How to Hit a Forehand Smash in Table Tennis

No shot in table tennis can put away an opponent more effectively than the forehand slam. It's easy to smack one that has bounced three-feet high, but learning to rip a topspin smash from table level takes balance, patience and practice.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ping pong table
• Ping pong paddles
• Ping pong ball

1. Find someone who will practice with you. Have him hit strictly forehands. Take a patient mindset. Don't rush the shot. Take your paddle back several inches above the ball and slam it at its peak. Repeat until consistent.

2. Have your friend hit lower forehands. Start working on topspin, which allows players to hit the ball so it raises up, then drops after it reaches the net. Topspins also jump upon landing, making them more difficult to return.

3. Allow the next set of forehands to drop inches below the table. Take your paddle back slightly upturned and about a foot behind your body. Bend your elbow slightly.

4. Work on your follow-through. Make certain the paddle head is perpindicular to the table when contact is made with the ball and parallel to the table when the stroke is completed. That should assure a wicked topspin.

5. Continue practicing the forehand topsin until the timing is perfect. Don't overswing. A quick turn of the paddle creates more power and a quicker hop on the other end of the table than a long, exaggerated stroke.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice never makes perfect, but it can give you one heck of a forehand smash. Play at least several times a week to get your timing down.
• Don't ignore your backhand! The forehand smash is the most fun and effective shot in table tennis, but don't practice it at the expense of your backhand.