Ping! Mastering the Skills of Table Tennis

Have you ever watched a table tennis match and wondered how players hit the ball so fast and accurately? Table tennis is one of the quickest sports in the world — the ball can travel at over 100 kilometres per hour! Before we start, think about this: if you wanted to hit a very light, bouncy ball back and forth across a low net, what skills do you think you would need?

Table tennis has four main skills every player needs to learn. Let's explore each one. **1. The Ready Position** Before every shot, you stand in the ready position. This means your feet are shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight leaning a little forward on your toes. Hold your paddle in front of you with your elbow bent. The ready position lets you move quickly in any direction. **2. The Forehand Drive** The forehand drive is used when the ball comes to the side of your hitting hand. Stand sideways to the table. Swing your paddle forward and upward, brushing the back of the ball. Your arm moves from low to high — like drawing a diagonal line in the air. This shot sends the ball with topspin, which means it dips down quickly after it crosses the net. **3. The Backhand Push** The backhand push is used when the ball comes to the other side of your body. Bring your paddle across your body and push it forward, keeping your elbow close to your side. This shot keeps the ball low and controlled. It is great for returning a tricky shot from your opponent. **4. The Serve** The serve is how every point in table tennis begins. You must hold the ball flat on an open hand, toss it at least 16 centimetres into the air, then hit it so it bounces once on your side of the table and once on your opponent's side. Your free hand must stay above the table surface when you serve. **Worked Example: Putting It Together** Imagine the ball is coming straight at you, slightly to your right. You are in the ready position — knees bent, paddle up. The ball lands on your right side, so you choose the forehand drive. You turn your shoulder, swing low to high, and brush the back of the ball. It flies over the net with topspin and lands on the other side. Well played!