Contact Us
TableTennis.com
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm CT
855.691.3189
info@tabletennis.com
1044 Avondale Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075 USA
This column discusses the use of a table tennis robot in learning ping pong strokes, styles, and techniques. Richard McAfee is one of America's most active and recognized coaches. Certified as an International Coach by USA Table Tennis, he was selected as a USOC (US Olympic Committee) Developmental Coach of the Year. He organized and directed the Eastern Table Tennis Training Center and the Anderson College Table Tennis Team. He served as the Table Tennis Competition Manager for the 1996 Summer Olympics and recently was selected as an ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Pro Tour Director. Currently he is Head Table Tennis Coach at the prestigious Sporting Club At Windy Hill in Atlanta, GA.
This article is unique because the information it contains impacts every stroke in the game. These concepts cut across all differences in grips, playing style, and personal technique. Strict adherence to these principals is necessary for any individual stroke to be successful.
STROKE TIMING (Changes according to type of ball being struck.) | ||||
Stroke | Rising | Top | Falling | |
Counter | • | • | ||
Fast Loop | • | |||
Slow Loop | • | • | ||
Reloop Off Bounce | • | |||
Reloop, Mid-Range | • | • | ||
Push, Normal | • | • | ||
Push, Fast | • | |||
Chop | • | |||
Block Against Loop | • |
DIRECTION OF STROKE FORCE (Changes according to type of ball being struck.) | |
Type of Incoming Ball | Stroke Direction |
Against Topspin | Down & Forward |
Against Backspin | Up & Forward |
Against Right Sidespin | To Your Left & Forward |
Against Left Sidespin | To Your Right & Forward |
Against a High Ball | Downward |
Against a Low Ball | Upward |
Area Of Contact For Various Strokes (Changes according to type of ball being struck.) |
|
Stroke |
Contact Area On Ball |
Counter Against Topspin |
Above Center |
Kill Against Backspin |
Center |
Slow Loop Against Backspin |
Center Or Below Center |
Fast Loop Against Backspin |
Center Or Above Center |
Reloop From Mid-Distance |
Center Or Below Center |
Reloop From Close To Table |
Top |
Push Against Backspin |
Below Center To Bottom |
Chop Against Topspin |
Center Or Below Center |
Definition of "Front" and "Center" of Ball |
![]() |
The area of the ball facing the direction of travel defines the “Front” of the ball. The Front does not change even if the ball is spinning. When you are aiming for a spot on the ball you must also consider the stroke timing that you are using.
Here is an example of how the contact point on the ball will change with the timing you use. Let’s assume that your opponent chops a ball to your forehand that you wish to loop. According to the chart on where to contact the ball for this stroke, the contact should be below the center of the “front” of the ball. Now look above at where that point on the ball would be when the ball is struck at the top of the bounce. Now compare how that location would change if you let the ball fall. You can see how your racket angle would have to change as your timing changes.
TableTennis.com is owned and operated by Newgy Industries, Inc.
TableTennis.com
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm CT
855.691.3189
info@tabletennis.com
1044 Avondale Rd.
Hendersonville, TN 37075 USA
Add a comment