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Table tennis - essential skills and techniques Table tennis forehand smash

These essential skills and step-by-step resources will explain the techniques required to successfully perform a range of actions in table tennis.

Part ofPhysical EducationTable Tennis

Table tennis forehand smash

The forehand smash is a fast, hard and powerful stroke that aims to force the opponent away from the table or to win a point outright. However, the shot is not always about force and requires the player to use good timing, technique and precision simultaneously.

Stage one

  • As the ball is returned, stand in position on the balls of your feet, with knees slightly flexed.
  • Face sideways with your shoulder pointing towards the target.
  • Body weight should be on the back foot.

Stage two

  • When ready to strike the ball, point your free arm towards the ball.
  • Raise the racket to a high position to generate downwards and forwards power.

Stage three

  • As the ball bounces off the table, rotate your body quickly to face forwards.
  • Aim to hit the ball at its highest point.
  • Transfer body weight from back to front foot.
  • Return back to ready position for the next shot.

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