Modern table tennis: strokes, trainings, strategies

Chapter 2. Basic strokes of modern table tennis

Let’s start with the most important stroke in table tennis – topspin/loop. Top-spin (top-spin) is translated from the English language as the top rotation (spin). In fact, any ball that has a top-spin in table tennis logically should fall within the definition, but it is actually more complicated.

When we say “top-spin”, we mean a powerful attacking element, which provides maximum top rotation and the speed of the ball.

Top-spin is a table tennis game element that is the most acute and difficult to return.

All players with senior adult degree and higher are capable of forehand top-spin, but in the hands of the masters among first one hundred strongest athletes in the world it is a powerful weapon, which they seek to apply in every rally (of course, in except the players, advocating a protective style) and win a point due to this element.

We’re going to devote this chapter to the forehand topspin – the most powerful and commonly used element in modern table tennis.

Different variations of the forehand top-spin

Forehand top-spin, as already mentioned, is an integral part of the technical arsenal in modern table tennis. Athletes playing in an attacking style (more than 90%) who perform 60—70% of attacks use exactly forehand top-spin. The number of points won due to forehand top-spin, in total, exceed 50% in the most matches.

The number of variations of the forehand topspin is outplayed, perhaps, only by the number of table tennis serve variations. However, if we consider only gaming elements,

the forehand top-spin is the most hygienic stroke.

To show you the importance of the forehand top-spin as an element, let’s imagine the following situation: imagine that an athlete can’t perform forehand top-spin at all, but he masters all other tennis elements. What are the chances of such athlete? Perhaps his chances, in this case, tend to zero.

Now, for example, let’s “take away” the backhand top-spin from our imagined character. Will there be any chance to succeed for such an athlete? Definitely! Do not believe? Remember who became the Olympic champion in 2004. Right, Rue Seun Min. The representative of classical penhold with the ability to perform only a forehand top-spin.

The point is, that even without having a backhand top-spin in the arsenal, one can become an Olympic champion.

The same is with any other game element (serve is not a gaming element). The absence of any element can be compensated. But the absence of the forehand topspin cannot be compensated. All this stresses the crucial importance of this stroke in today’s table tennis.

Now let’s talk about the variability of the forehand topspin. Stroke technique is unusual due to the fact it has a lot of variations. And this is the last choice. Depending on a height, speed, rotation of a received ball, the top-spin technique is being changed. And that’s when the forehand top-spin technique changes are most significant than in other elements. Often, even different principles are used, but more on this later. For now, it’s enough to remember that forehand top-spin has many variations that differ significantly from each other in the T. Committee manner.

Let’s open a small secret. Most table tennis players make a lot of mistakes when performing forehand topspin on the right because they do not understand that each variation of the forehand topspin requires a separate insight and technical workover.

Conditionally, we can distinguish 10 variations of the forehand topspin shot; whereas, it can be divided into some subvariations. It is worth noting that it’s not widespread. So, let’s now briefly consider the following: What stroke variations exist and in what situations are they used?

Variation #1. Forehand top-spin against a simple ball or block

This is a classic top-spin, the basic version of which is being mastered at the earliest stages of learning table tennis techniques. We can say that everything starts with this variation. Not mastering it sufficiently, you will not be able to master the other. Not even worth trying. It’s like learning to run if you didn’t learn how to walk. Everything is good in its season

Forehand top-spin is performed against the block during the open rally in table tennis when one athlete attacks and the other is forced to defend himself, returning the ball to the table with a block or, as it is also said in table tennis, “drive”.

There’s another branch of this variation: Forehand topspin against the block, that is performed in return to the chop.

Let us explain. Imagine that during a match you performed a serve with a lower spin and received a chop with a top-spin. Your opponent received the ball, and you’re doing a second top-spin. But what’s the difference, because a top-spin against the block is a top-spin against the block? But there is a difference.

The fact of the matter is that when you make a top-spin with a chop, your opponent receives it with a block, a spin from your top-spin remains. And this rotation requires a slightly different handling than with a drive against the block.

We’ll open a secret that you can significantly raise your game level. The fact is that the number of errors, committed by athletes in the game with the second forehand loop is considerably higher than in the third and subsequent top-spins.

This nuance is usually under the radar. And many athletes don’t even realize why they are quite often mistaken exactly in the second step.

Those who begin to take this nuance into account, immediately increase the stability of the second top-spin and, as a result, its overall level.

Perhaps you have a question: “Is this nuance can be seen when viewing the games featuring table tennis stars?”. A reasonable question and the answer is this. It seems there’s no visual difference between top-spin against the simple block and chopped top-spin against a block. The difference is in the first touch. And the first touch does not usually stand out.

Variation #2. Powerful forehand top-spin

Powerful forehand top-spin is used to complete or intensify an attack. Of course, it is used much less often than the forehand top-spin against the block, since it requires such situation when its performing is possible and appropriate.

What is the situation? The interesting thing is that for each athlete there are “personal” suitable moments. One performs a powerful forehand top-spin only on balls, raised slightly higher than normally, and the other can perform it right after the first chopped top-spin. And someone generally has the ability and skill to perform top-spin to win points immediately after a serve. It all depends on the explosive qualities, ball sense, general abilities, habits and athletes game models.

Let’s now see the difference between the powerful forehand topspin and the “simple” forehand topspin against the block. It is different in three components:

– Legs position.

– Amplitude.

– The speed of racket passing through the ball.

Legs position at a powerful top-spin is much wider. This position provides great stability for the top-spin and provides the possibility to add a second component – amplitude.

The movement amplitude becomes greater. Moreover, the broader movement is performed by the arm, legs and pelvis. It all starts with a wider swing and ends with with a deeper finish. All this together, provides more kinetic energy and, consequently, more targeting for the ball flight.

The speed of racket passing through the ball is 1.5 – 2 times higher. Everything is clear here – the higher the speed of racket passing through the ball, the higher the speed of flight.

Once again we draw your attention to the simultaneous inclusion of the four parts of the body at the powerful forehand top-spin (right leg, pelvis, core, right hand), which is mentioned in the comments to the pictures, becomes the determining factor. At the slightest non-sync of these parts of the body a powerful forehand top-spin is impossible.

It should be noted that simultaneous inclusion of the four parts of the body is important in all variations of top-spin. Without exception. Well remember these parts:

– Right leg.

– Pelvis.

– Core.

– Right hand.

Variation #3. Chopped forehand top-spin

Chopped forehand top-spin is a variation that is learned after mastering the forehand topspin/loop against the block. It is learned as a second element because it is more difficult to perform.

Mastering of this variation is critical to the level of playing table tennis. Not owning this variation at all (or enough), it is impossible to achieve any result.

80% of attacks begins with this element in the table

tennis. Mastering (or not) this top-spin variation largely determines the ability of the athlete to play at some level.

Forehand chop is different from the forehand loop against the block by four main criteria:

– Swing.

– The movement width.

– Racket tilt.

– The direction of movement.

During the backswing, the racket is lowered much below to create a large amplitude of movement necessary to give the ball a good spin at the lower spin of the opponent.

And the hand with the racket not just falls below, this happens due to the right leg being more bent, a bigger turn of the pelvis and the greater extension of the arms at the elbow.

Together, all this provides a greater width of the movement, which is necessary to perform a complete chopped top-spin.

The movement is broader because at the top-spin from the block we are dealing with a ball that is spinning in a direction that is convenient for us. The speed of its flight contributes to our top-spin speed. Roughly speaking, the faster the ball flies off the block, the more speed our top-spin has. The whole block speed is converted during our top-spin.

With a chopped top-spin the ball spins in the other direction, and we need to cut off its rotation, and add its own rotation.

In other words, the chopped forehand top-spin requires significantly more effort than top-spin against the block. The wider movement is necessary to ensure this effort.

The tilt of the racket at the chopped top-spin is more open. Because if we play the ball with the same tilt of rackets, as in case of the top-spin against the block, the ball would get into a net with a great probability. It would lack enough trajectory to fly over the net. And trajectory reserve is attached to a ball due to a good rotation.

Movement direction at the chopped top-spin is different from top-spin against the block significantly due to the greater thrust up.

Here works the same principle as with the tilting of the racket. I.e. if you send motion too forward, the ball most likely would get into the net.

The end of the movement is also slightly higher. The higher the position of the racket is provided by the previous components: width and direction, more open racket tilt.

Variation #4. Counter-loop from the middle zone

Counter-loop from the middle zone is called “over-rotation” or “overspin” among the tennis players.

For example, if you hear an athlete says “won the point in overturn”, it means that there is a rally in a central zone when both opponents exchanged counter loops and he managed to win the point. In the future, we will designate this element as “overspin”.

So, the “overspin” occurs during matches not very often, because not all rallies end up with the setback to the middle zone of both athletes.

How does it happens that both athletes suddenly find themselves in the middle zone?

It all starts with the fact that one of the athletes begins to attacking, while the other seeks to not just play passively, but perform a counter-action. The most common counter-action in table tennis is counter-loop.

When one of the athletes starts to counterattack, he has to make a half step or a step back in order to have enough time for a counterattack. Counterattack – this element seizes ball’s speed and rotation and turns it back (making it a slightly powerful).

Therefore an athlete that has just performed a top-spin and received a counter-attack, has also to make a step back in order to have time to conduct his counterattack. And so with each following counter-loop athletes make a small step back as the ball is gaining a lot of airspeed and power. As a result, after one or two counter-loops athletes are already in the middle zone.

How the “overspin” differs from the top-spin against the block?

It differs with a slightly wider move,

because of the need to send the ball on a greater distance. The difference is in sending the ball to the opponent’s side from a distance of 1 meter or 2.5—4 meters, but the main difference is not the width of the movement, but also the time of handling the ball.

Ball handling should occur with a strong ball contact, meaning we should hold a ball on the racket for a longer time. As it’s expressed by the players – to sense it better. Longer contact with the ball is necessary to control the flight of the ball for a longer period of time and to be able to send the ball from a longer distance with the same accuracy as in the case of top-spin from the block.

“Overspins” in various zones are different by its performance. For example, there is a notable difference between “the overspin” from a distance of 2 meters from a table and the distance of 3.5 meters.

In the first case, the movement of a little shorter, ball handling occurs practically at the highest point of rebound and directed more forward. The power given to the ball by the opponent is clearly felt in the highest point. We fully return that power and speed back to the opponent.

In the second case, the ball begins to fall (that is, by this moment he had already passed the high point) and at this distance, the power of the ball given by the opponent is sensed much less. We have to add the ball more to spin and send the ball upwards to give it sufficient trajectory that will safely allow a ball to steer clear of a net and land on the opponent’s side.

Variation #5. Counter-loop on the right side of the table (in the near zone)

The forehand counter-loop on the table is very different from all components of the forehand counter-loop from the middle zone. That is why we assign it to a separate variation.

This element is also called the “interception of an attack” “or “twisting”. By the way, the most interesting thing is that in some cases, it is more logical to say “tackle/interception” and in other, more appropriate would be the word “twisting”.

For example, when you perform a forehand counter-loop on the table by first attacking move of your opponent, it is better to call the counterattack as “interception”. As you would seize the initiative, which your opponent was trying to take over. And when a mutual counter-loop game began on the table, it is better to call it “twisting” or “twist against twist”.

Now let’s talk about the technical part of the counter-loop to the right on the table. The main difference of this element is that it is performed much earlier than the highest point of ball rebound, it is executed on the bottom-up ball, at the moment when the ball is only gaining height.

Also, this element is performed very close to the table. Closer than all other variations of top-spin, used in the rally.

Why do you need to play bottom-up ball closer to the table during this element?

The meaning of this element that you are also using speed and spin of the ball you receive, in other words, you do not add your power and spin, but use the one that was input by the opponent.

When performing this element, the inclination of the racket is slightly more closed than in the classic top-spin from the block. Especially it is necessary to draw attention to the fact that at the time of the racket passing through the ball, you don’t have to play it hard.

In table tennis, there are concepts – “game ball” and “the ball game”. Let’s study them.

“The ball game” is when maximum rotation is added to the ball due to the rubber grip, i.e. the blade does not mostly participate in such game. We can say that this is a more gentle, “sliding” ball handling.

The best example of the ball game is chop. If a tough clash occurred between racket and a ball, it is called a push, rather than a chop. Qualitative chop is when the lining “slips” along the ball, adding maximum rotation to it, but not adding any speed.

The same principle is used for interception. The rubber “slips” greatly on the ball and it does not receive an excessive rigidity.

“The game ball” is, as you guessed, the opposite of “ball game”. Here, by contrast, comes a tough game ball, rubber is forced under ball’s pressure and we actually feel the blade participating in the element.

The best example of a ball game is a final smash without rotation (which, incidentally, is very rarely used in pure form in today’s table tennis).

We have elaborated on the moment when racket passes through the ball because this point is critical when performing counter-loop on the table. Once you play the “ball” hard – your “interception” immediately flies over the table.

Few words about the movement itself. Correct swing is very important for performing the “interception” and “twisting”.

Since we use the speed and spin of the received ball standing close to the table, when implementing this element, we need a much shorter backswing. The hand starts its movement, not going below the table level. It stays bent at the elbow.

Legs and pelvis also do not go down and sideways, the athlete‘s position is neutral. The core is turned a little bit when performing backswing.

While performing this element the slope of the bat is slightly more closed compared to the basic version of the forehand topspin against the block.

Let’s dwell on the moment of passing the racket through the ball. As mentioned above, the racquet “slips the ball” more than “strokes” it. But the speed of the racket passing through the ball is also important here. The racket should be ahead of the ball, of course, in fact, it’s impossible, but you must support this desire. If you will try to get ahead of the ball in the moment of touching between the racket and the ball, the ball will lie on a table. But if the racket would pass through the ball with the lack of speed, the ball flies off the table because you do not have time to block the rotation that you receive.

Variation #6. Forehand top-spin on the outflying ball

We turn now to a rather complex and unusual variation, unusual among the people playing at an Amateur level. The fact of the matter is that there is a number of variations, which are studied only after reaching a certain level in table tennis – it does not mean that these variations are much more difficult to accomplish. No. That just means that without mastering these variations it’s hard to progress further at a more serious level. And at the same time, it is hardly known about such variations at a lower level of mastering this technique.

If you master variation No. 6, you get a significant advantage among your fellow athletes. And they most likely will not even understand what is going on and how you manage to do this.

Imagine that you are receiving a simple bottom spin serve. The ball strikes your side for the first time and then flies out the table, but not too far, just 10 cm. And if you didn’t know in advance that this serve would fly 10 cm off the back edge of the table, you would have thought that this serve is short, isn’t it?

That’s exactly the kind of ball called “flying a little out” (sometimes referred to as simply flying out or “thin”). By the way, in English, this ball has a more creative name half-long ball that literally can be translated as a semi-long ball. This is the only English term for such ball; but in Russian, there is no clear term for this ball. Most coaches and athletes call it differently.

What is the difference between the forehand top-spin on such a ball from usual chopped top-spin?

The fact of the matter is that such ball uncomfortable to approach on legs. If you’d try to apply top-spin to this ball with

exactly the same movement as for chop, then it won’t work. Your legs will not be able to take such a position where the ball, that is out for 10 cm, will be exactly in the same position relative to the body, as in case of chopped top-spin.

You may have guessed, why isn’t it possible to approach such ball with the same convenience as in case of chop. The secret is that the table would hinder you to put the left foot properly. Or you can stay in the position in which you are performing the chopped top-spin, but in this case, the ball will be strongly ahead of your body that won’t allow you to process it and add a spin to it.

How is it then possible to perform forehand top-spin this ball?

The main nuance of top-spin performance on such a ball is the position of your legs. If at the ordinary chopped top-spin we put our left foot a little bit ahead of the right one, in this case, it is completely the opposite. We do a half-step forward with your right foot and only then perform top-spin.

When you do this, note the following techniques: If we include the motion of legs and pelvis during the chopped top-spin, then when performing top-spin on the outflying ball all the basic work is done by the forearm and hand. We think you understand that making a step forward with right foot, you lose the possibility of a full-fledged movement, but it is not necessary in case of this element.

The fact of the matter is that the ball, which flew out on 10 cm over the back edge, does not have such a strong spin, as in case of long chop. Plus the distance to which we should send this ball is reduced almost to a meter, which makes the task easier for us.

In the end, we just need to give this ball a strong rotation, without large power, i.e. not making a move forward.

Do you remember when we discussed the previous variation, we talked about such concepts as “the ball game” and “the game ball”? When performing a top-spin on the outflying ball these concepts are also relevant.

When performing top-spin on the outflying ball, we have to play exactly “to the ball”, without exerting any pressure on it, because we need to send the ball to the table at a higher trajectory. After all, the ball flew just 10 cm out, and if we play it hard, the ball would lack a trajectory reserve to fly over the net. That is why we need a good spin that is provided by the “game ball”. That is, the performance of this element also involves rubber and minimum use of the blade.

The similarity of top-spin on the outflying ball with the previous variation only in this component. The movement itself is directed upwards here. The tilt of the racket is the same as with the chopped top-spin.

As already mentioned, the main work is done by the forearm and the hand at this top-spin. Therefore arm is unbent at the elbow, and then performs an upward movement. The hand also helps the forearm as much as possible to handle the ball.

Let’s go back to the feet standing. We expose the right foot forward sitting down as low as possible. At this point, the right leg is heavily loaded and bent at an angle of 90 degrees.

We also lower the body. We can say that we are “folding” to perform this top-spin.

Another important point is the end of the movement.

If in case of classic top-spin from the block and chopped top-spin we finish the movement in the forehead area, here the move is stopped earlier. You will not be able to complete the movement. This was not supported by the initial position and the overall motion path.

Now a few words about how to use this top-spin in the game. It is used to launch the attack and seize the initiative in a situation when there was a minimum opportunity for this.

Do you remember at the beginning of the description of the variations we told that it’s being studied at a higher professional level (or it is learned by young athletes who have all reasons to pursue this level). And for good reason, since it is only at this level it becomes critical to start an attack with the ball barely flew behind the rear edge of the table. At a high level, if an athlete misses (doesn’t see) such a ball, there’s a 90% possibility he’ll play it long enough so that the opponent would start his own attack.

That is, if you have missed your chance at the beginning of the attack, your opponent will seize this chance. And at a high level, the initiative possession means a lot, and it is highly undesired to ignore the outflying balls.

At the amateur level, this is nothing to worry about, because there is often no such desperate struggle for the beginning of the attack. If you master the forehand top-spin to the outflying ball, you get a huge advantage.

Top-spin on half-long balls can be used to receive the serve of an opponent, when it is a little bit longer and simply with any flying out balls that are in the game.

Let’s look at another point worth emphasizing. Many athletes, performing such top-spin, try to win points due to them and it is the fundamentally wrong approach.

As we found out, top-spin on the half-long ball is performed with the maximum number of spin that is, it has no power. And it is not necessary. It performs a preparatory function for us. Performing this top-spin in the form of strong rotation, we put the opponent in a difficult position.

Let’s consider options of receiving such ball. Under the option, that the opponent will try to aggressively counter-attack, considering the fact that the ball is not too fast and has a higher trajectory and we performed top-spin, taking into account the recommendations, giving it maximum rotation, the chance of opponent’s successful counter-attack is reduced to 20—30%. If our top-spin has a little rotation, then the probability of opponent’s successful counterattacks is 60—70%. Erring once, or better, twice, in carrying out counter-attacks an opponent will just start driving this ball, and we will have an excellent opportunity to continue the attack and win points.

That’s what the forehand top-spin on a half-long ball is used for. The purpose of its use – to seize the initiative, put your opponent in an uncomfortable situation and prepare for the opportunity to continue the attack and win points.

Another aspect that we cannot ignore.

The attentive reader noted that when the forehand topspin (loop) is performed on the flying ball from the right-hand corner, the left leg, of course, hinders. And what about the left corner? We can safely bet your foot over the corner of the table, and nothing would interfere us.

And the reader will be right. Much of what we now discuss (in addition to tactical points), refers specifically to the forehand top-spin on the half-long ball from the right side of the table.

When playing from the left side there is really nothing hinders us and we can take a full position, placing a left foot forward, but the tilt and the passage of the racket through the ball remain the same. It is also important to play “the ball”, adding it a good spin. And similarly, the main share of the work is performed by the forearm and hand, and the movement ends slightly earlier.

These technical issues remain the same because we are talking about a ball that flew only 10 cm out and we must not try to play it immediately. We need to prepare ourselves, playing the ball safely and with good rotation.

Incidentally, it is much easier for children to play such balls than for adults, because they are not hindered by a table and due to a small stature, they can safely put the left leg under the table and perform a full top-spin to the outflying ball.

Still, we recommend coaches to teach kids to play with this ball technically correct because it is always difficult to relearn. It is much easier to instantly learn the correct execution.