Introduction to backhand chop in table tennis
Table Tennis, also known as ping pong, is a very popular indoor game. It is an exciting and fast-paced sport which requires players to have a wide range of skills, such as speed, agility, and accuracy. One of the most important shots in table tennis is the backhand chop. It is a defensive shot which is used to disrupt the opponent’s attacking game. The backhand chop can be used to return a variety of serves and shots, including topspin, backspin, and no-spin shots. In this article, we will look at how to do a backhand chop in table tennis.
What is a backhand chop?
A backhand chop is a defensive shot in table tennis which is used to disrupt an opponent’s attacking game. It is a shot which is played with the backhand side of the racket and is used to return a variety of shots, including topspin, backspin, and no-spin shots. The backhand chop is an important shot as it allows players to keep their opponents off balance and gives them time to prepare for their next move.
How to hold the racket for a backhand chop?
The first step in doing a backhand chop is to hold the racket correctly. The grip used for the backhand chop is slightly different from the grip used for other shots. To hold the racket correctly, the player should start by gripping the racket with the index and middle fingers on the forehand side of the racket, and the thumb and ring finger on the backhand side. The grip should be relaxed and the thumb should be pointing towards the ground.
Positioning the body for a backhand chop
The second step in doing a backhand chop is to position the body correctly. The player should stand sideways with the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart. The player should also bend the knees slightly and lean forward, with the non-dominant arm pointing towards the opponent. The player should also make sure that the racket is in front of the body, and the elbow should be pointing towards the ground.
Executing the stroke for a backhand chop
The third step in doing a backhand chop is to execute the stroke correctly. The player should start the stroke by pushing the racket downwards towards the ball. The racket should then be swung up and over the ball, with the backhand side of the racket facing towards the ball. The player should then contact the ball with the backhand side of the racket and follow through the stroke until the arm is pointing towards the sky.
Timing a backhand chop
Timing is one of the most important aspects of a backhand chop. The player should time the shot correctly in order to return the ball with the desired spin and speed. To time the shot correctly, the player should start the stroke as soon as the ball crosses the net and make contact with the ball as it is about to bounce.
Returning spin shots with a backhand chop
The backhand chop can be used to return spin shots, such as topspin and backspin shots. To return a topspin shot, the player should contact the ball with the backhand side of the racket and follow through the stroke until the arm is pointing towards the sky. To return a backspin shot, the player should contact the ball with the backhand side of the racket and follow through the stroke until the arm is pointing downwards.
Returning no-spin shots with a backhand chop
The backhand chop can also be used to return no-spin shots. To return a no-spin shot, the player should contact the ball with the backhand side of the racket and follow through the stroke until the arm is pointing downwards.
Practice tips for a backhand chop
The backhand chop is an important shot which requires a lot of practice in order to master. Here are some practice tips for improving your backhand chop:
Focus on grip
- Grip the racket with the index and middle fingers on the forehand side of the racket, and the thumb and ring finger on the backhand side.
- Make sure the grip is relaxed and the thumb is pointing towards the ground.
Practice footwork
- Practice footwork and positioning by standing sideways with the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
- Bend the knees slightly and lean forward, with the non-dominant arm pointing towards the opponent.
- Make sure the racket is in front of the body, and the elbow is pointing towards the ground.
Focus on timing
- Start the stroke as soon as the ball crosses the net.
- Make contact with the ball as it is about to bounce.
- Timing is one of the most important aspects of the backhand chop.
Conclusion
The backhand chop is an important shot in table tennis which requires a lot of practice in order to master. It is a defensive shot which is used to disrupt the opponent’s attacking game. In this article, we have looked at how to do a backhand chop in table tennis, including how to hold the racket, position the body, execute the stroke, and time the shot correctly. We have also looked at how to return spin and no-spin shots with a backhand chop. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn how to do a backhand chop in table tennis.