Study the psychomotor coordination required to execute a successful table tennis serve
The ball and racket must be behind and above the table during the serve. From the upturned palm of the server's motionless free hand, the ball is tossed upward and struck as it falls so that it first hits the server's half of the table, travels over (or around) the net, and then hits the opponent's half of the table.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Serve
The ball and racket must be behind and above the table during the serve. From the upturned palm of the server's motionless free hand, the ball is tossed upward and struck as it falls so that it first hits the server's half of the table, travels over (or around) the net, and then hits the opponent's half of the table.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Forehand chop
The forehand chop is executed away from the table and when the ball is on its way down. The player, standing in a square-on position, swings downward while "brushing" or grazing the lower half of the ball with an open racket face (the top of the blade tipped away from the net). This imparts backspin to the ball. A quick, smooth follow-through is desirable.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Forehand loop
Loop shots are executed away from the table and when the ball is on its way down. The player swings upward while "brushing" or grazing the upper half of the ball with a closed racket face (the top of the blade tipped toward the net). This imparts topspin to the ball.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Forehand drive
The drive is executed close to the table so the ball may be struck at the peak of its arc. The object is speed instead of spin, so the player hits through the ball, which is directed slightly downward over the net in a low arc.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of the first Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia, Greece.
