With the World Table Tennis (WTT) Grand Smash China in full swing, we are sure to see a lot of fiery action on the tables.
Grand Smashes are the biggest WTT events, and the previous three this year were held in Singapore, the United States and Sweden. Winners of both singles and doubles earn 2,000 ranking points – a massive boost for any player’s standing.
Take a break from your screens and textbooks and experience the electric atmosphere of table tennis! These English idioms and nouns can help you out.
Keep your eye on the ball
Meaning: to stay focused on the task or goal at hand
Example: In a fast rally, you have to keep your eye on the ball, literally and mentally.
Stay on your toes
Meaning: to remain alert, ready to move quickly in any direction
Example: Our coach told the team to stay on our toes during the final minutes of the match.
Hit your stride
Meaning: to reach your best level of performance
Example: After losing the first game, he finally hit his stride in the second.
Pull the trigger
Meaning: to make a decision or go for a winning shot
Example: The player waited too long to pull the trigger on the play, missing his chance.
Push
Meaning: a defensive, soft return shot with backspin, usually used to keep the ball low and short over the net
Example: She used a deep push to force her opponent into a misstep.
Loop
Meaning: a powerful topspin shot where the player brushes the ball upwards and forwards to create heavy spin
Example: Wang Chuqin’s forehand loop is almost impossible to block.
