How to Do a Forehand Push in Table Tennis

The forehand push is the most basic forehand shot. It is a vital skill for any table tennis player.

Things You'll Need

  • Athletic Gear
  • Table Tennis Balls
  • Table Tennis Nets
  • Table Tennis Paddles
  • Table Tennis Playing Tables
  • Table Tennis Video
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start in your basic ready position, with your feet shoulder width apart and shoulders squared off to your opponent.

    • 2

      Notice the ball coming to your forehand.

    • 3

      Backswing your forearm away from your body so that it is almost parallel to the baseline of the table. Keep your elbow close to your hip. In your backswing, draw your paddle back, not your elbow.

    • 4

      Pivot your hips slightly in the same direction as your backswing, so that they are at a forty-five degree angle to the baseline.

    • 5

      Hold the face of your paddle slightly open (facing up) throughout your swing - this will give the ball a slight backspin. Allow your wrist to drop back a little.

    • 6

      Push your paddle forward into the path of the ball, pivoting your hips back to the ready position.

    • 7

      Hit the ball in the center of the paddle.

    • 8

      Push through the ball, being careful not to slap or jerk at it. Move your wrist forward to "catch up" with the steady forward stroke of your arm as you push. Follow through so that the paddle is pointing to where you want the ball to go and your arm is extended. Your hips should rotate just past the ready position.