Learning to play table tennis: tips and exercises
Exercises and tips to improve at table tennis
Learning to play table tennis is not always easy. Here you will find all the information and tutorials to help you progress at table tennis. With these tips, the serve, forehand, backhand and topspin will hold no more secrets for you.
Table tennis basics for beginners
Holding your racket and serving
The grip is the position of your fingers on the handle and blade. Holding your racket correctly gives you maximum feel and makes it easy to play forehand and backhand. The starting point of every rally, the serve is the only stroke in which the ball must first bounce on your side of the table before crossing the net. As you learn, it can become a formidable weapon!
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Footwork in table tennis
During a rally, the ball rarely lands in the same place twice. To play it in good conditions and be effective, you need to move quickly. There are two types of movement: lateral (left to right) and in depth (forward and back).
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The tactical basics of table tennis
Table tennis, the ultimate duel sport, demands skill and precision. A player’s aim must be to end the rally, that is, to win the point by leaving your opponent unable to return the ball to the table. Here are a few ideas that will help make the difference.
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Actions on the ball
Carrying: the most basic action on the ball. The aim is to control the ball and get used to the feel of the ball on the racket. This allows you to have as many exchanges as possible with your partner.
Hitting: increasing the force with which the racket strikes the ball. The aim is to learn to give the game more speed and discover the feel of changes in rhythm.
Brushing: the action that most characterizes table tennis. It will eventually let you put more or less spin on the ball. Well mastered, this skill will bring huge progress!
Damping: this means feeling and controlling the ball. It requires real control of the force with which the racket meets the ball. The aim is to understand that the right action on the ball lets you control its path.
To master these actions, you need a suitable racket.
Watch the videoEquipment suggestions for beginners
Cornilleau designs equipment for all your needs. Here are our suggestions for beginners.
- For outdoor play
- Outdoor table: suitable for players of all levels, it stands out for its design and durability.
- Tacteo racket: easy to handle, it offers playing performance that will suit most people.
- P-Ball Outdoor Ultradurable: designed specifically for outdoors, these balls are heavier and sturdier to cope with gusts of wind.
- For indoor play
- 300 Indoor table: combines the excellent bounce of chipboard tops with sturdiness inspired by outdoor tables.
- Perform 500 racket: its grippy rubbers guarantee consistent paths and spin in every stroke.
- P-Ball ABS Evolution 1*: training balls designed for regular use.
Experienced players: become a table tennis pro
Footwork and movement
In table tennis, footwork and ball placement are closely linked. The varied placement of your opponent’s balls on your half of the table means you must be ideally positioned to play an effective stroke. Playing quality is therefore closely tied to the quality of your movement. The main steps are: slide step, pivot, slide step + pivot, sprint, crossover step.
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Hitting in table tennis
Along with topspin, the hit is the most used attacking stroke. It gives the ball a very flat path. Combined with increased speed, this stroke is ideal for trying to end the rally and win the point.
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Topspin in table tennis
Unlike the hit, this stroke puts topspin on the ball. Topspin is an attacking stroke that can be varied according to the angle and tilt of the racket at impact. It is the signature stroke of table tennis, as it lets you take the initiative on any kind of ball. Take a close look at all the variations of this essential stroke!
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Block and defense
The block is the ultimate counter-initiative stroke. It can keep the ball on the table against attacks (control block), retake the initiative against a weak attack (active block) or vary the rhythm of play (side and chop blocks). Defensive strokes are generally played far from the table, with the opponent in an attacking position. The aim of defense is to keep the rally going against an opponent trying to end it. These phases of play are very spectacular. There are two types of defense: topspin defense (high ball) and chop defense.
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Serves in table tennis
This is the only closed skill in table tennis: by its nature, a serve does not depend on a shot by the opponent. This makes it much more than a simple way to start play. The serve shapes the whole rally that follows, so it deserves close attention.
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Returning serve
One of the challenges in table tennis is to take the initiative before your opponent, to end the rally first or force an error. This results in a general tendency among players, especially at high level, to serve short. It is therefore essential to be effective on this type of serve!
Watch the videoEquipment for competition players
Discover the equipment Cornilleau has specially designed for competition players.
- 850 W table: the benchmark among competition tables.
- Excell 3000 Carbon racket: a true benchmark for OFF+ players.
- P-Ball ABS EVO *** ITTF X3 balls: the balls used in international competitions.
FAQ: learning to play table tennis
What is the difference between ping pong and table tennis?
Ping pong and table tennis are the same sport. “Table tennis” is the official name recognized by the International Federation and used in competition. “Ping pong” is the popular name, more commonly used for leisure and family play. At Cornilleau, both names coexist, as each form of play has its own range of suitable equipment.
Can you learn table tennis on your own?
Yes. It is entirely possible to progress at table tennis on your own. Some basic exercises, such as working on actions on the ball (carrying, hitting, brushing), can be practiced against a wall or flat surface. Cornilleau also offers tables with a solo mode, which let you fold up one side of the top to train alone and work on your strokes and reflexes without a partner.
How long does it take to improve?
Progress depends on how regularly you play and the quality of your equipment. A beginner who trains two or three times a week can master the basics (serve, forehand, backhand) in a few months. The exercises in this guide, combined with equipment suited to your level, allow you to progress quickly and reach an experienced level in less than a year of regular practice.
At what age can you start?
Table tennis is accessible from a very young age. Children can start from the age of 5 or 6 with suitable equipment. Cornilleau offers mini tables and light rackets designed for the youngest players, for a gradual and playful introduction. Table tennis is also particularly recommended for developing coordination, reflexes and concentration in children.
How do exercises for beginners differ from those for experienced players?
For beginners, exercises focus on the fundamentals: holding the racket, the serve, basic movement and the four actions on the ball (carrying, hitting, brushing, damping). For experienced players, exercises aim to master topspin, spin serves, returns and tactical sequences. This guide offers videos for each of these levels, so you can progress at your own pace.
