Table Tennis Video
The Backhand Drive

Watching a video in order to learn how to correctly play a table tennis stroke is easier than reading just text, so I've got a great video here for you.

This video shows a demonstration of the backhand drive and explains the technique required to play the stroke.

The backhand drive would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that the ball approaches you with height and/or depth.

The purpose of this stroke is to play aggressively and stop your opponent from playing an attacking stroke, so you should try to make sure that your shot lands close to your opponent's baseline or sideline.

To play this stroke, stand close to the table and take a stance facing the line of play.

Using a medium stroke, your racket arm should move forward and slightly upwards in the direction that the ball is to travel, whilst your free arm should point towards the ball to assist with your balance.

The racket angle should be slightly closed, and by keeping a loose wrist you can impart topspin as you move your arm forward.

Hit the ball at the top of the bounce (i.e. when the ball it at its highest point) using 50% of your stroke action before hitting the ball and 50% after hitting the ball.

Watch this table tennis video featuring Steve Foster.

He explains the backhand drive technique.

(If you have problems with the sound, there are captions/subtitles that you can turn on. Just click on the captions/subtitles button)