Table Tennis

• Table tennis originated in England before the 20th century
• Table tennis was developed after lawn tennis had become a popular sport
• Table tennis is considered one of the most widespread racket sports in the world
• Table tennis is played on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a net placed in the middle
• Formerly known as ping-pong, table tennis is played with the same game principles as lawn tennis
• The objective of table tennis is to score a point by hitting the ball over the net so it bounces down at the opponent's court in a way that they cannot return it
• The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) governs table tennis
• Table tennis rules differ for singles and doubles, especially in terms of serving and receiving
• The winner in table tennis is the first player to reach 11 points and be at least 2 points ahead of the opponent
• Table tennis can be played by players in wheelchairs with some rule modifications
• Table tennis matches include singles, doubles, and mixed doubles
• Forehand Grip:

  • Thumb and pointing finger on opposite sides of the blade at the top of the handle
  • Rest of the fingers wrapped around the handle
• Backhand Grip:

  • Thumb and pointing finger on the blade
  • Middle finger rests on the opposite side with the rest of the fingers
• Serve:

  • Stroke that starts a rally
  • Can be done in the forehand or backhand side
• Receive:

  • Stroke to respond to a serve
• Push:

  • Short stroke with the racket moved in a slight horizontal plane, striking the ball at the bottom portion of the racket (Low serving)
• Drive:

  • Stroke with the racket moved forward and upward at an angle, striking the ball to impart fast forward spinning motion
• Block:

  • Stroke with the racket positioned slightly vertical, striking the ball at the bottom portion of the racket to make the ball travel straight
• Basic Sideways Footwork:

  • Common footwork in table tennis
  • Done when in a ready position and hitting the ball sideways with a bit of a jump or sidestep either left or right side in forehand or backhand stroke
• In and Out Footwork:

  • Used to return the ball to the opponent in short service and short return
  • Move the body forward by stepping one foot closer to the table and hit the ball, then return to the ready position
• Crossover Footwork:

  • Used to return the ball faster when it is coming out too wide from the forehand stroke
  • Running motion done by crossing over wide left leg to the right side to hit the ball in a forehand stroke at a fast pace (right-handed player)