If you are a beginner and just getting started with ping pong (table tennis), you may want to learn how to spin a ping pong ball. But this technique is not for completely new players, you should be familiar with table tennis to a certain extent before learning to spin a ping pong ball.
In this guide, we will teach you the basics of how to spin a ping pong ball. By the end of this guide, you should be able to hit topspin, backspin, and sidespin on a service or during the game.
Let’s get started!
What is a spin on a ping pong ball?
First, you need to understand exactly what spin is in ping pong before you can learn it.
A spin on a ping pong ball is when the ball rotates around itself as it flies through the air. The amount of spin on the ball depends on how you hit it with your paddle.
The purpose of putting a spin on a ping pong ball is to make the ball travel in a curved path. This can make it difficult for your opponent to hit the ball because they will not be able to predict where the ball will go. Additionally, it makes it harder to return a ball with spin.
You can learn more about the mechanism behind a spin.
The 3 types of spin in ping pong
Before learning to add spin to the ping pong balls, you need to know the different types of spin in ping pong, which is the key to success in this sport.
There are 3 main types of spin:
- Topspin
- Backspin
- Sidespin
For a beginner, it is best to learn the basic topspin and backspin. These are the two most common types of spin in ping pong.
Topspin
Topspin is the most common spin you will see in a game of ping-pong. It is also the easiest to master. This is because all you need to do is hit the ball with a down-facing racket. The ball will then spin forward as it moves toward your opponent.
This is especially useful when you smash the ball (both backhand and forehand). This type of spin usually generates the most speed to the ball and makes it hard for your opponents to react and return the ball.
Backspin
A backspin is generated by hitting the underside of the ball with your racket. This will cause the ball to spin backward as it flies toward your opponent.
Backspins are used to make it harder for your opponent to return the ball above the net. Because of the spin direction, when colliding with the paddle, the ball will tend to bounce down to the table (opponent’s side).
This is useful when you are doing a service or returning a smash. A backspin helps make your serve more tricky. If you are more experienced, you can use backspin to drop the ball close to the net on the opponent’s table.
Sidespin
Sidespin is generated by hitting the ball with your racket at an angle. This will cause the ball to spin to the side as it moves toward your opponent. Sidespins are used to make the ball curve in a different direction than your opponent is expecting.
Why should you spin the ball?
The goal of spinning the ball is to make it harder for the opponent to return it. With topspin, the opponent is likely to hit it off the table on your side. If they receive a backspin, there is a chance they might hit it below the net. And if you put strong sidespin on the ball, the opponent can’t control the direction easily and is likely to hit it off the table.
… and, you get your point!
How to add spin to a ping pong ball?
Here are the steps you need to take to add spin to a ping pong ball:
1. Lower your body
Your body position is really important when adding spin to the ball. You need to bend your knees and lower your body closer to the table surface. This will give you more control over the ball and help you add spin more effectively.
If you stand straight, you can hit the ball with full power, or you may not make it over the net. Bending your knees will also help you move around the table faster and stay more responsive.
2. Hold the paddle properly
As a beginner, you should keep the racket close instead of open. In other words, the paddle should tilt with the hitting side facing downward.
Note: If you hold it 90 degrees with the table, the ball won’t spin and generate as much power.
3. Hit the ball
Now it’s time to learn how you should hit the ball. This step is the most critical to generating a powerful and effective spin. Here are the techniques for different spin types you need to know:
Hit with a Topspin
For topspin, you should hit the ball with the racket toward the opponent. You want to hit the ball above its center. In other words, brush the ball in a slightly upward and forward motion.
You should aim to the edge of the opponent’s table to give them less time to return the ball.
Hit with a Backspin
For backspin, you want to hit the ball below its center. Note that your racket should face upward and moves slightly downward to the opponent’s side upon collision with the ball.
Hit with a Sidespin
Sidespin is generated by hitting the ball on one of its sides. You may either open or close the paddles. This technique is the hardest to master and is only used by intermediate to advanced players.
The purpose often time is to make the ball curve and bounce in an unexpected direction in the event of a return from the opponent (likely to bounce off the table).
How to practice hitting ping pong balls with a spin?
One way to practice spinning is to really improve your ball control skills. You need to develop a feeling of connection between the ball and the paddle.
Set up a small target, like a point on the table or a cup, and try to hit it as many times as possible. This way, you can control the ball’s direction, which will help a lot when it comes to spinning it.
Imagine if you can’t even hit the ball to the target, then you should not learn to spin yet.
After getting more comfortable directing the ball, you can now practice topspin with a partner or a coach. You can do this by taking turns hitting the ball back and forth. The key is to put a spin every time you hit the ball.
You can also buy a spin trainer for a really low price to practice your spin.
We recommend you practice with official high-quality ping pong balls to make the spin accurate.
Conclusion
As in any type of sport, you need to practice over and over again to master a certain skill. The same goes for adding spin to a ping pong ball. With time and practice, you’ll be able to do it easily and maybe even develop your own unique spin.
As a beginner, mastering topspin is recommended, as it is the easiest to perform. You can then gradually move on to backspin and sidespin as you become more comfortable and confident with your skills. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to beat a professional player with your killer spins!