Three steps to better table tennis: Malte Möregårdh’s Beginner Guide
When starting out in table tennis, beginners often find it a challenge to select the right equipment – but it’s also one of the most important decisions to make. That’s why Malte Möregårdh, table tennis pro and coach, and brother of Truls Möregårdh, has collaborated with STIGA Sports to create a simple, three-step process to help new players develop their game as quickly and confidently as possible.
Combining the right technique work with appropriate equipment choices in each step is the best way to create a stable foundation and build on it. This is the very same process that Truls has used. With the right materials and willpower, the sky’s the limit!
THE BLADE: The heart of your development
The core of our three-step model is the Allround Classic blade – a timeless favourite used by both beginners and pros for decades. This blade is made from five layers of wood and features exceptional control to ensure correct development of fundamental shots, right from the start.
So, you ask, why shouldn’t I start right away with a faster blade? At this stage, a faster blade can rob you of the correct feel of the ball in play, forcing you to compromise on technique. Thus will slow your development in the long run. The Allround Classic will deliver controlled play in which technique, timing, and feel come into focus.
More than one million Allround Classic blades have been sold the world over; it’s been the entry-level choice and “go-to” blade for many players, year after year. A proven favourite for players of all skill levels, the Allround Classic continues to deliver. This popular blade is now available in the modern Cybershape design that’s used by Truls – for those who want combine tradition with innovation.
The Allround Classic isn’t just a choice; it’s an investment in your table tennis development.
YEAR 1 – THE BASICS:
Technique, feel, and control
During the first year of table tennis, we focus completely on building stable, controlled technique. With the help of the Star Future rubber, which is slow but grippy, you can achieve maximal feel in ball impact. The slower tempo helps you train the correct movements, especially for your backhand, where an excessively fast rubber will often result in “patting” the ball.
You’ll also learn to angle the bat correctly for both your forehand and backhand strokes, and most of all, you’ll learn to follow the ball and carry through your stroke by activating your whole body.
Checklist
for Year 1:
- Make forehand counter hits with stable movements
- Make backhand counter hits and follow through well on the stroke
- Find the correct bat angles for forehand and backhand shots
YEAR 2 – SPIN:
The next step in your game
Now that you’ve got the basics down pat, you’re ready to start producing spin and handling spin from opponents. At this point, we change to the Mantra Sound rubber, which is a bit faster and grippier. You’ll start understanding how to achieve spin in your serve, return spin shots, and read your opponent’s spin. Of course, this is also an ideal stage to begin competing, and you’ll increase your understanding of the game’s depth.
Checklist for Year 2:
- All the goals from Year 1
- Serves with side spin and backspin
- Read your opponent’s spin
- Returns with side spin and backspin
- Begin competing in table tennis
YEAR 3 – SPEED:
Control at a rapid tempo
Once you’ve mastered technique and spin, it’s time to add speed to the mix. The DNA Platinum S rubber delivers more pressure, but with retained control. You’ll learn to loop with spin, cut short and long, and strategically place returns. Your understanding of the game will improve rapidly, and you’ll begin to use your body – and primarily your legs – to generate power and precision in your shots. You’ll also learn how to handle side spin from your opponent by adjusting the angle of your bat.
Checklist for Year 3:
- All the goals from Years 1 and 2
- Loop with generous spin
- Cut short/long and place the ball everywhere on the table
- Handle your opponent’s side spin and adjust your bat angle correctly
When you’ve mastered Step 3, you can think about moving to a faster blade – but it’s a good idea to stay with the same rubber a while longer. The tactical approach is often the smartest route to success.
Bonus tips from Truls and Malte: Have fun!
The most important thing in this game is this: never forget to have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Truls and Malte often played “non-serious” table tennis to develop crucial technique and feel for the game. One example: the brothers set up a table some distance away, and attempted to serve so the ball would bounce once on each side of the net. This was a way to truly understand how spin works, especially when standing at an angle to the table. Try it with a friend – it’s fun and a great way to learn!
