Table tennis · Tactics & patterns
Playing the elbow
Switch from a backhand diagonal rally to the opponent's elbow, the crossover point between forehand and backhand, then attack the corner left open.
Start / 6
- Time
- 15 min
- Players
- 2–4
- Age
- U13+
- Area
- Table
- Equipment
- 20 balls
Setup
- Two players at one table. Explain the elbow: the spot near the playing-side hip where the player has to choose forehand or backhand.
- P1 is the working player; P2 plays steady backhands and reacts honestly to the ball.
How it runs
- Backhand-to-backhand diagonal rally for three or four shots.
- P1 then switches one ball firmly at P2's elbow.
- P2 has to move to make room; P1 attacks the wide corner P2 has moved away from.
- Play the point out. Five starts each, then swap.
- Score 2 when the elbow ball forces a weak return or an error, 1 for any point won.
Coaching points
- Watch the opponent's body, not the table: the elbow moves when they move.
- Play the elbow ball firm and low; a slow one gives them time to adjust.
- Expect the return near the middle and be ready to step for the next ball.
- Follow the elbow ball with width; going wide again to the same side is the easy option to defend.
Common mistakes
- Aiming at the middle of the table instead of the player's actual position.
- Switching to the elbow every ball, so it becomes predictable.
- Forgetting to follow up after forcing a weak return.
Say it: “Find the hip, then go wide.”
Make it harder
- P2 may step round and use the forehand; P1 must spot it and go wide to the forehand.
- Play it as a game to 11 where elbow winners score double.
Make it easier
- P2 stands still so the elbow is a fixed target.
- Mark the elbow line with a small paper strip on P2's half.
Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.