Special Olympics Table Tennis Coaching Guide Teaching Table Tennis Skills Teaching Table Tennis Skills Hand-Eye Coordination Hand-eye coordination is the foundation for striking a table tennis ball. Eye hand coordination helps the player maintain proper racket positioning and control the arm velocity and direction of hit. Without developing this skill, the athlete will become frustrated and will not be able to make regular contact with the ball. This is an important aspect of developing table tennis skills. Teaching the Skill Practice with just a table tennis ball and no racket. Encourage the athlete to watch the ball. Encourage the athlete to keep his/her head steady when making contact. Hand-Eye Coordination Drills Hand Bounce Drill Gently bounce the table tennis ball on the table with the palm of the racket hand. Attempt to keep the ball bouncing in a controlled manner. Perform hand bounces as many times as possible in 15-30 seconds Hand Ball Drill Drop the ball onto the table. With a forehand stroke, hit the ball with the racket hand. After several repetitions, have a partner toss the ball gently and hit the ball with a forehand stroke. Special Olympics Table Tennis Coaching Guide - February 2014 33