1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Table Tennis / Ping-Pong

Spin in Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong - How Does it Work and How do You Create it?

By , About.com Guide

2 of 8

Topspin - How does it Work?

Diagram of Topspin Force Direction

Topspin Force Direction

(c) 2006 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
With topspin, the ball is rotating forward so that the top of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is travelling. The force exerted on the ball by its spin will be generally downwards (assuming the ball has been hit almost horizontally). This downward force works in the same direction as gravity, causing the ball to dip faster towards the table.

It is the effect of topspin that allows advanced players to hit the ball with amazing power from below the net, but still land the ball on the other side of the table.

Explore Table Tennis / Ping-Pong

About.com Special Features

Learn to Pitch

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Introduction to Pilates

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Table Tennis / Ping-Pong
  4. Beginner's Guide
  5. Basic Concepts
  6. Spin
  7. Spin in Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong - How Does it Work and How do You Create it?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.