Practising Topspin alone

Training and Drills

Mike Unknown
Mike Unknown Asked 14 years ago

Hi sir,

I just wanted to ask how can I practise top spin alone without a table tennis table?


Jeff Plumb
Jeff Plumb Answered 14 years ago

Hi Mike,

The best way to practice your topspin without a table is by using shadow play. Shadow play is where you simply grab your bat without a ball or table and practice the action of your swing. When you are doing this imagine you are actually hitting the ball in a match situation. The act of practicing your stroke over and over will help you improve. A great tip before starting your shadow practice is to watch some video of a good player executing the stroke so that you can get the action clear in your head.

Give it a go and I'm sure it will help you to improve. 


Thoughts on this question


Sam Quek

Sam Quek Posted 13 years ago

But may I know how to practice a Backhand Chop / Forehand Chop or Backhand Sidespin without a table? Can I hit the ball up against a wall and then execute the stroke? I don't have a partner and a table.

Thanks in advance.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 13 years ago

Hi Sam,

Yes you can hit up against a wall.  It is actually easier for chop because the wall will reverse the spin for you and keep giving you some topspin balls.


Sam Quek

Sam Quek Posted 13 years ago

Very well, thanks again for answering my question.

muhsin yesilada

muhsin yesilada Posted 13 years ago

A good way to practice on your own is to buy a net and put on your dining room table. this is much cheaper and if your still under 18 your mum wont moan about the table in your home.

Sam Quek

Sam Quek Posted 13 years ago

Well, thanks for the suggestion, but I think my family does not allow me to do that! I will practice hitting the ball up a wall for now.

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