Table tennis sometimes doesn't get the respect it deserves. In some places, the game is just a way to spend a little time in the garage. Whereas in some places, this is a game that can generate prizes of hundreds of millions of rupiah for the winner. If you want playing table tennis to be more than just a hobby, take your bet and start learning how.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Start Playing
Step 1. Buy a good quality bet
You need a bat with a good head, which allows placing most or all of your grip strength. If you are a beginner, opt for the special bet for beginners, which are designed to hit with less twist and lower speed on balls that are difficult to return. When you're ready for the next step, buy a medium to high speed bet that has maximum control and is designed to emphasize technique.
- If you hold the bet in the European “shake-hand” way, buy the right bet, not the shorter-handled Asian “pen” (“pen-hold”) bet.
- When choosing a bet for the first time, don't buy a bet that is said to have the ability to twist or beat very strong, even if the promotion is very tempting. Know your skill level. Otherwise, this bet will actually result in injury when you use it.
Step 2. Start playing in a ready position
Your body should be balanced, relaxed and ready to move in any direction. In fact, after each stroke, you should try to get back into a ready position. Make sure that your active arm is ready to hit the ball as well.
- If you are better at hitting inwards (forehand), stand slightly to the left, and vice versa if you are better at hitting outwards (backhand).
- If your right arm tends to be dominant, generally stand slightly to your left with your right foot slightly forward. If your left arm tends to be dominant, in general stand slightly to your right with your left foot slightly forward.
Step 3. Be prepared to move quickly
The ball can move anywhere, depending on the placement and direction of the stroke. If you stand ready, you'll have physical speed ready to launch when you start moving. Take advantage of this! Fast opponents will be difficult to beat.
Take good care of your body. Do some dynamic running and stretching before playing, as a warm-up and to prepare body reflexes
Step 4. Aim the punch into the corner
If you manage to land the ball in a corner, even experienced players are almost impossible to get it back. Table edges are also good directional targets. However, if you're not very skilled at directing your punches just yet, don't take any chances. You will actually lose points if the ball falls outside the table.
This can be a very strategic tactic when combined with speed. One time you land a fast ball in the far corner of the table, and the next time you land a slow ball right in front of the net. Corners are really tough points if your opponent doesn't know your next move
Step 5. Maintain a low return, with the ball slightly above the net
Remember this rule: the smaller the distance, the smaller the angle. The lower your ball goes over the net, the harder it will be for your opponent to counterattack with great angles. In addition, it is also increasingly difficult for your opponent to hit the ball back hard enough.
However, there is an exception to this rule: the backball. In this case, throw the ball very high over the net and try to get it to fall to the end of the table so that your opponent doesn't reach it
Step 6. Know your mistakes
There are lots of mistakes and things that will count as extra points for your opponents. For example, if the ball bounces twice before going over the net, this means you lose one point. Also when making the first shot (serve), you must throw the ball up about 12 cm high. Otherwise, it will be counted as an error.
You don't know your mistake? This means that you will lose in this game, just as if you did not know that the number 8 ball in the game of pokeball should not be poked. Make sure that you understand the basic rules of table tennis before joining a competitive game
Part 2 of 3: Developing Playing Techniques
Step 1. Hit the ball in an arc or twist your stroke
The arcing direction is difficult, but once you master it, you can master the game too. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Observe the opponent's bet angle. If the opponent's bet moves from the bottom up, you can expect an upward twist (topspin). If the direction of the bet is from top to bottom, this means a downward twist (backspin). If the bet is from left to right, it means right sidespin, and if the bet is right to left, it means left sidespin.
- You can compensate for the twist by the angle of the bet. If you're dealing with an over-twisting ball, place your bet down and hit the ball above its center line. If you are dealing with a bottom-twisting ball, position your bet up and hit the ball below its center line. If you are dealing with a right-handed ball, position your bet to the right and hit the ball on the left. If you are dealing with a left-twisted ball, position your bet to the left and hit the ball to the right.
- Master the art of side twisting, too. This type of strike will severely limit your opponent's return options. Experiment with hitting the ball on the left or right, then move it towards the center line, creating a side twist. Often the ball will move in a direction your opponent doesn't expect.
Step 2. Use your whole body, especially when hitting open
What will produce the power is your entire body, not just your arms or wrists. You have to move fast and agile, using your hips and shoulders as well.
To make an open hit, roll your hips and shoulders back as you swing back. Then move forward as you complete the swing. This will shift the weight of your body and make your swing stronger and more powerful. In addition, this will also result in consistent attacks
Step 3. Match distance with speed
While you may not master the technique to 100%, if you play like crazy with no guesswork, you'll be able to successfully push your opponent away. Dive deep, pass the ball low, twist your punches, pass the fast ball, hit it straight, put the ball rolling over the net, etc. Keep the rhythm of the game so tense.
To make it easier, use a ready body position. Be prepared to shift weight at all times, especially after the first hit and between hits. Also be prepared to receive an attack at any time
Step 4. Relax your body
Remember that the ball is very light in weight. And the ball is always spinning. If you deal with it with a firm grip and a hard, stiff punch, you will stop the ball moving in the air. Before joining the game, relax your body and grip your hands. The ball only needs to be hit with a light touch, either it moves straight at you or you have to chase it first.
Relax your mind too. If you lose control of your emotions, you are very likely to hand over the victory of the game to your opponent. If you don't manage to return several hits in a row, don't get mad, but counterattack. Don't give up until the game is over. In table tennis, the direction of the game can be reversed very suddenly
Part 3 of 3: Playing Better
Step 1. Use only your own bet
Every bet is different. Each feels different and has its own characteristics. If you want to feel relaxed and calm and play at your best, use your own bet. You know the bet well, how to play it and how it performs, unlike other bets you don't know. Using other people's equipment will result in inconsistent playing performance.
Because it functions like your own main arm, take good care of your bat. Store the bat in a special holster or bag when not in use. Clean with soap and warm water on a flat surface (rubber sponge with dots inward). Or, you can use a special cleaning agent for the bat, so that it is always in top condition
Step 2. Practice on your own
If you need to practice hitting consistency, try practicing alone against a wall. Practice each type of stroke, improve the twist, distance and speed of each stroke. This will also help you get to know the "feel" of your bet and understand the characteristics of each stroke and movement.
You can also use the floor as a means of practicing twisting. Practice hitting downwards until the ball is pointing back at you. Then, try twisting it at different angles as well
Step 3. Practice “all the time”
Practice won't allow you to play perfectly without any mistakes, but practice creates habits. If you practice all the time, you will understand everything about this table tennis game, including your own movements and responses. Your hitting will become more consistent and the ball's direction will become more accurate. So whether you're training alone, with a friend, or in the form of a competitive game, practice all the time.
However, in the early stages, you need to just practice without participating in competitive games first. It's easy to get frustrated at something that looks so simple when it really isn't. After all, table tennis is indeed a sport that is officially competed in various parts of the world
Step 4. Practice until your movements become natural
When you are just starting to learn to master a sport or trying to develop a skill, all your mental energy and focus will be concentrated on thinking about it. In order to relax and develop your technique, you must go through this initial stage. Keep playing until your movements become automatic and you don't have to think about your response to the incoming ball or the direction of the ball.
Think of playing table tennis as driving a car. At first, you are nervous and overwhelmed when you face everything that is happening around you. But now you're used to driving a car, and don't remember every detail of how. It's the same with table tennis. Just relax and let things happen naturally
Step 5. Join a specific league or club
If your only playmates are your uncle and the neighbor's 8 year old kid, your game will never improve. Join a local league or club and find table tennis players who can help develop your own skill set. Don't worry about your current skill level, as most clubs accept players of any skill level, from beginners to professional players.
