Difference between Horizontal And Vertical Strokes of A Table Tennis Racket

Difference between Horizontal And Vertical Strokes of A Table Tennis Racket

The main differences between horizontal and vertical strokes of a table tennis racket lie in the grip, technical characteristics, playing style, and target audience. Here are the specific differences between them:

Gripping method:

Direct shooting: The grip is similar to holding a pen, known as the "kitchen knife style" grip, with a shorter handle and palms and thumbs placed on both sides of the shooting surface.

Horizontal racket: The handle is longer, with the palm and thumb placed on one side of the racket surface, providing greater swing space for grip.

Technical features:

Direct racquet: It can form multiple finger palm levers and finger levers, which are suitable for fingers to exert force on the racket, can manufacture and handle short balls and ultrashort balls, and is suitable for Chinese people who are not tall, have small palms, and are good at playing with skills.

Horizontal racket: mainly uses the palm to exert force on the racket, cannot form finger palm levers and finger levers, and is not easy to manufacture and handle short balls and ultra short balls. However, it is suitable for Europeans and Americans who are tall and strong, have large palms, and are good at playing with strength.

Style of play:

Direct shooting: suitable for fast break, loop, and chopping styles, with high flexibility, fast speed, and powerful forehand, suitable for attacking in doubles.

Horizontal racket: Suitable for attacking and fast hitting, it can serve quickly and short distances and counterattack quickly. The technique is relatively simple and easy to learn, suitable for beginners and amateur enthusiasts.

Intended for:

Direct shooting: Suitable for beginners and skilled players, especially Chinese players who are not tall and have small palms.

Horizontal patting: Suitable for advanced players and players who are skilled in power based gameplay, especially European and American players who are tall and have large hands.

Other differences:

Handle shape: The straight handle is relatively short and single, while the horizontal handle is slightly longer.

Sweet Zone: The sweet zone for straight beats is located in the middle of the beat, while the sweet zone for horizontal beats is located at the front of the beat.

Serving method: 

Direct shooting is suitable for creating rotations and controlling ball speed, suitable for precise and fast attacks; 

Horizontal racket is suitable for quick counterattacks and attacks, and is suitable for creating curved balls and rapid arc changes.

Proposal:

The choice between shooting straight or sideways mainly depends on an individual's physical condition, technical level, and playing style. If you are a beginner or have a smaller palm, a straight shot may be more suitable; If you already have a certain foundation and pursue strength and rotation, horizontal tapping may be more suitable. Once selected, it is recommended not to change it easily, as each grip style has its unique technical requirements and playing style.