How to Do a Forehand Counter Drive

The forehand counter drive is one of the most basic strokes in table tennis. If you’re new to the game but you’re still losing points because you haven’t developed a consistent forehand counter drive, practice the stroke with the assistance of a partner. Improving your counter drive shot involves working on your positioning, movement and stroke mechanics. Once you master the forehand counter drive, use it as a platform to develop advanced forehand strokes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take the proper receiving stance by bending your knees slightly and shifting your shoulders slightly forward. Position your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Hold the racquet in a receiving position, angled slightly to your forehand side.

    • 2

      Have your partner hit a volley to your forehand side. Keep your eyes on the ball. Keep your forearm parallel to the floor and your head down.

    • 3

      Slide your forehand-side foot back slightly. Move your forehand-side shoulder back and rotate your hips in the same direction until your opposite shoulder points toward the table. Do not swing the racquet back with your arm. You will generate the stroke’s power by pivoting your hips and shoulder, not by swinging your arm.

    • 4

      Keep your eyes on the ball. Position the racquet head lower than the point where you expect to make contact with the ball. Your goal is to start the stroke lower than the ball and finish higher, which will put a little topspin on the ball. The topspin alters the ball’s trajectory, helping ensure that the ball clears the net safely and then dips down toward the table.

    • 5

      Swing your shoulders and hips forward and follow through to strike the ball with your racquet. Finish with your racquet pointed straight ahead. End the stroke with your racquet aligned with the middle of your body at about shoulder level. If your follow-through carries the racquet past the midpoint of your body, you may not be able to recover in time to react to your opponent’s return shot.

    • 6

      Keep practicing. Have your partner vary the speed and location of his return shots to your forehand side. Vary the speed and location of your return shots. Practice driving forehand shots cross-table and down the line.