Techniques for gaining points on table tennis

 

 

To effectively gain points in table tennis, focus on a combination of strong serves, developing a reliable third-ball attack, and mastering diverse shots like drives, pushes, and blocks, while also improving footwork and court positioning. 

 

Here's a more detailed breakdown of techniques for winning points:

 

 

1. Serving:

• Mix up your serves:

  Vary the length, spin (tops, back, sidespin), and speed of your serves to keep your opponent guessing. 

   
• Target your opponent's crossover point:

  Aim for the area where your opponent needs to decide between a forehand or backhand return, forcing a difficult decision. 

   
• Master the hook serve:

  This serve can be very effective at confusing your opponent and setting up an attack. 

   

 

2. Third-Ball Attack:

• Develop a strong third-ball attack:

  After your opponent returns your serve, aim to immediately attack and take control of the point. 

   
• Focus on forehand drives:

  The forehand drive is a powerful offensive shot that can be used to force errors and set up attacking positions. 

   
• Practice backhand drives:

  A reliable backhand drive is crucial for both offense and defense, allowing you to shut down your opponent and gain points. 

   

 

3. Shot Selection & Execution:

• Master the forehand push:

  This shot is useful for changing the pace of the rally and returning the ball in a low, difficult-to-attack manner. 

   
• Develop a reliable backhand push, block, drive, and loop:

  Having a solid backhand allows you to play from anywhere on the table and reduces the need to move around as much. 

   
• Improve your footwork:

  Good footwork allows you to move quickly to the ball and execute better shots. 

   

 

4. Strategic Play:

• Stay close to the table:

  When possible, maintain a close-to-the-table position to cut down your opponent's time to react and make it harder for them to attack. 

   
• Read your opponent's serves:

  Pay close attention to the spin and placement of your opponent's serves to anticipate their returns and prepare your defense. 

   
• Mix up your returns:

  Don't always return the same way. Vary your returns to keep your opponent guessing and create opportunities for points. 

   

 

5. Practice and Drills:

• Practice consistently:

  Regular practice is essential for improving your skills and developing a strong table tennis game. 

   
• Focus on accuracy and consistency:

  Work on hitting the ball accurately and consistently to build a solid foundation for your game. 

   
• Play games and drills:

  Practice in a game-like setting to improve your decision-making and tactical awareness. 

   

 

This video highlights five different ways of winning points in table tennis: spin, speed, ball placement, power and disruption

In table tennis, scoring a point involves the opponent failing to return the ball legally, resulting in the player scoring a point. Here are 10 scenarios where a point is awarded to the other player: 

 

1. The Ball Doesn't Bounce on the Opponent's Side: If the ball hits the floor after your opponent hits it, you score a point. 

 

2. The Ball Hits the Net and Doesn't Bounce on the Opponent's Side: If the ball hits the net and doesn't bounce on the opponent's side, you score a point. 

 

 

3. The Opponent Hits the Ball Off the Table: If your opponent hits the ball off the table without it bouncing on the playing surface, you score a point. 

 

 

4. The Opponent Volleys the Ball (Strikes it Before it Bounces): Volleys are not allowed, and if the opponent does so, you score a point. 

 

 

5. The Opponent Hits the Ball Twice in a Row (Doubles): In doubles, if a player on one side strikes the ball twice in a row, the other team scores. 

 

 

6. The Opponent Moves the Table or Places a Hand on the Playing Surface: If the opponent moves the table or places their free hand on the playing surface while the ball is in play, you score. 

 

 

7. The Opponent Allows the Ball to Bounce More Than Once on Their Side: If the ball bounces more than once on the opponent's side before they hit it, you score a point. 

 

 

8. The Opponent Hits the Ball Out of Bounds: If the ball hits the side of the table or the end wall, you score a point. 

 

 

9. The Server Fails to Serve Properly: If the server fails to toss the ball up before hitting it, or hides the ball during the serve, the receiver scores. 

 

 

10. The Server Hits the Ball Over the Surface of the Table During the Serve: If the server hits the ball over the surface of the table during the serve, the receiver scores.