Spins and Slams
Spinning the ball proves to be very helpful in baffling your opponent. By spinning the ball, it allows you to hit the ball harder and control the direction of the bounce. According to Pongworld.com, spinning the ball can cause it to curve in the air and bounce in an unexpected way when it hits the table. In both of these instances, your opponent can become confused and lose track of the ball. Slamming the ball, otherwise known as "spiking," is a tool that, when executed correctly, almost always results in a victorious volley. Spiking the ball across the table minimizes the possibility of your opponent returning it.
Types of Spin
Spin is done by skimming the ball in an almost sideways motion rather than hitting it square in a forward thrust. The direction in which you hit the ball determines what kind of spin and in what direction the ball will travel. According to Pongworld.com, topspin occurs when a player hits the ball with a downward force. This forces the ball to spin in the same direction of the hit, causing it to bounce further and dip toward the end of the table. Topspin is used as an aggressive strategy to coax the opponent into making a mistake. Backspin is a shot in which a player creates an upward force by hitting underneath the ball. The result is a ball dropping much slower, but staying closer to the net. This forces the opponent to stretch in an attempt to save the ball. Backspin is also used an aggressive way to attempt to end the volley. Sidespin is used when the ball is hit with a sideways motion, forcing the ball to either curve in the air, or bounce in an unexpected way. Sidespin is often combined with topspin or backspin to baffle an opponent and force them into making a mistake. Adding sidespin can prevent an opponent from determining whether or not a ball has topspin or backspin on it. The added hassle can confuse your opponent.
Smashes and Slams
A smash or slam occurs when the ball is hit with little to no spin as hard as possible, in an attempt to hit an unreturnable serve that sails over an opponent's head. When slamming the ball, you should use what is known as a "low/high" approach. This means hitting the ball very low, and while the opponent hits the ball back, prepare yourself to slam the ball properly. When slamming the ball properly, snap your wrist through the ball, aiming for the ball to hit the very end of the table. Hitting the ball to the opposite side of the table makes the slam even more effective.