Table tennis is a sport that requires a great deal of skill and technique. One of the most important aspects of the game is the ability to spin the ball. There are three main types of spin that can be applied to the ball in table tennis: backspin, topspin, and side spin. Backspin is the most commonly used spin by amateur players.
It is relatively easy to do and can be achieved by using a push. The ball will travel slowly and bounce when it touches the table, making it easy to attack with a topspin. For those who like to play a helicopter style, backspin is a great option. Topspin is another popular spin in table tennis.
Due to the Magnus effect, the ball will tend to fall more on the table, making it an ideal attack for many players. The ball with topspin will jump forward and down when it hits the table. In addition to these two spins, players can also add a side twist to their shots. Left-handed players such as Xu Xin often use this technique to add more power and spin to their loop shots.
This type of spin is known as a lateral turn or hook shot and can be difficult for opponents to block. Mixed spin is also possible in table tennis. This involves combining different types of spin such as pure lateral turn and pure upper turn to create a superior spin. This type of spin can be used for service or away from the table shots.
When applying spin to the ball, it is important to remember that contact time is very short (1 ms). Therefore, it is important to speed up at the right moment before contact with the ball. It is also important to remember that turning with the push side does not require as much speed as turning with the pull side. Advanced players can use stiffer balls, rackets, and rubbers to produce more spin and speed on their shots. When learning how to apply spin, it is important not to give up even if most of your shots float right at the end of the table.
With practice and dedication, you will eventually master all three types of spins and be able to use them effectively against your opponents.
