Table Tennis Backspin Serve and Push

An introduction to backspin in table tennis: students learn to serve with backspin and return it with a push, the controlled underspin stroke. They work on an open paddle face, brushing the ball, and reading the incoming spin.

How to play

1. Pairs at each table (or four students, two per side, swapping every 5 shots).
2. Spin test: each student tosses the ball and brushes under it with an open paddle so it bounces back toward them; ten tries (3 min).
3. Backspin serve: a vertical toss of about 16 cm (6 in) from the open palm, then brush the bottom of the ball; the receiver just catches it and says whether it had backspin (4 min).
4. Push: the receiver returns the backspin serve with an open paddle and a short forward-and-down stroke; sets of 10, then switch roles (5 min).
5. Mini game to 5 points: only backspin serves are allowed and the first three shots must be pushes (4 min).

Rules

• The serve toss starts from an open palm behind the end line.
• No slamming the ball into the table or at a partner.
• Balls on the floor are picked up after the point so nobody steps on them.
• At four-player tables, players take turns fairly.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play from a wheelchair at the side of the table with no movement required.
• Visual impairment: orange balls on a blue table, with the server saying "Serving" on the toss.
• Skill level: students who master the push play a few minutes with the non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Create backspin by brushing the ball with an open paddle.
• Return a backspin serve with a controlled push.
• Recognize the spin on an incoming ball.

Equipment for a class of 25

• ping-pong tables: 6
• paddles: 25
• ping-pong balls: 40

Teacher tip

If the ball goes into the net, the paddle is too closed; if it pops up long, it is too open or students are hitting instead of brushing. Keep a spare bucket of balls at each table to save time.

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