Table Tennis: The Fast-Paced Sport of Precision and Skill
Introduction to Table
Tennis
● Also known as ping pong
● Olympic sport since 1988
● Played on a table divided by a net
● Objective: Hit the ball over the net onto
opponent's side
● What do you know about table tennis?
Brief History
● Originated in Victorian England as an after-dinner parlor game
● Initially played with books as paddles and a golf ball
● Evolved into the modern sport in the early 20th century
● International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) founded in 1926
● How do you think the game has changed over time?
Equipment: The Table
● Rectangular table: 2.74m long, 1.525m
wide, 76cm high
● Usually dark green or blue with a white
sideline
● Divided in half by a 15.25cm high net
● Surface must produce a uniform bounce of
about 23cm
● Can you estimate how many times longer
the table is compared to the net height?
Equipment: The Ball
● Small, lightweight sphere
● Diameter: 40mm
● Weight: 2.7g
● Made of celluloid or similar plastic material
● Usually white or orange for visibility
● Why do you think the ball is so light?
Equipment: The Paddle
● Also called a racket or bat
● Wood blade covered with rubber on one or
both sides
● Different rubber types produce varying
effects
● Must be red on one side and black on the
other
● What advantages might different rubber
types offer?
Basic Rules
● Players or pairs hit the ball back and forth
● Ball must bounce once on each side of the table
● Players serve two points each, alternating
● Games are typically played to 11 points
● Must win by 2 clear points
● How might these rules affect game strategy?
Scoring System
● Point awarded when opponent fails to return the ball
● Serving team changed every 2 points
● At 10-10, service changes after each point
● Matches typically best of 5 or 7 games
● How does this scoring system differ from other sports you
know?
Basic Strokes: Forehand
● Most common offensive stroke
● Paddle moves from back to front of body
● Contact made in front of body with open
racket angle
● Used for both attack and defense
● What body parts are involved in a forehand
stroke?
Basic Strokes: Backhand
● Paddle moves across the front of the body
● Typically used for short-range play and defense
● Can be developed into a powerful attacking shot
● Often easier for beginners to learn
● How might the backhand complement the forehand in a player's
strategy?
Serve Techniques
● Ball must be thrown up at least 15cm
● Contact must be made behind the end line
● Ball must touch server's court once before
opponent's
● Various spin types can be applied
● Why is the serve so important in table
tennis?
Types of Spin
● Topspin: Ball dips downward, bounces forward
● Backspin: Ball floats, bounces backward
● Sidespin: Ball curves sideways after bounce
● No spin: Straight trajectory
● How might different spins affect your opponent's return?
Advanced Techniques: Loop
● Aggressive topspin shot
● Ball brushed with an upward motion
● Creates a curved trajectory
● Difficult for opponents to return
● Why might looping be an effective offensive strategy?
Advanced Techniques:
Chop
● Defensive backspin shot
● Racket moves in a downward motion
● Keeps the ball low over the net
● Counters opponent's topspin
● How does chopping contrast with looping in
terms of strategy?
Footwork and Stance
● Ready position: Knees bent, weight on balls of feet
● Quick, short steps for rapid movement
● Balance is crucial for effective shots
● Proper stance allows for quick transitions
● Why is footwork so important in table tennis?
Playing Styles
● Offensive: Aggressive, fast-paced attacks
● Defensive: Consistent returns, countering
● All-round: Balanced approach
● Choppers: Heavy backspin defensive style
● Which style do you think would suit your
personality?
Table Tennis in the Olympics
● Debuted in 1988 Seoul Olympics
● Events: Singles and team competitions
● Dominated by Asian countries, especially China
● Requires immense skill, reflexes, and strategy
● How does Olympic table tennis differ from casual play?
Health Benefits
● Improves hand-eye coordination
● Enhances mental acuity and reflexes
● Low-impact cardiovascular exercise
● Boosts balance and flexibility
● Can you think of other potential benefits of playing table tennis?
Global Popularity
● Estimated 300 million players worldwide
● Popular in Asia, Europe, and the Americas
● Accessible to all ages and skill levels
● Played recreationally and competitively
● Why do you think table tennis has such
global appeal?
Conclusion: The Beauty of Table Tennis
● Combines physical skill with mental strategy
● Fast-paced and exciting to play and watch
● Accessible yet challenging at high levels
● Promotes social interaction and friendly competition
● How might you incorporate table tennis into your life?
