Forehand and backhand basics

Here are two of the most basic strokes you'll need to learn when starting out in table tennis.

These techniques are called "forehand" and "backhand."

When you practice with your friends, the first thing you do when you sit down at the table is to practice forehand shots.

The forehand is a shot used to deal with balls that come to your dominant hand side.
In contrast, a backhand is a shot where you hit the ball when it comes to the side that isn't holding the racket.

For both forehand and backhand, the technique differs depending on the ball's spin, such as forward spin or backspin (underspin).

This time, we will explain how to hit a "forward-spinning ball."

forehand

There are five main points.

① Stand with a racket-length gap between you and the table.

Maintaining a safe distance from the platform allows you to effectively utilize body rotation.

② Take a stance wider than shoulder-width apart, with your feet slightly one in front of the other.

(For right-handed people, the left foot should be forward / For left-handed people, the right foot should be forward)
Be careful not to lean too far forward or backward! If your stance is too narrow, your head will wobble, so be careful.

③ Bend your elbow to a 90° angle and hit the ball while being conscious of twisting your body.

Keep your elbows about a fist's width away from your body.

④ Keep both arms at the same height.

If the hand not holding the racket hangs loosely downwards, you won't be able to hit the ball well. Maintain balance between your left and right sides as you swing.

⑤ Maintain your balance while shifting your weight.

When shifting your weight, do so in a rhythmic manner: right-handed people should shift their weight from right to left, and left-handed people from left to right, as you swing.

backhand

There are five main points.

① The distance to the table is the same as for a forehand, and the feet are parallel.

They should be almost parallel, but position the foot that is on the outside of the platform about half a shoe width forward.

② Set the racket in front of your stomach and keep your elbow straight.

Place the racket in front of your navel, and assume a stance where your forearm (from wrist to elbow) is parallel to the table. Swing the racket forward while maintaining this stance.

③ Use the spring action of your knees to hit the ball.

However, instead of focusing on the image of "hitting," try to think of it as "sending" or "carrying."
When your opponent hits the ball, slightly bend your knees and hit the ball in time with their shot, maintaining a rhythm as you send it towards their court.

④ Swing the racket diagonally upwards from slightly below the ball.

If you hit the ball by pressing down on it from above, it won't go over the net, so swing your racket with the back of the ball slightly upwards.

⑤ Don't cover the ball too much with the racket face; make sure to expose the racket face properly when hitting the ball.

If you point the racket face downwards, you won't be able to hit the ball over the net. Focus on making solid contact with the ball when you hit it.

There are five key points for both forehand and backhand! Don't overthink it, just try hitting the ball! (^^)

By mastering the fundamentals, you'll be able to keep rallies going for much longer!
Focus on hitting the ball with good rhythm and precision until the very end.

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