Do you know the difference between straight and horizontal table tennis balls?
Table tennis straight and horizontal are two very different ways to hit the ball, and they are different in terms of grip, strengths, variations, and applicable playing styles.
First of all, from the perspective of grip, the straight grip is more like the way to hold chopsticks, while the horizontal grip is more like the way to hold a kitchen knife. Specifically, when shooting straight, the thumb and index finger clasp the handle, the palm of the hand touches the handle of the thenar position, and the horizontal shoot is the hand holding the handle. This different grip gives the two shots different advantages when attacking and defending.
The advantage of a straight plate is its flexibility and control. Thanks to the grip that allows for more flexible wrist movements, the straight board is more delicate in handling the ball, allowing for better control of the speed and direction of the ball. This gives the straight board a great advantage in fast break and arc style play, especially for forehand offense and defense. In addition, the sweet spot of the straight board is in the middle of the paddle surface, which makes it more stable when hitting the ball.
The advantage of the transverse board lies in its aggressiveness and power. The transverse grip is longer and more suitable for power, so it has an advantage in chipping and arcing. The horizontal shot has a fast ball speed, strong aggression, and strong rotation of the curved ball, which is suitable for fast-attacking play. However, the transverse board requires stronger arm and wrist strength, and the requirements for physical fitness are higher.
In terms of variety, players with straight boards can often gain an advantage with quick wrist movements, while players with horizontal boards need more distance and time to move and attack their opponents. This is also due to the fact that the straight board is more flexible and able to respond more quickly to changes in opponents.
In general, table tennis straight and horizontal boards have their own characteristics and advantages, and the choice of which way depends on the individual's skill level and physical condition. The straight board is more flexible and suitable for fast break and arc style play, while the horizontal board is more aggressive and suitable for slicing and arc style play. For beginners, you can choose the right way to hit the ball according to your interests and physical condition, and gradually master its skills through continuous practice.
In addition, different table tennis players will also choose to use straight or horizontal boards according to their own technical characteristics and the situation of their opponents. For example, some players who focus on speed and agility may choose to use a straight board, while some players who focus on power and spin may choose to use a horizontal board. Therefore, in table tennis, we can see different types of players using different strokes, showing their own unique styles and skills.
Whether it is a straight board or a horizontal board, players need to have solid basic skills and flexible tactical awareness. Only by constantly practicing and competing, gradually mastering various skills, and making correct responses according to the opponent's situation, can you achieve better results in the sport of table tennis.
In short, table tennis straight and horizontal are two different ways to hit the ball, and they are different in terms of grip, strengths, variations, and applicable playing styles. For table tennis enthusiasts, it is very important to choose the right way to hit the ball, and at the same time, you need to constantly practice and improve your technical level in order to play at your best level in the game.