How to Push and Chop in Table Tennis

Just like there are many different ways to serve a table tennis ball, there are also many ways to return a table tennis serve. How you return the ball depends on what type of spin your opponent puts on the ball during the serve. Two of these return strokes are the push and the chop. While the push is an offensive technique, the chop is more defensive.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the racket almost parallel to the table for a push. Tilt the racket only slightly toward your opponent.

    • 2

      Meet the table tennis ball when you push. For the push you want to move your racket out over the table to meet the ball.

    • 3

      Keep your upper arm still when you push. Push the ball by moving your elbow and by flicking your wrist.

    • 4

      Return a hard shot using a chop. With a hard serve you will not have time to meet the ball over the table.

    • 5

      Take a step back before you chop. For this defensive swing, you'll return the ball from behind the table.

    • 6

      Chop the table tennis ball with a big swing. Hold the racket the same way you hold it for a push, but use mostly your shoulder and upper arm for the stroke while keeping your wrist still.

    • 7

      Use the push and chop when your table tennis opponent serves with underspin. The push and chop will also put underspin on the ball and you want to return the ball with the same spin as it was served. If you attempt to return an underspin serve with a top spin you'll likely drive the ball into the net.