How to Put Spin on a Ping Pong Ball

Ping pong is a fun recreational game that anyone can play in tournaments and competitions. One way to truly impress your opponent with your skill is learning how to put spin on a ping pong ball. There are different spins that you can add to your arsenal.

1. First: Toss and downward spin

   For the downward spin, start by tossing your ball in the air before serving. Strike it on a downward angle so that it creates an underspin, and therefore propels the ball over the net to your opponent’s side. The sharp downward angle makes the ball stay low, making it difficult for your opponent to hit.

2. Second: Beating a forehand hitter with a spin

   To beat a forehand winner, angle your paddle to about 45 degrees, and hit the top of the ball. Make sure to completely follow through to create more spin and a sharper downward angle. Avoid hitting the ball with the flat side of the paddle since it could miss the table.

3. Third: Deep backhanding spin

   For a good deep backhand with spin, hit the underside of your ball by taking downward slashing strokes to keep it really on the table. Use the same 45 degree angle you did in the previous step, but hit it at the bottom of the ball for a deeper underspin.

4. Fourth: Side spin

   To create a forward spin, toss the ball straight up in the air, and with the forehand surface of the paddle, hit the right side of the ball. The angle of that forward stroke determines whether you want the ball to travel right or left, thus creating a side spin. Your opponent has to move quickly, and it is possible that any shot to that area would have lost momentum and result in a victory for you.