How to Do a Backhand Chop in Table Tennis

Named for its downward cleaving motion, the chop is a classic defensive stroke that lands the ball short on your opponent's side with a very heavy backspin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Gear
• Table Tennis Balls
• Table Tennis Nets
• Table Tennis Paddles
• Table Tennis Playing Tables
• Table Tennis Video

1. Anticipate your opponent's attack shot and retreat a step or two back from the table to allow the ball to drop. The harder your opponent attacks, the further you must retreat from the table.

2. Pivot your hips and shoulders as you draw the paddle across your chest to about head height. Cock your wrist back toward your head.

3. Point your elbow toward your target.

4. Swing from your forearm, leading with your elbow, as you chop down on the ball. Keep your paddle face very open (facing up).

5. Snap your wrist as your strike the ball.

6. Time your chop to take the ball at about thigh height.

7. Strike the ball in the center of your paddle, keeping its face very open.

8. Follow through, down and forward, until your arm is fully extended and the paddle is at about waist height.

9. Make sure the motion of your stroke is continuous from beginning to end, with no stopping.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice this stroke without the ball. When you are actually playing, you will not have time to think in step-by-step terms. Practice enough so that your paddle moves on a fixed path.
• Work for control in the beginning, and the backspin will come on its own.

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on 6/30/2006 You start with the ball in your left hand (or right). Holding your pedal side ways, quickly hit the ball on the side. The ball will go first to the right and then spin back to the left.