How to play table tennis: tips and exercises for beginners and advanced players
Learning to play table tennis is not easy. Here you will find all the information and tutorials to help you progress in the practice of table tennis. Service, forehand, backhand and topspin will no longer have any secrets for you thanks to these tips.
The basics of table tennis for beginners
How to hold your table tennis bat and serve
The grip corresponds to holding the handle and the positioning of the fingers on the bat. Holding your table tennis bat correctly will allow you maximum feeling and to easily play your forehand and backhand drives. At the beginning of each exchange, the service is the only strike where you should bounce the ball on your side of the court before the ball passes over the net. As your training progresses you will see that the serve can become a fantastic weapon!
Footwork in table tennis
During a rally, it is unusual for the table tennis ball to land on the table in the same place twice. To play the ball in the best way possible and to be effective in table tennis, you will have to move quickly. With this in mind, there are two kinds of footwork: lateral footwork (from the left to the right side) and deep footwork (from the front to the back).
Tactical basics in table tennis
Table tennis is a dual sport that requires dexterity and precision. The aim of the player is to break the rally, in other words, to win the point by stopping your opponent from returning the ball on the table. To explore those tactical bases, look at some exercises which will help you to make the difference!
Actions on the ball in table tennis
TO FOLLOW THROUGH THE BALL:
This is the most basic action on the ball. The aim is to control the ball as well as being able to feel the contact between the ball and the bat. This action will allow you to have longer rallies with your partner.
TO STRIKE THE BALL: The purpose of the strike is to increase the strength of the bat when it hits the ball. The aim is to learn how to give more speed to the ball and to discover the feeling produced by variations of rhythm.
TO GIVE SPIN TO THE BALL: This action is the key characteristic of table tennis. It enables the player to give more or less spin to the ball. Well mastered, this skill will be a way to make huge steps forward.
TO SOFTEN THE BALL: To soften the ball means to feel the ball and control it. This action requires a correct balance of the strength of the bat when it hits the ball. The aim is to understand that by adapting your action on the ball, you can determine the course of the ball. For players who appreciate design, Cornilleau's Play-Style table tennis accessories combine aesthetics and performance for a refined playing experience.
Advanced players: become a table tennis pro
Advanced footwork in table tennis
As you know, footwork and ball positioning are closely linked in table tennis. In fact, the variety of balls placed unfavourably on your court means you must be well positioned to play your strike effectively. Therefore, the quality of your play is closely linked to the quality of your footwork. Here are the main types of footwork: Sidestep - This is the most used footwork in table tennis. It allows quick and effective lateral moving near the table tennis table. Swing - The swing is the step that allows you to play a ball which reaches your backhand spot in forehand drive. Usually, it is used to break up the rally either by attacking with a forehand drive or by shifting the rhythm of play. Forward or backward sprint - This step will allow you to move as fast as possible from the front to the back of the playing area. Cross-step - This is the most difficult to use effectively. This step is only used during high range moves.
Technical strikes in table tennis
Attack: This is one of the most used offensive strikes in table tennis. The attack allows you to get a very tight ball course. When used with higher speed, this strike is perfect to break up the rally and win the point.
The topspin in table tennis
Unlike the attack, this strike gives a topspin effect to the ball. The topspin is an offensive strike that you can adjust according to the bat orientation and angle at the time of impact with the ball. This is THE strike of table tennis because it allows you to take the initiative on every type of ball. Look at all the types of topspin you can play!
Block and defence in table tennis
The block is the main counter-attack strike. It allows you to keep the ball on the table against your opponent's attacks (control block) but also to take the initiative of the game against a weak attack (active block) or to change the rhythm of play (lateral block, topspin block...). The defence strikes are usually done quite far away from the table, therefore the opponent is situated in a favourable position allowing him to attack. The aim of the defence is to maintain a continuous rally against an opponent who intends to break it up. These rallies are very spectacular. There are two kinds of defences: topspin defence and backspin defence.
Services in table tennis
This is this only “closed” skill in table tennis, in other words the service is not dependent on a strike played by the opponent. This makes the service a very strategic strike, beyond a simple kick-off. The service has an impact on the rally progress so it is necessary to focus on it carefully.
Return of serve in table tennis
One of the key challenges in table tennis is to take the initiative before your opponent in order to finish the rally before them or to force them into making an error. This challenge is reflected in the general tendency of players, especially at the highest level, to serve short. It is therefore essential to be effective at returning this type of serve.
Discover the equipment specially designed by Cornilleau for competition players
850 W table tennis table: the reference for high-level competition ping pong tables. Excell 3000 Carbon table tennis bat: the ultimate choice for OFF+ players. P-Ball ABS EVO *** ITTF X3 balls: the balls used in international competitions.
[FAQ] Frequently asked questions about learning to play table tennis
What is the difference between ping pong and table tennis?
Ping pong and table tennis refer to the same sport. The term "table tennis" is the official name recognised by the International Table Tennis Federation and used in competition. "Ping pong" is the popular name, more commonly used in recreational and family settings. At Cornilleau, both terms coexist as each style of play has its own dedicated range of equipment.
Can you learn table tennis on your own?
Yes. It is entirely possible to improve at table tennis on your own. Some basic exercises such as working on ball actions (following through, striking, spinning) can be practised against a wall or flat surface. Cornilleau also offers table tennis tables with a solo mode, allowing one side of the table to be folded up so you can train alone and work on your strikes and reflexes without a partner.
How long does it take to improve at table tennis?
Progress in table tennis depends on the regularity of practice and the quality of equipment used. A beginner who trains two to three times a week can master the basics (service, forehand, backhand) within a few months. The exercises in this guide, combined with equipment suited to your level, allow you to progress quickly and reach an advanced level within less than a year of regular practice.
At what age can you start playing table tennis?
Table tennis is a sport accessible from a very young age. Children can start learning from around 5 to 6 years old with suitable equipment. Cornilleau offers mini table tennis tables and lightweight table tennis bats designed for younger players, allowing a gradual and enjoyable introduction to the game. Table tennis is also particularly recommended for developing coordination, reflexes and concentration in children.
What is the difference between a table tennis exercise for beginners and for advanced players?
For beginners, table tennis exercises focus on the fundamentals: holding the bat, the service, basic footwork and the four ball actions (following through, striking, spinning, softening). For advanced players, table tennis drills target the mastery of topspin, spin serves, return of serve and tactical combinations. Cornilleau provides videos in this guide suited to each level so you can progress at your own pace.
