Basic Skills in Table Tennis

Forehand

The forehand drive is generally a forehand that needs the player to hit the ball directly without any
rotating to the other side of the table. It is generally utilized as a consistency exercise.

The forehand drive is stroke players use for attacking opponents. The purpose of this shot is to make the
ball land on the opponent’s baseline. Players use forehand drive as an attacking sign on the opposition.
Moreover, your goal is to throw the ball close to the opponent’s baseline of the table.

A forehand drive-in table tennis is an offensive stroke that is used to force errors and to set up attacking
positions. A successful shot should land close to your opponent's baseline or sideline.

The forehand drive is an aggressive shot and one of the most important shots to learn in the ping pong
game.

Backhand

The backhand drive is usually associated with a topspin shot. However, the two are different because
players raise their arms higher, so the ball goes a little higher than a topspin in this type of shot.

A backhand drive is an attacking shot. It's played with a little bit of topspin, but mainly it's a flat hit and
can be very powerful.

A backhand stroke has a shorter swing and uses a forearm to hit the ball, whereas a forehand stroke uses
the whole arm swing with a little twist of the upper body.

Serve

There are different strokes and spins involved in table tennis which allows players to earn points in the
game. After learning the basic shots in the game, you also need to practice winning strokes in table
tennis to beat your opponent. There are many strokes in the game, but they can be classified into
offensive strokes and defensive Strokes.

The serving technique is an essential technique for table tennis. A good serving can give you a huge
advantage.

The service gives you complete and total control over your shot. The primary benefit of this stroke is to
force your opponent into making errors in the game. A good service will make you gain winning points
and could make your opponent miss the shot. It is a foul shot and allows you to win by putting the other
player off balance. There are many types of service in table tennis, but the major ones are the forehand
and backhand serve.

Drive

A drive in table tennis is not similar to the strokes in tennis or other racket sports. It is the major
attacking stroke used by players to keep the ball in play. The drive puts players under pressure to make
them vulnerable, and then you can deliver an even more powerful shot. Drives require a light topspin
which makes the ball move at a low trajectory. They are mainly used as offensive strokes in the game and
will cause your opponent to make errors which is a win.
Push

The push is another offensive stroke in the game that is similar to a slice in tennis games because the
racket slices underneath the ball when you send a backspin that makes the ball float slowly to the
opponent’s side of the table. It is difficult for your opponent to attack when you make a Push stroke.

When making a push, ensure that the stroke is gentle and that you don’t rush it. If you make the push
haste, it will produce a long shot that is too high. The push requires a more delicate and professional
touch. It is the leading strokes that become more aggressive and, in turn, produce more spins.

Block

One of the most effortless shots to execute in table tennis is a block. It can be done by placing the racket
in front of the ball, so it rebounds back to your opponent with the same force it came with. One of the
benefits of making offensive strokes like this is that it gives little room for your opponent to recover to
make a return. A block works to your advantage because it uses your opponent’s force against them. It is
usually done after the ball bounces on your side of the table to keep the control and speed of the ball.

The position of your racket will depend on if it should be at a closed or open angle. When your opponent
sends a heavy topspin, your rack will be closed. Most players use a block when there isn’t enough time
to make a good loop or drive. If you have reasonable control of the block, you can use it as a good
offensive shot. Ensure you use your wrist when making a block, and it should be facing the direction of
the incoming ball. Your footwork also matters and should move towards the area where you intend to hit
the ball.

Loop

The loop is similar to a drive-in table tennis. When making this stroke, the racket is parallel to the
direction of the strike, which will cause it to touch the ball slightly, giving a good amount of topspin.
Usually, when a player makes a good loop, it produces a high arc making the ball jump forward when it
bounces on the opponent’s side of the table. Playing a loop will require a lot of topspins.

There are many variations of loops in table tennis. The major ones are the spin loop, speed loop, hook
loop, and counter loop. These variations are based on the trajectories and improve the effectiveness of
the shot. Loops are one of the most potent strokes in table tennis. It produces a heavy topspin in most
cases, requiring a player to use their wrist while brushing the ball in an upward and downward motion.

Flick

When a player hits a ball that has not bounced beyond the edge of the table, there is little room to make
a backswing. There is still a chance to attack the ball, and the shot made is referred to as a flick. A flick is
not a single stroke and is sometimes compared to a drive or loop because of its similar characteristics.
The only thing that separates it from these other strokes is if the backswing is compressed to a short
wrist flick.

Chop

A chop is a much heavier and bigger push stroke. The position of the racket is usually in a horizontal and
slightly upward facing direction. At the same time, the strike goes in a straight down position. If you
make a chop with many backspins, your opponent will find it difficult to return the stroke. The chop is a
defensive shot, and it matches the topspin of your opponent with your racket’s speed. Chops are not an
easy stroke to execute, and the aim of this shot is to confuse your opponent.

Lob

The lob is another defensive stroke used by players in table tennis games. This type of stroke pushes the
tennis ball up as high as five meters above the tennis table to your opponent’s side of the table. The
player’s stance when making this stroke will be to stay at least 4 to 6 meters away from the table. The lob
stroke is one of the best shots for any spin in table tennis. An excellent defensive lob is harder to return
because it is unpredictable. This stroke produces high amounts of spins and will earn players some good
points in the game.

Smash

A smash is the stroke players use when the incoming ball bounces too high or close to the net. Here, the
player will need a large backswing and a powerful speed shot. A smash aim to get the ball moving at high
speed, so the opponent does not have enough time to prepare for a return. If a player executes this
stroke properly, they can throw a series of smashes to make the opponent lose balance. The defense
smash is brutal to win when the player doesn’t get it right.

Table Tennis Equipment

ACCESSORIES - ITEMS THAT ARE NOT USUALLY ESSENTIAL, BUT WHICH CAN BE USED OR

ADDED TO SOMETHING ELSE IN ORDER TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT,

- Paddle Cases
- Paddle Cover
- Boosters
- Rubber and Glue
- Water
- Towels

Table Tennis Shirts

Table tennis shirts tend to be loose and lightweight, allowing the player to be comfortable while moving
around the table. Additionally, these pieces of clothing are designed with moisture-wicking material to
absorb sweat and prevent your clothes from getting wet and heavy. Traditionally, most table tennis shirts
are collared and have team logos and colors on the front if applicable.

Table Tennis Shorts

When playing table tennis, any comfortable pair of shorts will be adequate to play in. Table tennis shorts
should be loose and light so that the player can move ease around the table. The most important aspect
of the shorts is that they are comfortable for the player to wear for the full duration for a match or even
several matches. You can even be disqualified and lose matches due to having illegal attire! Table Tennis
rules are very strict, after all.
Table Tennis Balls History

At the end of the 19th century, when ping-pong came into its own, the ball was generally made of string,
rubber, or sometimes even a used champagne cork. It wasn’t until 1901, that James Gibb, an
Englishman, discovered celluloid balls in the United States and found them “perfect for the play of ping-
pong.” The name of the sport is attributed to the sound the ball makes when it is hit back and forth on
the table. The ball itself is 40 mm in diameter, hollow, and made from celluloid. The donor used this
particular ball, Frank Roche, while a freshman at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia in
1969. He and his roommate bought the ball to play ping-pong for recreation.

Table Tennis Paddles

In table tennis, the paddles are what you use to hit the ball over the table to your opponent's side. These
paddles have different types to match how you play. They're mostly made of wood, about 85%, but
sometimes a bit of carbon fiber is added for extra strength. Each side of the paddle has a bouncy surface,
called "rubber." The rubber comes in different designs, like patterns, that change how much the ball
sticks to it. Some rubbers even have little raised pieces called "pips." Long pips make the ball spin a lot,
while short ones make it go faster. Good paddles can cost from around 20 dollars up to 350 dollars.
Remember, the paddle you pick helps you play your best by matching your skills and style.

Table Tennis Penhold Paddle

Ever seen someone holding a table tennis paddle like a pen? That's the penhold grip, a cool way to play!
Imagine you're holding a pen with your thumb and index finger – it's the same idea with this grip. The
other fingers chill on the other side. Penhold paddles have shorter handles than regular paddles. It's like
a special design for this style of play. There are three kinds of penhold grips: Chinese, Japanese/Korean,
and reversed backhand. Each has its style, but all penhold paddles have a short handle that fits just right
between the fingers. So, if you ever see someone holding a paddle like a pen, you'll know they're using
the penhold grip.

Table Tennis Shakehand Paddle

In table tennis, the shakehand grip is like giving the paddle a friendly handshake. Imagine holding the
blade as if you're saying hello. Your fingers curl around the handle, and your thumb hangs out near the
rubber part. Paddles made for shakehand players usually have a longer handle. It's like a comfy spot for
your whole hand to rest while you play.

The Net

The net is intended to be an obstacle, but it shouldn't increase the probability of a player gaining a lucky
point. Therefore, a ball hitting the top of the net should either fall back on the hitter's side or bounce
forwards - it shouldn't just roll over onto the receiver's side. This means that the tension along the top of
the net should be significantly higher than the rest of the net. Therefore, the fabric must be suspended
by a cord which must be tight, and it must be attached relatively firmly to the posts but hanging from the
cord. Net assemblies which do not have a suspension cord therefore cannot be used in sanctioned
events.
Main Functions

The Net Assembly

The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts, including the clamps
attaching them to the table. The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright
post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm outside the side line. The top of the net,
along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing surface. The bottom of the net, along its
whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be
attached to the supporting posts from top to bottom.

6 feet (1.83m) long

6 inches (15.25 cm) high, and that

The top of the net must be the same height along its whole length and

The bottom of the net must be as close as possible (but not touching) the playing surface and

The ends of the net must be attached to the supporting posts from top to bottom

ITTF Approved Nets

If the net is going to be used in sanctioned events, the net assembly must be the one that has been
approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Thus, in order to receive ITTF approval, a
net assembly must comply with lots of different criteria.

The upright post must be a single matt colour, and cannot be white or yellow. The net must be made of
soft dark mesh and have a white or pale-yellow top (tape) not more than 15mm high. The mesh should
be made of spun fibre rather than single filament and the knots should be firm and regular. The mesh
should not be less than 7.5mm square or more than 12.5mm square. These include...

Upright post

Height adjuster

The horizontal part of the net post

Attaching system (clamp)

Types of Net Assembles

Permanently Affixed

These are usually only the same width as the tables, i.e. five feet long, rather than the official length of
six feet. Outdoor tables generally have a net assembly that is permanently affixed to the table. and...
some rollaway tables also have a net assembly that is permanently affixed to the table, although these
are usually the correct length of six feet.

Spring Loaded Clip

Some net assemblies use a spring loaded clip to attach the net assembly to the table. These are popular
because they're quick and easy to attach to your table.
Hand-Tightened Screw Clamp

But the most widely used variety is the hand-tightened screw clamp. These provide the best stability and
adjustment capabilities.

Table Tennis Tables

When you're into table tennis, the table itself is the superstar. It's like the biggest and fanciest thing
you'll need to play this game. The table looks similar to a small version of a tennis court, which lines
marking the area of play and a net dividing the two courts. The table is like a rectangle and it's nine feet
long, five feet wide, and it stands about 30 inches off the ground.

Indoor tables

Indoor table tennis tables are like the heart of the game. They're about 2.5 feet tall, so you can
comfortably play. Picture a rectangle that's 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. The table can be made from
different stuff, but the important thing is that when you drop the ball from about a foot above it, it
should bounce about 9 inches back up. Indoor tables are a bit fancier than outdoor ones. That's because
when you're playing, having a smooth game is more important than worrying about outdoor stuff like
rain or wind.

Outdoor tables

Outdoor table tennis tables play it tough! They're just as big as indoor ones, measuring 9 feet long and 5
feet wide. But these tables are built differently to handle the great outdoors. Outdoor tables need to
stand strong against wind, rain, and all sorts of weather. The big difference is in the material they're
made of. Outdoor tables use sturdy galvanized steel underneath, making them super tough and durable.
This makes them last way longer than indoor ones. But remember, outdoor tables are usually pricier
than indoor ones.