How to Play Table Tennis

1 day ago5 min read

If you're looking to improve your game, there are a few table tennis basics you should know. You'll need more than a paddle and ball — you'll also want to learn some tips and techniques.

What Is Table Tennis?

Table tennis is an indoor racket sport based on — as the name suggests — tennis. However, instead of an entire court, table tennis uses a table. A low net perched on the table divides the two sides.

Teams of one or two players can play at a time. They'll play against each other using small paddles and a lightweight ball. Essentially, table tennis is a miniature version of lawn tennis, except with a smaller playing field and equipment.

Brief History of Table Tennis

Table tennis originated in England after lawn tennis became popular in the 1880s. The earliest-known version of table tennis was patented in 1890 by David Foster. Table tennis is also known by the trademarked name "Ping-Pong," which Steve Grant, author of "Ping Pong Fever," traced back to an 1884 song by Harry Dacre. Ping-Pong was trademarked in 1900 in England.

Back then, table tennis looked a little different. The table used to have wooden fences with large nets extending on both sides. Players also used strung rackets and a cloth-covered rubber ball instead of the sleek paddles and lightweight balls we know today.

Countries like Hungary, Sweden, India, China and Germany began showing interest in the sport. The earliest official world championship was held in 1926 in London, England, and was overseen by the International Table Tennis Federation.

Table Tennis Rules

Understanding table tennis rules is the first step in learning to play the fast-paced sport. We've compiled a few must-know rules, categorized for easier navigation.

Starting

Before you start, determine who will serve first. For example, you can do a coin toss or have one player hide the ball while the opponent guesses the hand holding it. Players will switch sides after each game and during the deciding game when one player reaches five points.

Serving

The serve must start behind the table. When serving, ensure you toss the ball up before striking it. Try to toss it about 6 inches in the air — that's about the height of a coffee mug. Ensure you hit the ball so it bounces on your side first before crossing the net to your opponent's side.

Rallying

Rallying is the time when the ball is in play. You can only use your paddle to hit the ball — no hands, arms or other body parts. The ball is in play until one player:

Fails to return the ball before it bounces twice.
Hits the ball off the table without touching the opponent's side.
Makes the ball touch the net on a return and not during a serve.
Strikes the ball out of order in doubles.

When an opponent strikes a ball onto your side, it must bounce only once on your side first before you can strike it. If the ball grazes the net during a rally but still lands on the other side, playing continues.

Scoring

Games are played to 11 points, but you need to win by 2. So, if the score is 10-10, it's a deuce, and you keep playing until someone pulls ahead by 2. A point is yours if your opponent misses the ball, hits it out of bounds or fails to make a valid return.

Other Rules

Here are several more general rules:

A timeout of up to one minute is allowed per player or team per match.
Players must not touch the playing surface or move the table during rallies.
Coaching is allowed between games but not during a game.
The paddle must have a red side and a black side, and players must show the paddle to their opponent and umpire before play.

Table Tennis Equipment

Although the rules may seem complicated, table tennis is a simple game at heart. You'll essentially only need three pieces of equipment to play.

1. Ball

The modern tennis table ball is quite different from its original counterpart. The previously cloth-covered rubber balls are now small, lightweight plastic balls. These balls have a 40-millimeter diameter and weigh about 2.7 grams.

The ball's color is generally white, but you can also find them in orange. Orange balls are sometimes preferred in bright environments, while white balls are better in low-light or darker settings.

2. Paddle

Your paddle is an extension of your arm. The paddle's blade is usually made of wood, which is sometimes reinforced with carbon or other materials for more speed and control.

It also has two rubber sides — one red and one black. The red, smooth side of a table tennis paddle is typically designed for faster, less spinny shots, while the black, pimpled side provides more control and spin.

3. Table

A standard Ping-Pong table is about 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, and it stands 2 ½ feet high. Its surface must be flat and provide a uniform bounce of just under 9 inches when a standard ball is dropped from 12 inches.

Of course, a Ping-Pong table wouldn't be a Ping-Pong table without the net. The net must stretch across the entire width of the table and should be 6 inches high. Also, white lines along the edges define the boundaries of the playing surface.

Table Tennis Techniques

With the proper rules and equipment, you can start practicing your Ping-Pong techniques. Here are a few:

Basic grip: Hold the paddle like you would a handshake — firm but relaxed. Mastering the basic grip will help with ball control and shot accuracy.
Forehand shot: Stand sideways to the table with your nondominant hand next to the table. Then, swing the paddle across your body to hit the ball with your dominant hand.
Backhand shot: Face the table with your paddle in front of your belly button. Let the back of your hand lead as you hit the ball. The backhand shot helps control and spin the ball back effectively.
Footwork: Stay light on your feet and be ready to move quickly. Practice shifting your weight from one foot to the other as you adjust to the ball's position on the table.
Serves: Start with a low, simple serve. Toss the ball just high enough so it clears the net and lands on the opposite side. This technique minimizes errors.
Rallies: Initially, focus on keeping the ball in play rather than aiming for powerful shots. Practicing rallying helps build consistency and timing.
Reactions: You'll need to improve your reaction time and accuracy. So, practice watching the ball closely as it bounces on your side and your opponent's.

Table Tennis Tips

If you're looking to level up in this sport, we've got a few quick tips:

Practice consistently: Regular practice is the only way you'll improve. Dedicate time to hitting the ball against a wall or with a partner to build muscle memory.
Focus on the basics first: Build a strong foundation. Master the basics — grip, footwork and basic strokes — before trying more advanced techniques.
Play against different skill levels: Playing against opponents of varying skills exposes you to different styles. Use these experiences to adapt your game.
Work on your reaction time: Reflexes are everything. Practice quick shots and focus on how fast you respond to the ball. Use drills that require quick, short movements.

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