Definition: In table tennis, a chop is a backspin stroke (with anything from virtually no-spin to heavy backspin) that is performed from about 3 feet or more from the end of the table, usually against a drive or loop from the opponent. The bat will hit the ball somewhere between the bottom and the back of the ball, imparting more backspin if the ball is skimmed rather than hit solidly.
When performed closer to the table (within 3 feet or so of the endline, or over the playing surface), a backspin stroke is called a push. A push is more commonly used against no-spin or backspin.
Some players distinguish between pushes and chops by the amount of spin on the ball - they call balls hit with light backspin pushes and balls hit with heavy backspin chops.
Also Known As: push, slice, cut
