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Forehand smash

Table tennis / Popular

Finish high balls with a flat, powerful smash.

What coaches agree on

  • Make contact at the top of the ball's bounce - that gives you the best balance of power and control.
  • Generate your power by shifting your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you rotate your hips and torso through the shot.
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  • Meet the ball with a flat racket face rather than brushing it - a flat strike is what gives the smash its speed.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging mainly from the arm and shoulder in a big, haymaker-style motion - it's inconsistent and puts strain on the shoulder joint.
  • Starting the racket high and dragging it straight down through the ball instead of driving forward, which knocks the shot into the net.
  • Trying to smash the ball as hard as possible, especially from an awkward position, instead of placing it well.
Forehand Smash - Table Tennis
Beginner

Forehand Smash - Table Tennis

Coach's take: Nail the flat contact and the early footwork and you're most of the way there — solid starting point.

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