Table tennis · Warm-up · Rallying & consistency

Bat and ball bouncing skills

Young players bounce the ball on both faces of the bat, on the move and then over the net, to build touch before rallying.

Count your bouncesP1P2
Start / 5
Time
10 min
Players
2–12
Age
U5–U9
Area
Table and open floor
Equipment
12 bats12 balls6 cones1 ball pick-up tube or net

Setup

  1. One bat and one ball per player, and a line of cones on open floor beside the table, well clear of other tables.
  2. For the smallest players, use a mini table, a lowered table or a stable platform to stand on.
  3. Pick-up tube by the coach so dropped balls go straight back in rather than rolling around under foot.

How it runs

  1. Bounce the ball up on the forehand face, about head height, and count how many in a row.
  2. Switch to the backhand face, then alternate faces: forehand, backhand, forehand.
  3. Walk the cone line while bouncing; if the ball drops, stop, pick it up and carry on from that cone.
  4. Move to the table in pairs: bounce the ball once on your bat, then pat it gently over the net for your partner to catch.
  5. Partner bounces their own ball once and pats it back the same way; swap who goes first every five turns.

Coaching points

  • Hold the bat like a handshake, with a soft grip, not a fist.
  • Keep the bat face flat and level so the ball goes straight up.
  • Small lifts from the wrist and forearm; watch the ball onto the bat.
  • Bend the knees a little and stay on the balls of the feet.

Common mistakes

  • Swinging the whole arm, so the ball flies off to the side.
  • Gripping tightly and tilting the face without noticing.
  • Chasing a dropped ball into another table's space.

Say it: “Flat bat, small lifts.”

Make it harder

  • Bounce on the edge of the bat, or let the ball bounce on the floor between hits.
  • Walk the cone line backwards or sideways while bouncing.
  • Pairs pat the ball over and back without catching it, letting it bounce once on the table each side.

Make it easier

  • Hold the ball on the flat bat and walk without bouncing it.
  • Bounce the ball off the floor and catch it on the bat.
  • Use a slightly larger or slower practice ball if your club has them.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.