How to Play Better Table Tennis
An answer to how to play better table tennis query requires
shedding light at more than one aspect. The playing gears like
table tennis tables to the table tennis games techniques, all
seek attention. While it is not possible to squeeze it all here,
a precise encapsulation of the most important aspects, in
context to how to play better table tennis is presented below.
The details are penned assuming that you have the background
info on table tennis games and applicable table tennis rules.
Before you Start
Table tennis is a sport, requiring physical activity. The body
is supposed to move around, generate energy and thus help with
the game. In such circumstances, where physical activity and
movement flexibility is essential, it becomes logically
imperative to devote reasonable time towards the warming up
exercise, just before the game begins. The stated is true for
almost any game. Even if you are starting to play online table
tennis, you would realise that wrist and fingers demand a
certain dose of warming up. Starting right away, even in case of
online table tennis, ensures that you lose the first few
challenges, just because your grip on the remote was not as
adjusted or the fingers were still getting accustomed to the
instant movements.
Thus when you get geared for the first match of the day, while
learning how to play better table tennis, remember to divulge
some attention towards pre start warm up. A light jog should be
sufficient.
The Table Tennis Games: Grip & Position
The first instruction on how to play better table tennis as you
start, suggests the suitable grip. Table tennis bats are in
reference here. The question revolves around the way you hold
your table tennis bat. Choices are abundant and players tend to
develop their custom styles as the game improvises, however most
are variants of the two key grip patterns viz., the fuller grip,
also known as shake hand or the less visible pen hold grip. The
names have been derived from the hand involvement in the hold.
While in shake hand, all fingers and thumb manage the task of
holding table tennis bats, in pen hold, the thumb and index
finger are primarily responsible. Here, though you can settle in
your comfort zone, the shake hand grip style is advocated,
especially in light of the ‘how to play better table tennis’
discussion. This grip allows equally strong forehand and
backhand, which leads to better performance.
Post the grip details, next relevant topic in context of table
tennis games, is the playing position or the footwork. If you
are well averse of the table tennis rules or have played decent
number of table tennis games before, you must be aware that
about 20 X 40 feet of space is what you have to move around. In
this restricted space, there simply are no restrictions for the
ball. It can surprise you with its pace and flexibility. The key
here thus is the dynamic footwork, which can help with the how
to play better table tennis query.
Table Tennis Tips to Remember
-
You must always be ready, there is no scope for laxity.
-
The ankles and knees should be slightly bent in the ready
position.
-
Weight on the feet.
-
Elbow of the playing arm to be bent, this will also let the
forearm and racket aim forward.
-
Right hand players – right foot close to the centre line,
towards left and left foot forward.
-
Finally maintain the table tennis bat’s distance between
you and table.
