of its bounce, move forward quickly and contact the ball at or just in front of your body.
- Use the top of your racket and generate topspin by brushing the ball slightly from low to high.
6. Follow Through:
- After striking the ball, continue your swing in a smooth, controlled motion.
- Your racket should finish across your body to the side, and you should be balanced and ready for the next shot.
7. Footwork:
- After hitting the forehand drive, recover quickly to your ready position in the center of the table.
- Be prepared to move to cover the entire table if needed.
Tips for a successful forehand drive:
- Focus on wrist and forearm action to generate topspin.
- Try to hit the ball at the highest point of its bounce for better control.
- Practice the shot's timing and placement to develop consistency.
- Keep your body relaxed and maintain good balance throughout the shot.
Remember that practicing this shot regularly and playing with different opponents will help you refine your forehand drive and make it a reliable part of your table tennis game.
Forehand Loop
A topspin loop in table tennis is an advanced attacking shot used to generate heavy topspin on the ball and put pressure on your opponent. It's an essential skill for advanced players. Here's how to play a topspin loop:
1. Stance and Grip:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the table.
- Hold the racket with a shakehand grip (the most common grip in table tennis) or your preferred grip.
- Ensure a relaxed and flexible grip that allows wrist movement.
2. Ready Position:
- Position yourself in the center of the table, ready to move in any direction.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced on the balls of your feet.
3. Ball Placement:
- Anticipate the ball's trajectory and bounce, and move into the optimal position to meet it with your forehand.
4. Backswing:
- As the ball approaches, pivot your upper body, rotate your hips, and open your racket angle slightly.
- Raise your racket to a point behind and slightly above your playing hand.
5. Contact Point:
- As the ball reaches the peak of its bounce, move forward quickly and contact the ball at the highest point.
- Use the top surface of your racket to make contact with the ball.
- Close the racket angle slightly just before contact to generate topspin.
- Brush the ball from low to high, with an upward and forward motion, creating topspin as you make contact.
6. Follow Through:
- After striking the ball, continue your swing with a full, fluid motion.
- Your racket should finish high, with the tip pointing forward and slightly to the side.
7. Footwork:
- After hitting the topspin loop, recover quickly to your ready position in the center of the table.
- Be prepared to move to cover the entire table if needed.
Tips for a successful topspin loop:
- Focus on the wrist and forearm action to generate maximum topspin.
- Keep your body relaxed and maintain good balance throughout the shot.
- Practice the shot's timing and placement to develop consistency.
- Adjust the angle and speed of your topspin loop based on the ball's height, spin, and your opponent's position.
- Use your legs to generate power and transfer your weight from the back foot to the front foot during the shot.
Mastering the topspin loop takes time and practice. Work on your technique and train against various opponents to adapt to different types of incoming shots. It's also important to learn how to read your opponent's spin and adjust your topspin loop accordingly.
Forehand Smash
The forehand smash in table tennis, also known as the forehand attack or kill, is an aggressive shot used to end a point with power and precision. Here's how to execute a forehand smash:
1. **Stance and Grip:**
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to the table.
- Hold the racket with a shakehand grip (the most common grip in table tennis) or your preferred grip.
- Maintain a relaxed and flexible grip that allows for wrist action.
2. **Ready Position:**
- Position yourself near the table and be ready to move quickly in any direction.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and your weight balanced on the balls of your feet.
3. **Ball Placement:**
- Anticipate the ball's trajectory and position yourself to intercept it with your forehand.
4. **Backswing:**
- As the ball approaches, pivot your upper body and rotate your hips.
- Raise your racket to a point behind and slightly above your playing hand.
5. **Contact Point:**
- Move quickly to the ideal position to make contact with the ball.
- As the ball reaches the peak of its bounce, bring your racket down with a powerful and quick motion.
- Contact the ball at or just in front of your body.
- Aim to make clean, flat contact with the ball, directing it towards your target.
6. **Follow Through:**
- After hitting the ball, follow through with a full, controlled swing.
- Your racket should finish high and forward, pointing in the direction you aimed the shot.
7. **Footwork:**
- After executing the forehand smash, be prepared to recover quickly to your ready position in the center of the table.
- Anticipate the opponent's response and be ready to react accordingly.
Tips for a successful forehand smash:
- Focus on generating power from your legs and core muscles, as well as quick wrist and forearm action.
- Keep your body relaxed and maintain good balance throughout the shot.
- Practice the timing and placement of the shot to develop consistency.
- Adjust the angle and speed of your smash based on the ball's height, speed, and your opponent's position.
- Be aware of the spin on the incoming ball and adapt your shot as needed.
The forehand smash is a high-risk, high-reward shot that requires practice to master. It's important to choose the right opportunities to use it during a match, as mistimed or inaccurate smashes can result in lost points. Practice against various opponents and shots to improve your forehand smash technique.