Question

Discuss and compare the body parts or muscles that were engaged while performing this skill with those that were used in other skills. Highlight the similarities and differences in movement and effort. Also, try to count the constant returns and increase the numbers.

Answer 1

Table tennis skills use several of the same body parts, but the movement and effort vary by stroke.

Skill	Main body parts or muscles engaged	Movement and effort
Footwork	Calves, thighs, hips and core	Quick side-to-side, forward and backward steps; repeated effort to stay balanced and ready.
Forehand and backhand push	Forearm, wrist, shoulder and core	Small, controlled movements with a gentle stroke; accuracy matters more than power.
Drives and topspins	Legs, hips, waist, shoulder, arm and wrist	The body rotates and transfers weight as the arm swings; more effort and acceleration create speed or spin.
Service	Shoulder, arm, forearm and wrist; legs help maintain balance	A coordinated toss and racket swing, with controlled effort to place or spin the ball.
Smash	Legs, hips, torso, shoulder, arm and wrist	A larger body rotation and weight transfer produce a forceful shot; it generally needs the greatest effort.

Similarities: All skills need balance, coordination, a ready position and control of the racket hand. The legs and core help keep the body stable, while the arm and wrist guide the racket.

Differences: Pushes are gentle and precise; drives and topspins use more body rotation and racket speed; footwork relies more on repeated leg movement; and a smash uses a powerful whole-body action.

Counting consecutive returns: Count each successful return in a rally. Record your starting best, then try to beat it in each round—for example, 5 → 7 → 10 consecutive returns. These are practice targets, not measured results.