How to Teach a Beginner to Play Table Tennis

Table tennis is far more enjoyable after you've mastered the basics. But the old saying about having to crawl before you can walk is true with this sport. Here's how to get the beginner through the crawling stage.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ping pong table
• Ping pong paddles
• Ping pong ball
• Plenty of patience

1. Find either a sand paper or dimpled rubber paddle for the beginner to use. Thick, foamy rubberized paddles are for more advanced players looking to create spin on the ball.

2. Allow the player to grip the paddle however it makes her comfortable. Make certain, however, that she is able to hit the ball with the paddle perpendicular to the playing surface on both the forehand and backhand.

3. 
   Easy does it!

   Hit the ball slowly to the student. Start with 20 forehands, then hit 20 backhands. If she is consistently hitting the ball over the net, begin mixing it up. Keep the student's elbow slightly bent.

4. Angle the ball away from the student on both the forehand and backhand sides. Repetition and the ability to hit the ball while moving will be keys to success.

5. Encourage the student. No matter how experienced the teacher is, she shouldn't forget that the student is a beginner. Don't allow her to get discouraged.

Tips & Warnings

• If it appears the student is becoming stronger at either the forehand or backhand, pepper shots to the weaker side. He should not become too dependent on either side.
• Table tennis is an enjoyable game. Don't take the instructing of others too seriously. If the student doesn't have fun, he won't continue to play. Laugh off the mistakes and praise the successes.