The probe is a technique used during the opponent's serve, mostly for receiving or long returns. The purpose of the probe is to hit the ball after the opponent has served a topspin curve ball, and to cause trouble to the opponent by hitting a high ball, making it difficult for the opponent to take the initiative to attack. The probe shot requires the use of racket angle and power to produce a full bounce over the opponent's racket and an arcing shot.

The over-the-net stroke is a technique used for offense in table tennis. It is usually used after the serve is received to take advantage of a low curved ball from the opponent by using an over-the-net stroke. The action of hitting the ball over the net requires quickness and accuracy, good control of power, and good control of the arc, effectively making it difficult for the opponent to defend.

Overall, the probe is more of a defensive technique, designed to hit back at a troubled opponent's serve, while the over-the-net stroke is an offensive technique, used to gain an offensive advantage by quickly and accurately striking the opponent's low curved ball. The frequency and effectiveness of both techniques in table tennis are related to the player's skill level and tactical arrangement.