Basic Biomechanics Of Table Tennis Strokes
This article deals with some of the basic Biomechanics involved with a Table Tennis Stroke. It breaks down the stroke into three components.
1. Backswing
2. Contact with ball
3. Follow-through
The Role of the Backswing
Key elements for timing and power production. the back-swing plays the primary role within all stroke techniques. It sets the stage for power production as well as provides the key element in establishing the proper timing of the stroke.
Basic Biomechanical Principals Involved
1. For efficient movement and power production, the large muscles involved must move before the smaller muscles.
To achieve this, the back-swing must start with the weight being transferred from the left to the right leg (right- handers). This is accomplished by the right knee bending. Next the hips rotate, then the upper body rotates, the arm then extends and finally the wrist flexes.
During the forward swing into the ball, the order of movement of the muscles and joints is the same with the swing beginning with the weight transferring from the right to left leg.
2. Continuous Swing Concept – From the start of the back-swing to the completion of the stroke and the recovery to the ready position, there should be no break (stopping) in the stroke.
Newton’s First Law – A greater force is required to start a body in motion than is required to keep it moving.
Racket acceleration is the key element in putting energy into the ball. It is much more difficult to accelerate a racket from a stopped position.
A continuous swing also helps in the timing of the stroke. The athlete should take the racket back about the same speed as the on-coming ball. The object is to always complete the back-swing at the moment the ball strikes the table. This means that the speed of the back-swing will vary with the speed of the on-coming ball.
3. The more joints involved in the stroke, the more acceleration that can be generated.
Strokes are whip-like motions; with the forearm snap
1. Backswing
2. Contact with ball
3. Follow-through
The Role of the Backswing
Key elements for timing and power production. the back-swing plays the primary role within all stroke techniques. It sets the stage for power production as well as provides the key element in establishing the proper timing of the stroke.
Basic Biomechanical Principals Involved
1. For efficient movement and power production, the large muscles involved must move before the smaller muscles.
To achieve this, the back-swing must start with the weight being transferred from the left to the right leg (right- handers). This is accomplished by the right knee bending. Next the hips rotate, then the upper body rotates, the arm then extends and finally the wrist flexes.
During the forward swing into the ball, the order of movement of the muscles and joints is the same with the swing beginning with the weight transferring from the right to left leg.
2. Continuous Swing Concept – From the start of the back-swing to the completion of the stroke and the recovery to the ready position, there should be no break (stopping) in the stroke.
Newton’s First Law – A greater force is required to start a body in motion than is required to keep it moving.
Racket acceleration is the key element in putting energy into the ball. It is much more difficult to accelerate a racket from a stopped position.
A continuous swing also helps in the timing of the stroke. The athlete should take the racket back about the same speed as the on-coming ball. The object is to always complete the back-swing at the moment the ball strikes the table. This means that the speed of the back-swing will vary with the speed of the on-coming ball.
3. The more joints involved in the stroke, the more acceleration that can be generated.
Strokes are whip-like motions; with the forearm snap