How to Smash a Ping Pong Ball

The forehand smash is one of the most fun Ping Pong/Table Tennis moves. The forehand smash is an extended, more powerful version of the counter. With plenty of practice, you should be able to smash a ball that is just six to ten inches high, leaving your opponent stunned and hard pressed for a return.

Instructions

    • 1

      Play a forehand smash in the middle of a rally. Force the opponent back from the table. Use a strong attack to the backhand side of the opponent, causing him to stand far to his own backhand side.

    • 2

      Add a longer backswing to the counter. Shift your weight hard from the back leg to the front.

    • 3

      Quickly accelerate your forearm through the table tennis ball. Turn your shoulder and hip so that contact with the ball occurs at its peak bounce.

    • 4

      Let your arm swing up and over your left shoulder after contacting the ball. Follow through in a salute to the forehead as an alternate way of ending the swing.

    • 5

      Try both swings to see which is the most comfortable. Keep your shoulders square to the floor throughout the stroke on either swing.

    • 6

      Practice the smash by hitting balls that are 18 to 24 inches high. Practice until you are able to swing at balls that are six to ten inches high.