The tactics in table tennis is complicated because it involves different factors like: (a) the opponent's play, (b) the opponent's fighting spirit, (c) the opponent's tactics, (d) the player's competitive readiness, (e) the game conditions and (f) the anticipation of the next ball.

The observation of the opponent's play before the match is probably the most basic element in tactics. Besides the basic characteristics, which are the playing style and the equipment used (racket) by the opponent, there are other factors in which both the coach and the player should pay attention toincluding: (a) serve execution and return, (b) offensive strokes and their return, (c) ready stance and footwork technique, and (d) opponent's weaknesses.

• Serve execution and return. During the serve execution, attention must be paid to the kind of spin and the length (short, long) it bounces on the table. During the serve return, attention must be paid to the return angle and the direction of the ball. Special attention must also be paid to the kind of serve used but also to the return during the critical phases of the game.
• Offensive strokes and their return.We must pay special attention to the most frequently used strokes. For example, does the opponent favor the forehand or backhand topspin? Does he use fast or slow topspins? Does he execute more than two topspins during the point or does the point end witha smash? Does he block or re-topspin away and over the table to return the topspin?
• Ready stance and footwork technique. We have to watch the stance of the player and his footwork technique during the execution of the strokes, his distance from the table and his preference for using a backhand or a forehand stroke during the attack.
• Opponent's weaknesses. It is very important to identify the weaknesses of the opponent. The player must concentrate on these so as to have the best results.

Source: Table Tennis: From A to Z e-book

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• Table tennis technique - Basic stance
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• Table tennis tactics - Factors of game tactics (3)
• Table tennis tactics - Recording the game
• Table tennis tactics - Tactical inteligence

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