How To Spin A Ping Pong Ball

You will have to understand how to spin a ping pong ball in order to get any good at the game. Ping pong players use different techniques like in any other sport. Some players rely on powerful volleys to beat their opponents into a defensive stance where they cannot retaliate while other players employ more crafty and deceitful methods to lure their opponent into making the wrong moves. Regardless of the style you adopt or how you hold your paddle, you will have to master how to spin a ping pong ball to stay competitive.

1. Back spin. To spin a ping pong ball, you are going to have to learn the correct way to hit the ball. Unlike a powerful smash where you are going for sheer velocity, a spin requires finesse. The back spin is designed to land on the opposing side and spin back towards you in order to throw your opponent off guard. It is a great spin to use after a few hard volleys. To back spin a ping pong ball, start the paddle behind the ball and quickly slice beneath it. Rather than a smash, you want the paddle to just barely skim the underside of the ball.  
2. Top spin. The top spin is a favorite for power players because while you exert a ton of force onto the ball, the downward curve of the ball sends it hurtling towards the table rather than sailing out of bounds. To top spin a ping pong ball you will be doing the opposite of the back spin but will make more contact with the ball. Get your paddle a little beneath the ping pong ball and then smack it while quickly rolling the paddle over the ball to get it spinning. When you master this ping pong shot you will be able to increase you power game quite considerably.  
3. Side spin. Side spins are the easiest to learn in ping pong. You either slice the ball on the left or right side. Shots spun from right to left will result in a ball that bounces to the right. Shots spun from left to right result in a ball that bounces towards the left. To side spin a ping pong ball you will want to whip your paddle across the ball and always remember to follow through. These shots have less power but a good follow through adds a little more zing than just letting the ping pong ball ricochet off your paddle.