How to Curve a Ping Pong Ball

Ping pong, or table tennis as it's sometimes referred to, is one of the coolest home games around. With just a couple of paddles, a ping pong ball and a table, you can while way the hours playing at home tournaments with friends and family. Well here are some tips on how to curve a ping pong ball to really help throw off your opponent.

Things You'll Need

  • Ping pong ball
  • Ping pong table
  • Ping pong paddle
  • Opponent (with a paddle as well)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look for a ball with very little spin on it. As you play a point in ping pong, certain players will try and throw you off by placing a spin on the ball. To get a good curve when you hit the ping pong ball, look for a ball that is traveling toward you in a straight line. This means there is minimal spin.

    • 2

      Get your paddle in the back-hand position. This means that as you are holding the ping pong paddle, the back of your hand is facing your opponent. Note that you do not want to be holding the paddle with your fingers on the blade itself. This is a common grip for forehand players; however you run the risk of the ball bouncing off your fingers and giving your opponent the point.

    • 3

      Slice the blade of your ping pong paddle so that as it strikes the ball your elbow is moving to the outside of your body. (Think of yourself elbowing somebody next to you.) As the blade makes contact with the ball, you will be causing the ball to spin in the opposite direction that your arm is moving.) This will cause the ball to curve. As it moves back over the net, the ball will bow outward before diving back toward the table. This curve will hopefully catch your opponent off guard.