The release of Rockstar’s Table Tennis game is only a few weeks away (May 22nd US, May 26th UK) OXM UK decided it’s time to brush up on your Table Tennis knowledge. They compiled an extensive guide with all the rules and types of shots. And even better ; they included 8 new videos showcasing Rockstar’s next-gen abilities.

Top spin – With a top spin shot, the basic offensive move, the top of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is travelling. The difficulty in returning a top spin shot is that the ball will easily pop up high or go off the table, so make sure you’re in a position to keep the ball low or counter spin with a top spin shot. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.

Back spin – With a backspin shot, the basic defensive move, the bottom of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is travelling. This shot can cause the opponent to shoot the ball into the net, so to return a back spin you should avoid lower shots such as a sidespin or counter spin with a back spin shot right back. When you ‘chop’ or ‘push’ the ball, you produce backspin. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.

Side spin – The side spin shot causes the ball to spin on its vertical axis and curves the ball left or right. This shot is going to cause the ball to go off the paddle in an unexpected direction so the opponent needs to stay focused and ready to reach out left or right to return this shot.

Crosscourt – Make your player run with the crosscourt shot which hits the ball diagonally from one corner of the table to another. Be cautious to centre yourself quickly after this shot as you can leave yourself wide open for your opponent to place the ball out of your reach on the other side of the table.

Down-the-line – The down the line shot puts the ball along the side of the table parallel to the side lines. The perfect shot to counter your opponent’s crosscourt manoeuvre.

Soft Shot - With this shot, also known as a ‘drop shot’, you need to position yourself close to the table, you are aiming to put the ball so short (close to the net) that the opponent has trouble reaching the ball. This shot is most effective when the opponent is standing away from the table. The opponent should quickly move into the table to dive for the ball.

Smash – The ultimate in attack shots. This shot is easy to place when the ball has been ‘popped up’ by your opponent, perhaps in a poor response to a top spin shot. This shot gives the ball so much speed and elevation it is very difficult for the opponent to make a return and is also known as a ‘kill shot’.

Penholder – This is a type of grip mostly used by players in Asia. It gives the best possible forehand and a great range of motion in your serves, but is the most awkward backhand of the conventional grips.

The final boxart that got released today.

Good thing I got an actual Table Tennis table last week so I can practice before this game hits shelves. Oh and don’t sleep on this baby, it’s going to be available for a budget price of $39.99 (US), £29.99 (UK) or €39.99 (EU).
Thanks to ARCHA1C for submitting.