3 Basic Table Tennis Skills Every Beginner Must Master First
Every strong player you see started with the same three things. Not tricks, not spins — three basic table tennis skills done perfectly. In this guide, Captain Yasser Yehia — professional table tennis coach in Riyadh — gives you the full map: what the three skills are, in which order to learn them, and where to find the step-by-step lesson for each one.
Why Basics Win Matches
Champions are not people who do special things. They are people who do simple things perfectly, every time. A stable stance, a clean drive, a fast return to position — these small habits win more points than any trick shot. Build the base first; everything else stands on it.
Skill 1: The Ready Position
Your “home” between every two shots. Feet a little wider than the shoulders, knees bent, weight on the front of the feet, racket in front of you in a neutral position — ready to move in any direction.
Learn it here:
– The Ready Position — the first skill every player needs
– The Perfect Stance — feet, knees, and body weight
– Back to Ready — recover after every shot
Skill 2: The Forehand Drive
Your first attack stroke: fast, stable, forward, with a light topspin. The power comes from the whole body — legs, hips, body, then arm — in three clear phases.
Learn it here:
– The Forehand Drive — easy step-by-step guide
– The 3 Phases — backswing, contact, follow through
Skill 3: The Backhand Drive
The twin stroke, played closer to the table with a short, compact swing. Its engines are small but powerful: the elbow as a fixed axis, and a wrist release at the moment of contact.
Learn it here:
– The Backhand Drive — easy step-by-step guide
– Elbow & Wrist — small moves, big results
The Best Learning Order
- Start with the stance and the ready position. Everything grows from here.
- Learn the forehand drive. Slow first, then with rhythm.
- Add the backhand drive. Build the second wing.
- Connect everything: switch between the two wings, and return to ready after every shot.
On the way, avoid the classic traps — read the 7 common mistakes — and understand how the two drives differ in forehand vs backhand.
Learn with Captain Yasser Yehia in Riyadh
Captain Yasser Yehia played competitive table tennis for more than 21 years at major Egyptian clubs — Ismaily, Zamalek, and Wadi Degla — and has coached for 13 years. He holds a Bachelor in Sport Science and 13 local and international coaching and injury rehabilitation certificates.
Today he trains players of all levels in Riyadh, in private and group programs — from the very first ready position to competition level.
FAQ
How long does it take to learn the basics?
There is no fixed number — it depends on how often you practice. Regular training with good feedback is the fastest road, and a coach makes that road much shorter.
Can I learn only from articles?
Articles teach you the “what.” A coach gives you the “feel” — and fixes the small errors you cannot see yourself.
Which skill should I master first?
The ready position. It is the home of every other skill.
