How to Play Defense in Table Tennis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. In table tennis, playing defensively can be your entire strategy.

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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

Step 1

Play for control. Your main priority is to safely return every hit that comes to you.
Step 2

Let your opponent make the mistakes. Play it safe.
Step 3

Play back from the table. Play the ball late and low, to slow down the game.
Step 4

Use chop shots, lob shots and blocks (see Related eHows section).
Step 5

Use as much spin as you safely can, but make sure each shot lands on the table.
Step 6

Take advantage of offensive opportunities.
Step 7

Stay calm. Let your opponent make mistakes. Long defensive rallies will often open up offensive opportunities. Don't pass these by just because you are playing defensively - score when you can.

Tips & Warnings

Playing defensively works better against very aggressive opponents. Two defensive players end up playing very long games.

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Comments

yeu351 said

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on 6/12/2008 I'm a defensive player using a Stiger Allround WRB oversized blade with a Stiger Chop & Drive 1.1 mm rubber sheet on the forehand and a Friendship 755 long pips (no sponge) on the backhand. Following the above instructions, I was able to defeat a lot of aggressive opponents. Actually, I won a lot more games than I lost! Be careful that you opponents will urge you to attack saying something like "Why don't you attack?" or "Why do you play so defensively?", etc. Well, just ignore them. Concentrate on chopping & controlling the ball. Attack when the opportunity comes. Enjoy & laugh at the final winning moment!