Tennis

How to Play Table Tennis – An Introduction   by Evert DuToit

Anyone can hit a ping-pong ball across a table. But to truly call yourself a table Tennis Player, you should know the ins and outs regarding rules and regulations. When exploring the objective of the sport, you will find that matches are won through dominating an odd number of games, which lasts until someone reaches 11 points. Below, you will find information regarding the equipment, objective, rules and techniques associated with playing table tennis.

In a Nutshell

The easiest way to explain how to play table tennis is to state that two to four players hit a small ball back and forth to one another until opposing players or teams can no longer hit the ball over the net. The equipment and approach to the game is quite similar to tennis. The rules vary slightly, yet the concept is much the same. Just as with the type of tennis played on a court, the speed, spin, serve, placement and strategy regarding the ball are important aspects of the game.

Equipment

Table tennis is played on a hard table in the shape of a rectangle that measures about 9 ft × 5 ft × 30 in height. The surface of the table is often green, dark blue or black, with a 6-inch tall net bisecting the table in half. Players move freely about the table with a paddle or racquet in hand. The table tennis ball used is made from a celluloid material that is completely hollow.

Scoring

Table tennis matches consist of an odd number of games, most typically the best of five or seven games. A table tennis game is won when you are the first person or team (because there is doubles play in ping pong), to score 11 points. Game play exceeds the 11-point objective when you are at least two points in front of your opponents. Players score a point during a table tennis game when their opponent cannot hit the ball over the net and onto the opposite side of the table.

Understand the Rules

In order to enjoy a fair table tennis game, it is important to understand all of the rules regarding the sport. For example, you cannot change your racket during a match unless your paddle has been accidentally damaged, impairing play. When the ball is in play, you are not allowed to move the table, touch the net or place your free hand on the playing surface.

When playing table tennis, there are numerous techniques to mull over. You may incorporate a certain grip during various matches. Experimenting with several different options may help you find the grip that poses the best match for your skill. Over time, you will also develop a personal style of play that allows you to play a comfortable game. To increase the rate at which you advance your game play, you should choose the proper ping-pong paddle to accommodate your progress.

Basic Strokes

As you get the feel for the game, you will encounter a wide range of strokes that involve varying levels of speed and spin. Playing table tennis means you may come across moves, such as the Forehand Counterhit, Backhand Counterhit, Backhand Push, Forehand Push, Forehand Backspin Serve, Forehand No Spin Serve, Forehand Topspin Serve, Backhand Block Against a Loop or Drive, Backhand Loop Against a Push and the Backhand Loop Against a Block.

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