How to Chop in Table Tennis

Last Updated on June 19, 2024 by Alex Horscroft

What Is a Chop in Table Tennis?

A chop is a defensive stroke that players use to make attacking the ball difficult. It involves striking downward on the ball to impart heavy backspin. While some players favor chopping as a style, others use chops sporadically when they are under pressure and want to slow the game down. 

Why Should I Chop?

Even if you are an attacker like me, chops are a very useful shot to have in your toolkit.

Many players are simply unable to loop chops. So if you find yourself consistently losing in topspin rallies, chops could be a good way to slow the game down and keep yourself safe. Furthermore, chops are a great shot to use if you are out of position. They are one of the slowest shots in the game and give you the time you need to recover. 

When Should I Play a Chop?

Should

Chops work against all topspin shots. They also work against flat smashes, as the pace of the ball will carry the chop over the net. 

Consider playing chops when you are out of position. They give you the time you need to get your feet in the right place.

You may also want to consider chopping when you want to slow the game down. This could be because your opponent has found a good rhythm or because you are outclassed in the topspin game. 

In terms of distance, I recommend chopping when you are at a medium to far distance from the table, as this gives you plenty of time to play the shot. You can play chops when you are close to the table, but you have to be very quick! 

Shouldn’t

Chops don’t work against backspin shots. If the ball has backspin on it, you have to push instead.

How to Perform a Backhand Chop in Table Tennis

Step 1: Stance

• Take a few steps away from the table. This gives you more time to play your chop.
• Your feet should be shoulder-width apart or wider. This is a solid base.
• Stand facing the table. You don’t know you are playing a backhand shot at this point.
• Lean slightly forward. Aids your balance.
• Knees slightly bent. For balance and to help you move quickly.
• Have your elbow bent about 90°. Again, you will not be sure you are playing a backhand chop quite yet.

Step 2: Build Up

• Take a small step back with only your left leg (for righties). This allows you to turn slightly away from the ball which is optimal.
• Angle your racket around 90-160 degrees. This is an approximate range for chopping topspin shots.
• Raise your racket to the left of your body at around shoulder level. If there’s more spin you may want to start higher.

Step 3: Striking the Ball

• Move with your shoulder first and then your elbow. This will give you a nice fluid chop.
• Strike downward and forward. Slice a similar direction to the angle of your racket.
• Hit the ball as it is descending. This gives you more time to play the shot and more control. 

Step 4: Finish and Recovery

• Follow through until your arm is almost straight. You can lock out if you like, the point is you want a good extension. Your racket should finish at knee level.
• Return to the ready position. This prepares you for your next shot. 

How to Perform a Forehand Chop in Table Tennis

The forehand chop motion is very similar to the backhand chop. The main difference is that you turn to the right rather than the left. This makes it easier to use your forehand. 

Step 1: Stance

• Take a few steps away from the table. This gives you more time to play your chop.
• Your feet should be shoulder-width apart or wider. This is a solid base.
• Stand facing the table. You don’t know you are playing a forehand at this point.
• Lean slightly forward. Aids your balance.
• Knees slightly bent. For balance and to help you move quickly.
• Have your elbow bent about 90°. Again, you will not be sure you are playing a forehand chop quite yet.

Step 2: Build Up

• Take a small step back with only your right leg (for righties). This allows you to turn slightly away from the ball which is optimal.
• Angle your racket around 90-160 degrees. This is an approximate range for chopping topspin shots.
• Raise your racket to the right of your body at around shoulder level. If there’s more spin you may want to start higher.

Step 3: Striking the Ball

• Move with your shoulder first and then your elbow. This will give you a nice fluid chop.
• Strike downward and forward. Slice a similar direction to the angle of your racket.
• Hit the ball as it is descending. This gives you more time to play the shot and more control. 

Step 4: Finish and Recovery

• Follow through until your arm is almost straight. You can lock out if you like, the point is you want a good extension. Your racket should finish at knee level.
• Return to the ready position. This prepares you for your next shot. 

How to Adjust Your Stroke to the Incoming Speed and Spin

The main difficulty when it comes to chopping in ping pong is adjusting the chop to the incoming speed and spin. The principle is simple, but the execution is difficult. 

More spin — use a more vertical chop

More speed — use a more vertical chop

Less spin — use a more horizontal chop

Less speed — use a more horizontal chop

It’s really that simple, if your opponent does a heavy loop or smashes the ball your way, a near-vertical chop is the way to go. Alternatively, if they hit a drive or perhaps a light flick, your angle should not be so extreme. 

Recommended Videos to Help You Learn to Chop

Ping Skills does a great job at breaking the chop down, so I recommend you give their video a watch. 

Joo Se Hyuk is a now-retired professional table tennis player who was a delight to watch. What made him such an effective chopper was his constant attack threat — his forehand could punish weak attack at a moment’s notice. 

Common Mistakes

1. Under accounting the spin/speed on the ball. By underestimating this you use more of a horizontal chopping motion which causes the ball to go higher over the net, thus inviting attack.

2. Not turning side on. If you face the table too square you will find chops awkward. Make sure to turn slightly to the left or right depending on whether you are playing a forehand or backhand chop. 

3. Poor footwork. Choppers need good footwork just like attackers do. Any competent attacker knows that choppers are weak at the crossover, so make sure you quickly move to the right to play a backhand chop for these balls. 

4. Not producing enough backspin. The whole point of chops is to make it difficult for your opponent to attack the ball. Yet if your chops have light backspin they are not difficult to attack. Try chopping faster or engaging more of your wrist to increase spin production.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chopping Good in Table Tennis?

Chopping is an excellent stroke for slowing the game down and making it difficult for your opponent to attack. Even attackers should consider learning how to chop as it is useful for all players.

What Is the Difference Between a Push and a Chop in Table Tennis?

While both are backspin shots, they have different use cases. Pushes are usually used when you are close to the table, and most commonly when there is already backspin on the ball.

Chops, on the other hand, you use further away from the table, usually when there is topspin on the ball. 

How Do You Return a Chop in Table Tennis?

To return a chop you either push or loop the ball. A push is a defensive shot that imparts backspin. Loops are rather different as they are offensive. They produce heavy topspin which puts the opponent under pressure.  

Other Lessons 

While chops are a more advanced shot than pushes, you should ensure you have a good foundation when it comes to backspin before attempting chops. So consider checking out my pushing guide. 

Similarly, blocks are far easier to perform than chops. However, you can’t always chop the ball, so you’ll have to block a lot too. Here’s my blocking guide if you need to brush up.

Struggling against choppers? Here is my guide on how to beat them.