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How To Play A Forehand Drive In Table Tennis

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How To Play A Forehand Drive In Table Tennis

British and Irish champion Jason Sugrue demonstrates how to play a forehand drive. The forehand drive is one of the biggest weapons in table tennis; so perfect this shot and become a true table tennis master! British and Irish champion Jason Sugrue demonstrates how to play a forehand drive. The forehand drive is one of the biggest weapons in table tennis; so perfect this shot and become a true table tennis master!

Step 1: Stance

Stand with your legs slightly more than shoulder width apart. If you a right handed, your left leg should be a little further in front. If you are left handed, your right leg should be a little further in front. Your knees should be bent, your body slightly forward.

Step 2: Shot

As we watch Jason play the forehand drive, we can split up the shot into three basic positions:

A - The backswing position
B - The striking position
C - The finishing position

Step 3: Backswing

Pivot your hips and shoulders into a backswing. Take the racket back with you along with your body. You arm and body should backswing in one fluid motion into the stroke starting position.

Step 4: Strike

Swing forwards in one integrated motion. At this point transfer your weight from your back leg to your front leg. Accelerate your forearm on striking the ball.

You must strike the ball out in front of you with the racket closed, and taking the ball at the peak of the bounce.

Step 5: Follow through

As you follow through, make sure your paddle is pointing in the direction you want the ball to go. To follow through add about 35 % / 40% of the stroke length after you hit the ball. Don't let the racket swing across your body. It's very easy to swing too hard and end up overshooting the table.

Keep practising the shot in a continuous motion, reversing back to the start position each time.

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Tips & Comments
  1. Anonymous

    table tennis is a great sport.almost everybody in china can play some basic drives.this video is very basic,we can get more advanced videos on chinese websites

  2. Anonymous

    Regarding E.T.T.A. Manual;lack of success Internationally,maybe we should use the Chinese Manual.

  3. Anonymous

    Very clear and very good. Simple to follow. Thanks for this it's very helpful! hope sometime you can make "loop" video

  4. Anonymous

    The forhand drive is not a primary offensive stroke, it is one of the four basic strokes (ETTA Coaching Manual), and is used mainly for warming up. The primary offensive stroke in the modern game is the fast topspin forehand loop. The drive is only learned to provide the basis of the loop and the block. The modern approach to the game should be promoted worldwide.

  5. Anonymous

    Jason helped me introduce the sport into the school where I used to work and now I make sure table tennis is an integral part of my curriculum.

  6. Anonymous

    Very constructive and easy to follow. The clips help improve style and motion. Cleary identifying the indivial keys of playing each shot. I would encourage more of this kind of coaching as it adds interest to the game and enjoyment for all ages.

  7. Anonymous

    AWESOME I play twice a week in Rochester, MI and for beginners, these are excellent GOOD JOB

  8. Anonymous

    Clear instructional video easy to understand for our junior players will foreward your web page to our club members.Cheers

  9. bernkneewinter

    At Chatham TT Club we actively promote junior development and these videos are excellent!

  10. Anonymous

    Hello! This is very good;it's very clear and effective. It helps a lot. Thanks mister!