How to Smash a Ping Pong Ball

The forehand smash is one of the most fun Ping Pong/Table Tennis moves. The forehand smash is an extended, more powerful version of the counter. With plenty of practice, you should be able to smash a ball that is just six to ten inches high, leaving your opponent stunned and hard pressed for a return.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Play a forehand smash in the middle of a rally. Force the opponent back from the table. Use a strong attack to the backhand side of the opponent, causing him to stand far to his own backhand side.

2. Add a longer backswing to the counter. Shift your weight hard from the back leg to the front.

3. Quickly accelerate your forearm through the table tennis ball. Turn your shoulder and hip so that contact with the ball occurs at its peak bounce.

4. Let your arm swing up and over your left shoulder after contacting the ball. Follow through in a salute to the forehead as an alternate way of ending the swing.

5. Try both swings to see which is the most comfortable. Keep your shoulders square to the floor throughout the stroke on either swing.

6. Practice the smash by hitting balls that are 18 to 24 inches high. Practice until you are able to swing at balls that are six to ten inches high.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice with a robot before using the smash in a game.
• Start slowly. The added backswing and longer follow-through take more time, making it more difficult to get ready for the next hit.

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