TABLE TENNIS

History
The French adapted the game of handball from Ireland and devised methods of
protecting the hands by wrapping them with cords, wearing gloves, and eventually by
using a paddle. The game was first intended to be played on a lawn, but eventually the
use of hard surfaces grew in popularity. The name “tennis" was probably derived from
the French term Tenez, which means “take it and play.” The game was first introduced
to the United States in 1874.

Nature of the Game

Tennis is considered by many to be one of the best forms of recreation. The pace of
the game can be set to the individual player’s ability. Speed, agility, coordination, and
endurance can be developed and indeed are needed to play a good game of tennis.
Tennis can be played both indoors and outdoors. There are two separate games of
tennis. One is the singles game, which has two participants, one opposing the other.
The doubles game, which has four participants, has two players teaming up to
compete against another team of two. Mixed doubles are also played. This is when a
team has one male and one female member.
Table tennis, also popularly called ping-pong, is a table sport where players use
paddles (rackets) to hit a lightweight polymer ball over a central net. Played on a hard
table surface, table tennis is a fast-paced game that requires players to react quickly to
their opponent(s).

Safety/Etiquette
1. Remove all tennis balls from the court before play begins.
2. Be aware of fences, net posts and other structures on and near the playing area.
3. Close any open gates.
4. When playing doubles, be aware of your partner and racket.
5. When playing doubles, never face your partner when he/she is hitting the ball.
6. Never walk on a court when a point is being played.
7. If a tennis ball comes into your court while you are playing, immediately call a let
and stop your game.
8. Stop play immediately if someone enters your court.
9. Never hit a tennis ball in anger or at another person.
10.Never jump over the net at any time.
Facilities/Equipment

​ TABLE
​ ​ 9 feet (2.75m) long
​ ​ 5 feet (1.525m) wide
​ ​ 2 feet 6 inches (76cm) high

​ NET ASSEMBLY

​ ​ 6 feet (1.83m) long

​ ​ 6 inches (15.25cm) high

​ BALL
●​ Spherical, with a diameter of 40mm
●​ Weigh 2.7g
●​ Made of celluloid or similar plastics material
●​ White or orange, and matt

RACKET

Ping-Pong Paddles, or Table Tennis Rackets, are laminated rubber

sponge covered wooden rackets comprised of a blade and a handle. The
ping pong blade refers to the upper wooden portion of the racket that is
built up with one to seven layers (piles) of wood, cork, glass fiber,
carbon fiber, aluminium fiber, or Kevlar customized for various play
styles.
 Ping-Pong Paddles (Table Tennis Rackets) have an average blade length
of 6.7” (17 cm), blade width of 5.9” (15 cm), an overall length between
9.45”-10.25” (240-260 mm). The weight of a Ping-Pong Paddle is
between of 2.47-3.53 oz (70-100 g). Players looking for more ‘control’
of the ball should choose a thinner sponge thickness between .06”-.07”
(1.5-1.9 mm), while players looking for a more offensive play style
should select a thicker sponge of larger than .08” (2 mm).

Points/Scoring

SCORING
•A match is played as the best of 1, 3 or 5 games.
•For each game, the first player to reach 11 points wins the game. However a
game must be won by at least a 2 point margin.
•A point is scored at the end of each rally
•The edges of the table (but not the sides) are part of the legal table surface.

A POINT IS LOST IF A PLAYER

•Fails to make a good serve
•Fails to hit the ball onto their opponents’ side
•Fails to hit the ball
•Hits the ball before it bounces (volley)
MATCH FLOW
•Each player serves 2 points alternately
•If a game reaches 10 all, each player serves 1 point alternately until the game
is won by 2 clear points
•After each game players change ends
•In the final game players change ends after the first player reaches 5 points

A GOOD SERVE
•The ball must rest on the palm of the open hand. Toss it up at least 15 cm (6
inches) and strike it so the ball first bounces on the server’s side and then on
the opponent’s side
•A ‘let’ service is called if the ball touches the top of the net and goes over and
onto the table
•Let serves do not score points and the server serves again

Rules and Regulations

Serving:
1. The server must stand behind the baseline and between the centre mark and the
side-line.
2. The server must hit the tennis ball in the air before it bounces.
3. The server always begins the game on the right side of the court.
4. The serve has to be hit cross-court into the correct service box. The alleys are not
included.
5. The serve is called FAULT if:
​ a. the server is on or over the baseline at the time of the serve.
​ b. the server misses the tennis ball in trying to strike it.
​ c. the tennis ball does not land in the proper service court.
​ d. the tennis ball hits the net post.
6. The server gets two chances to get their service in. If the server misses the first
attempt it is a fault and the server gets a second attempt. If the server misses the
second attempt, it is called a double fault.
7. If the server steps on or over the baseline before contact is made it is a foot fault.

Serving Order: There is ONE server per game.

The serving order for doubles is as follows:
Team 1 has A and B as partners and Team 2 has C and D as partners.
∙ A serves the first game.
∙ C serves the second game.
∙ B serves the third game.
∙ D serves the fourth game.
∙ The teams must keep the same service order for each set

Receiving
1. Partners choose which side they would like to return from, left or right, and return
from that side the entire set.
2. The receiver must let the served ball bounce once before returning it.
3. When the receiving partner is returning the serve, the other partner may not try to
hit the ball.

Basic Skills
GRIP
A. Penhold

This hold got its name, as it resembles holding a pen. Here the player’s middle,
ring, little fingers are curled around the racquet. This style of holding the
racquet is called Chinese penholding. Even though many players have this way
of holding the racquet, their style of play is entirely different.
Another style of penhodling is the Japanese/ Korean style. In this style, the
three fingers are across the back of the racquet. Players who have Chinese
penholding style prefer round racquet head, whereas the one who have the
Korean style, prefer square-shaped racquet head.
Usually, players who have a penholding style don’t use the other side of the
racquet. But, in 1990s the Chinese developed a reverse penhold technique in
which, the player uses the other side of the racquet as well.

B. Shakehand

As the name suggests, this type of grip resembles one shaking a hand. This
hold is also called the Western grip as many players of Europe and America use
this style of holding a racquet.
Shakehand grip looks easy and it is a very versatile style. So, it was started
even in China and now, many top-level Chinese players also use this technique.
Apparently, players feel this technique easier than penhold, as it gives a wide
scope of play.

C. Seemiller
 This grip is named after Danny Seemiller, as he was the one who used this
technique. To have this kind of grip, one should place the thumb and index
finger on either side of the racquet and the rest of the fingers should be placed
at the bottom part.
This method is used to distract the opponent, as contrasting rubbers can be
placed on both the sides of the blade. This technique gives great loops on the
forehand side.

STROKES

​ A. SERVE
A serve in tennis is the stroke used to start every point in a match. It is
the only stroke in tennis that a player has complete control over and is therefore
one of the most important shots in the game. A good serve allows the player
serving to assert some control over how the point unfolds. This is because the
server gets the first strike and based on the power, spin and shot placement can
limit what the returning player can do.
 How to serve step-by-step.
Before starting, make sure you’re standing behind the baseline. Next place your
feet in a side on stance where if you drew an arrow between the tips of your
feet it’d point towards your opponent (this may feel a little strange at first but
will help with power). Finally, grip the racket in your dominant hand using a
continental grip (like you’d hold a hammer) and hold the tennis ball in your
non-dominant hand. Now you’re ready to start serving.

1.​ Begin your service motion by holding your racket and ball in front of you.
2.​ Start your momentum forwards by leaning towards the opponent, toss the ball
in the air with your non-dominant arm while dropping your racket arm straight
back. The ball toss and backswing happen simultaneously.
3.​ Now your body should be in a ready position, fully coiled and ready to unload.
4.​ As the ball moves into striking position above your head start uncoiling by
driving up through your legs, rotating your body, and pulling your
non-dominant arm down.
5.​ Continue extending and uncoiling as your racket arm whips up and around
following the rest of your body.
6.​ At this stage your body and head position should be facing or almost facing the
net as you pull down and make contact with the tennis ball.
 7.​ As you continue the follow through your body should be falling forward and to
the left as your racket arm whips through the ball and slightly to the right.
8.​ Finally, as you finish your serve motion you’ll land on your left foot in in the
court while your dominant arm finishes it’s swing on the left side of your body
(if you’re right-handed).

B. GROUNDSTROKE
A groundstroke is a forehand or backhand stroke that is hit after the ball
has bounced once on the court. It is one of the core fundamental shots in tennis
and is normally played from the back of the court during a baseline rally.
However, groundstrokes can be played from anywhere on the court so long as
the tennis ball has bounced. So, an approach shot hit from the middle of the
court (around the service line) or even closer to the net is still considered a
groundstroke. If the ball is hit in the air before bouncing it’s a volley, drive
volley or smash.

​ 1. FOREHAND GROUNDSTROKE
A tennis forehand is one of the two types of groundstrokes. It refers to a
shot performed from the baseline with the racket held in your dominant hand.
For a right-handed player the forehand swing starts on the right side of your
body, continues forward and across your body as you contact the ball (at this
point the palm of your hand is turned away from your body), and finishes on
the left side of your body.

How to hit a forehand step-by-step

 As with most strokes in tennis the forehand is hit on the move using a variety
of different spins. For the purpose of this beginner guide I’m going to show you
how to perform a topspin forehand from the baseline.

Here is how to hit a forehand groundstroke in six steps:

1.​ Preparation. When your opponent makes contact with the tennis ball take light
split step opening up your legs.
2.​ As the ball approaches stay in that open stance position as you rotate your hips,
shoulders and arms as part of the take back.
3.​ Now start unwinding your body with your dominant arm dropping down (to
help generate topspin) as it trails the rest of your body forward towards the ball.
4.​ Continue rotating and swing your racket up, over and through the ball as you
make contact. At this stage the front of your body and head should be facing
the net.
5.​ Follow through by continuing your arms extension forward then across your
body towards your non-dominant side.
6.​ Finally, complete your stroke with your weight shifted to your left leg (if
right-handed) and your racket head hovering around your left shoulder.

While practicing your forehand always try to maintain a “handshake” arm

position with your right arm swing. That means not too cramped or too far away in
relation to your body. This will help generate power while maintaining control. Also,
remember that your wrist, hand and racket should be the last things to rotate through
at contact point. In many ways the forehand is like a low serve as there are many
similarities in body movement.

2. BACKHAND GROUNDSTROKE
A backhand in tennis is the other of the two types of groundstroke. It
can be a one-handed and/or two-handed stroke. Like the forehand, the basic
swing pattern starts on one side of your body, moves forward and across, and
ends on the other side of your body. But unlike the forehand, the backhand is
hit with the back of your dominant hand facing the direction of the stroke.

How to hit a one-handed backhand step-by-step

A one-handed backhand is performed with only your dominant hand holding
the racquet grip as you make contact with the tennis ball. For the novice player,
compared to the two-handed backhand the one-hander generally sacrifices
some power and stability for greater reach.

How to hit a one-handed backhand groundstroke in six steps:

1.​ Take a light split step to get balanced and prepare.
2.​ Move into position while at the same time begin rotating your upper body for
the take back. It is generally easier to move your feet to a closed or side-on
position to help with rotation and strength
 3.​ Once in position your take back should be done and your right shoulder
pointing at the ball (if you’re right-handed).
4.​ Just like the forehand, your arm will drop down as your start rotating and
swinging towards the ball.
5.​ As you continue to rotate back around (unwinding) your arm will whip forward
and up making contact with the ball.
6.​ Lastly, finish your backhand follow through by completing the motion and
extending your arm to the right as you land with your weight primarily on your
dominant side.

How to hit a two-handed backhand step-by-step

A two-handed backhand is performed with your dominant hand holding the bottom
of the racquet grip and your non-dominant hand placed above as you make contact
with the ball. The addition of the second arm and hand gives the two-handed
backhand greater control and power at the cost of reach.

How to hit a two-handed backhand groundstroke in six steps:

1.​ Split step as your opponent strikes the ball to get ready.
2.​ Move into position while simultaneously taking the racket back.
3.​ When in position your take back should be complete with your racket on your
non-dominant side, shoulder angled towards the ball.
 4.​ Uncoil your body rotating your hips and shoulders to contact the ball. Here
your body should be facing the net with approximately equal racket control
given to both arms.
5.​ As you follow through your left arm takes over driving through the ball.
6.​ End your stroke by swinging your racket all the way to your non-dominant side
with your bodyweight on your dominant side.

C. VOLLEY
A volley stroke is where the ball is hit out of the air before it bounces on the
court. The term “volley” encompasses both the forehand volley stroke and
backhand volley stroke. Technically a volley can be played from just about any
position but usually it’s hit when a player is closer to the net. If the ball bounces
before a player makes contact the shot is considered a groundstroke or half volley.

​ 1. FOREHAND VOLLEY
The forehand volley is one of the two types of volleys. It is generally
played closer to the net than other strokes. Like the forehand groundstroke, a
forehand volley is hit with the racket in your dominant hand palm facing away
from your body. Again, similar to forehand groundstrokes, forehand volleys are
hit with your dominant hand to the right side of your body if you’re
right-handed, and to the left side of your body if you’re left-handed.

How to hit a forehand volley step-by-step.

The key to a great forehand volley is explosive movement, simplified technique
and good reaction. Remember the ball is coming at you fast and you don’t have
time for a big elaborate stroke.
How to hit a forehand volley in four easy steps:
1.​ When you approach the net keep your racket out in front and take a light split
step to ready yourself as you move forward.
2.​ As the ball approaches turn your upper body slightly to your right side taking
the racket back.
3.​ Continuing your forward momentum bring the racket forward maintaining a
strong wrist and handshake arm position as you contact the ball.
4.​ Keep moving your feet and body weight forward through the ball as you finish
your follow through by swinging the racket back in front of your body.

2. BACKHAND VOLLEY
The backhand volley is the other type of volley. Just like the forehand volley
it’s usually hit quite close to the net. And similar to a single-handed backhand (aka
one-handed backhand) groundstroke the backhand volley is hit using your
dominant arm with the back of the hand facing away from your body as you grip
the racket and make contact.

How to hit a backhand volley step-by-step

Just like the forehand volley, developing a solid backhand volley is as much about
your footwork, momentum and body weight as it is about your swing. Explosive
yet smooth movement to and through the ball is key.

How to hit a backhand volley in four easy steps:

1.​ Approach the net quickly with your racket ready and out in front of you.
 2.​ As the ball comes towards you keep your technique simple with a short take
back rotating your upper body to the left.
3.​ Continue your forward momentum using your feed to move to the ball as you
make contact with a short swing.
4.​ Keep transferring your body weight forward through the ball and rotate your
upper body slightly bringing the racket forward and to the right ending back in
front of you.

D. OVERHEAD SMASH
In tennis an overhead smash is a stroke where the player contacts the ball with
the racquet above his or her head using a serve-like motion. This shot is commonly
referred to as simply a smash or overhead and the two terms are interchangeable.
The term smash or overhead usually refers to the “forehand smash” or “forehand
overhead” as this is the most common form of the shot. The backhand smash is
only used when a player is unable manoeuvre into a position to hit the more
powerful forehand smash.

An overhead smash is normally hit when a player is close to the net or around the
middle of the court (around the service line) before the ball bounces. However, a
player can elect to perform a smash “on the bounce”. This is usually done because
the opponent has thrown up a very high defensive lob. Letting the ball bounce
once in this situation makes timing your smash correctly much easier.

How to hit an overhead smash step-by-step

You can think of the smash as portable serve. But unlike the serve, a smash is hit
during the point while you are on the move. This means there are some very
important differences. As you’re running and moving during the rally, simplifying
your technique and focusing on your footwork becomes incredibly important.

Here are five basic tennis tips for improving your overhead smash technique:
1.​ Hold the racket using a continental grip.
2.​ When you see the ball rising up through the air focus on your positioning
keeping the ball in front of you at all times by using good quick footwork.
 While moving back, rotate your body bringing the racket straight back to a
ready position with your non-dominant hand angled up towards the ball.
3.​ As the ball drops into striking position uncoil and rotate your body swinging
the racket up towards the tennis ball.
4.​ Similar to the serve, at this point your body should have rotated to face your
opponent as you snap your arm around making contact with the tennis ball.
5.​ After contact continue with a short follow through bringing the racket down
then across your body.

Terminology
Ace – A serve that gets past the receiver without them touching it.
Advantage – the next point after deuce. Advantage in or Ad in refers to the server’s
winning the point and Advantage out or Ad out refers to the receiver’s winning the
point.
Baseline – the end boundary lines on the court.
Center mark – a small line that divides the baseline into right and left serving areas.
Center service line – a line down the center that separates the service courts (left and
right).
Deuce – an even score of 40-40. At deuce a player must win two points in a row to
win the game.
Double fault – missing both 1st and 2nd attempts at serving.
Fault – failure to make a legal serve.
Game – a unit of a set completed by winning four points and being ahead by two
points.
Let – a served ball strikes the top of the net and falls into the proper service court. It is
also a let anytime there is interference during a point.
Love – no score or score of zero.
Match – winning 2 out of 3 sets.
Rally – a prolonged exchange of strokes.
Set – a unit of a match completed when a player wins 6 games and is ahead by 2. At
6-6 a tie breaker to 12 points is played.
Volley – contact is made with the tennis ball before the bounce, usually occurs when a
player is close to the net (especially in doubles).
Overhead – an offensive stroke with a downward angle on the tennis ball, similar to a
serve.
Lob – contact with the racket provides a higher trajectory of the ball, similar to a
groundstroke.
Groundstrokes – contact made with the ball after one bounce.