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This program is designed to guide beginners through the essential skills of table tennis quickly building toward intermediate-level play. Each phase introduces new skills.

Prerequisite: A custom table tennis paddle is mandatory. We explain in detail why a custom paddle is superior for learning and provide expert buying advice in our favorite beginner table tennis blades and rubbers list.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Most beginners are self-taught and ingrain bad stroke mechanics. It takes 10,000 hours to master a movement and much longer to reverse bad ones. That’s why thousands of players receive video coaching to get real-time feedback and become better players faster. Their form is cleaner and improvement comes three times faster.

Subscribe below to be notified when sign-up opens for live video coaching. A great value that you will not want to miss!

Now on to the program.

Phase 1: Introduction to Table Tennis (Weeks 1–2)

Objective: Get familiar with the basics of table tennis and a fundamental in-out footwork step.

Topics Covered:

• Rules and Equipment: Table dimensions, net height, ball and paddle overview.

• Grip Technique: Standard shakehand grip

• Basic Stance: Ready position and balance

• Understand Spin: Types and effects

• Forehand Push: Learn to control the ball with a consistent forehand push.

• Backhand Push: Introduction to controlled backhand pushing.

Milestones:

1. Demonstrate proper grip and stance consistently.

2. Perform 14 consecutive forehand and backhand pushes with control.

Phase 2: Building Control and Consistency (Weeks 3–5)

Objective: Develop basic stroke consistency and introduce spin mechanics.

Topics Covered:

• Forehand Drive: Learn the basics of topspin with correct racket angle and follow-through.

• Backhand Drive: Focus on wrist stability and body alignment for accurate shots.

• Basic Serves: Start with a forehand pendulum serve and focus on consistent placement.

• Footwork Drills: Practice side-to-side and in-out footwork for shot preparation.

Milestones:

1. Rally 14 consecutive forehand drives with a partner.

2. Execute 14 accurate backhand drives in a row.

3. Serve 10 legal balls into the opponent’s court with consistent placement.

Phase 3: Introducing Spin and Rally Skills (Weeks 6–8)

DETAILED LESSONS DROP ON 12/27/2024. SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO BE NOTIFIED AND GAIN ACCESS

Objective: Introduce spin techniques and improve rally endurance.

Topics Covered:

• Forehand Topspin Loop: Emphasize brushing contact and timing.

• Backhand Topspin: Focus on wrist action and spin consistency.

• Spin Serves: Add sidespin and backspin variations to the serve.

• Drop Short: Introduce short serve receive with emphasis on control.

• Blocking: Learn passive blocking techniques for forehand and backhand.

Milestones:

1. Perform 14 consistent forehand topspin loops.

2. Perform 14 consistent backhand topspin loops.

3. Return a spin serve consistently in at least 8 out of 10 attempts.

4. Engage in a 5-hit rally combining forehand and backhand strokes.

Phase 4: Transitioning to Offensive Play (Weeks 9–12)

Objective: Enhance attacking skills and introduce basic game tactics.

Topics Covered:

• Third-Ball Attack: Serve with spin and follow up with an underspin loop both sides.

• Forehand Smash: Learn to capitalize on high balls with a power stroke.

• Backhand Flick: Technique for attacking short balls on the backhand side.

• Basic Tactics: Understanding opponent weaknesses and shot placement.

Milestones:

1. Successfully execute 5 third-ball attack sequences during drills.

2. Smash high balls with 80% accuracy during practice.

3. Win 3 out of 5 practice games using consistent offensive play.

Phase 5: Advanced Footwork and Spin Mastery (Weeks 13–16) SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO BE NOTIFIED AND GAIN ACCESS WHEN DETAILED LESSONS OPEN

Objective: Master advanced footwork and refine spin techniques for game scenarios.

Topics Covered:

• Forehand and Backhand Counter loops: Practice countering topspin with topspin.

• Dynamic Footwork Drills: Focus on diagonal and crossover steps.

• Advanced Serves: Incorporate deceptive spin variations and service placement.

• Matchplay Strategy: Combining offense, defense, and positioning during games.

Milestones:

1. Rally 8 counter loops consistently with a partner.

2. Successfully execute 3 advanced serves that opponents struggle to return.

3. Demonstrate tactical awareness by winning 2 out of 3 matches against peers.

Final Phase: Transitioning to Intermediate Play (Weeks 17–20) SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO BE NOTIFIED AND GAIN ACCESS WHEN DETAILED LESSONS OPEN

Objective: Combine all learned skills into cohesive gameplay and prepare for intermediate competition.

Topics Covered:

• Consistency Under Pressure: Practice rallies under match conditions.

• Advanced Rally Patterns: Practice combinations like push-loop, block-smash, etc.

• Mental Resilience: Techniques to stay focused during competitive matches.

• Tournament Preparation: Rules, scoring systems, and warm-up routines.

Milestones:

1. Sustain rally consistency for at least 5 hits without breaks in focused drills.

2. Win practice matches against players of similar skill level.

3. Participate in a beginner/intermediate tournament or competitive session.

Progression Guidelines:

• Ensure milestones are consistently achieved before moving forward.

• Revisit earlier phases for refinement if necessary.

• Encourage individual reflection on strengths and areas for improvement.

This syllabus balances foundational skills with advanced techniques, ensuring a smooth and comprehensive journey from beginner to intermediate table tennis mastery.

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