Table Tennis Backhand Lesson: Master the Basics

Summary

This video guides players through mastering the table tennis backhand by focusing on three critical factors: proper leg position, correct start position with the racket, and a precise finish position, known as the 'selfie' pose. It highlights common mistakes such as standing side-on, moving the elbow excessively, and not completing the stroke, while providing practical tips to correct them. Viewers are encouraged to practice slowly and consistently, gradually increasing repetitions and stroke speed to develop Top Spin and control. The tutorial also introduces the next step: learning the backhand push to handle backspin effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper leg positioning is crucial: feet wide apart, knees bent, facing the direction you want the ball to go.
• 😀 Start with your racket on your belly, with the bat facing exactly where you want the ball to head.
• 😀 Finish in a 'selfie position,' mimicking taking a selfie with your table tennis racket.
• 😀 Avoid standing side-on, which is common in tennis but not ideal for table tennis; stay square to the table.
• 😀 Keep your elbow steady; don't move it around excessively, as this affects racket position and finish.
• 😀 Always finish your stroke; just patting the ball does not generate Top Spin or speed.
• 😀 Begin training slowly and consistently, focusing on leg, start, and finish positions.
• 😀 Aim for small, consistent sets first (5–10 backhands in a row) before gradually increasing repetitions.
• 😀 Once comfortable, increase the consistency and speed of your strokes to improve performance.
• 😀 Increase stroke speed by accelerating your racket from the start to the finish position.
• 😀 Counter hits are effective for generating Top Spin.
• 😀 For backspin situations, a different technique called the 'backhand push' is recommended.

Q & A

What are the three critical factors for performing a proper table tennis backhand?

The three critical factors are: 1) Leg position – feet wide apart, knees bent, facing the direction of the ball, 2) Start position – racket at belly level with the bat facing where you want the ball to go, 3) Finish position – finishing in a 'selfie' position with the racket.

Why is it important to keep your elbow still during a backhand stroke?

Keeping your elbow still prevents the racket from moving to the wrong side of your body or ending in a poor finish position, which ensures better control and consistency in the stroke.

What is a common mistake beginners make with their stance?

Beginners often stand side-on, which is suitable for tennis but not for table tennis. The correct stance is square to the table to be ready for both backhand and forehand shots.

Why is finishing the stroke important when practicing backhands?

Finishing the stroke generates topspin and allows for faster shots. Without completing the stroke, players only pat the ball back and cannot hit it effectively.

How should beginners practice to develop a consistent backhand?

Beginners should practice slowly and consistently, aiming for 5–10 correct repetitions in a row before gradually increasing the number of repetitions.

How can you increase the speed of your backhand stroke?

Once you have mastered the feel and consistency of the stroke, you can increase the speed by moving the racket faster from the start position to the finish position.

What metaphor is used to describe the backhand finish position?

The finish position is described as a 'selfie' position, as if taking a selfie with the racket, which helps visualize proper stroke completion.

What type of stroke is good for generating topspin?

Counter hits are effective for generating topspin in table tennis.

How does practicing slow, consistent strokes benefit players?

Slow, consistent practice helps players develop muscle memory, improve accuracy, and build a foundation for faster and more consistent strokes in the future.

What additional skill is introduced after mastering the backhand stroke?

After mastering the backhand stroke, players can focus on the backhand push, which is used to handle backspin shots.