12 table tennis tips to win more points
To win more ping pong points, serve short and low with variety, return with intent, place the ball on the three targets (both corners and your opponent's elbow), mix spin and pace, play with margin instead of power and find your opponent's weak spot early.
Winning table tennis points is not just about hitting hard. Many points are decided by a well-placed serve, a smart return or a ball in the right spot. These ping pong tips work whether you play in a basement, at a club or in tournaments.
Serve and return
1. Serve short and low
A short serve (one that would bounce twice on the far side) kept low stops your opponent from attacking. They have to touch the ball carefully, and you get the initiative. See the full plan in serve and third-ball attack.
2. Vary your serve
Even the best serve loses its bite if it never changes. Mix short and long, backspin and no-spin, and change the spot. Ideally, have two different serves with the same motion.
3. Return with intent
On the return, do not just "get it back." Choose: a short push to prevent the attack, a long, low push to their backhand, or an attack if the ball is high or long.
Placement
4. Use the three targets
| Target | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Wide forehand | Pulls your opponent off the table and opens the other side |
| Wide backhand | For many players, the weaker attacking side |
| Elbow (middle of the body) | They must choose forehand or backhand, and any hesitation causes errors |
Against a right-handed opponent, their forehand is on your left and their backhand on your right. Against lefties, it flips.
5. Open the table, then hit the empty side
After a ball to the wide forehand, your opponent is out of position. The next ball to the other corner often ends the point.
6. Change the depth
Long balls push your opponent back. A short ball after that pulls them in. Changing depth tires and disorganizes them.
Spin and pace
7. Mix up your spin
Alternate heavy and light topspin, heavy backspin and no-spin. A player who has to read a different spin every ball makes more mistakes. Learn to read spin yourself in how to read spin.
8. Change the pace
A slow ball after several fast ones breaks your opponent's timing. It works especially well against rhythm players such as counter-hitters. Learn the profiles in table tennis playing styles.
Consistency
9. Play with margin
At club level, most points are lost on errors, not won with winners. Aim a little inside the lines and clear the net comfortably. One more ball on the table wins a lot of points.
10. Attack the right ball
High, long ball: hit it. Short, low ball: drop it short or flick with control. Attacking the wrong ball is one of the most common mistakes. See others in common beginner mistakes.
Reading your opponent
11. Find the weak spot early
In the first few points, test: long to the backhand, short to the forehand, heavy topspin, no-spin. Where do they miss most? Go back there at key moments.
| If your opponent... | Try |
|---|---|
| Has a strong forehand attack | Play to the backhand and the elbow |
| Dislikes short balls | Serve short and drop returns short |
| Misses against backspin | Long, low pushes with heavy spin |
| Stays far from the table | Short balls to pull them in |
| Loves fast balls | Slow, heavy loops; change the pace |
12. Keep your head in the game
Tactics only work if you can carry them out under pressure. A between-point routine helps you stick to the plan even when you are behind. See the mental game in table tennis.
Frequently asked questions
How can I win more points in ping pong?
Serve short and vary it, return with intent, place the ball in the corners and at the elbow, mix spin and pace, and play with margin so you miss less.
What is the most important ping pong tip for beginners?
Miss less. Get one more ball on the table, with margin over the net and inside the lines, before you think about hitting hard.
Where should I hit the ball to win the point?
To both corners and your opponent's elbow, the middle spot where they must choose between forehand and backhand.
How do I find my opponent's weakness?
Test in the first few points: long and short balls, both sides, different spins. Notice where they miss most.
Does hitting harder win more points?
Only on the right ball. In general, consistency and placement win more points than power.