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PED013 - Table Tennis

Table Tennis

Table Tennis (or ping-pong, as it is often called), is a popular individual and dual racket sport.
Two opponents (in singles) or two teams of two opponents (in doubles) can play a match consisting
of games and points. The player due to strike the ball first is the server and the player who receives
the serve is called the receiver. It is an indoor game and could be enjoyed by everybody, even the
physically handicapped.
The overall objective of the game is to win the match by winning enough points to win more
than half of the number of maximum possible games to be played. A secondary objective (and some
would say the main objective) is to have fun and get a bit of exercise at the same time!

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

Table tennis started in the early 1880s as a miniature version of tennis in England. Hollow,
banjolike, rectangular rackets, and rubber or cork balls were the equipment during the first few years
of the game. The game was sometimes called as indoor tennis, “whiff whaff”’ “gossima”, or
“gossamer”.
Englishman, James Gibb, in 1890, first introduced the celluloid ball, permitting increased
control of it. In 1902, E. C. Goode introduced the rubber-faced racket, permitting variety of strokes
and spins to be placed on ball. Some sources also credit Gibb with inventing the name "ping pong",
which was supposed to have been derived from the sound of the ball. John Jacques register "Ping
Pong" as a trade name in England. The American rights to the name are sold to Parker Brothers.
Table tennis is controlled by the worldwide organization, International Table Tennis
Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926 in Berlin, at which time it sponsored the first World Table Tennis
Championships in London. ITTF adopted uniform rules and standardized the implements of play. The
table tennis official rules are specified in the ITTF handbook.
In 2000, the ITTF increases the ball diameter to 40mm. The following year, 2001, the ITTF
changes the scoring system, moving to 11 points in a game.
In 2019, the rule for different colored rubbers has been approved. After the Olympic Games
in Tokyo players will be able to use different color rubbers on their bat, and not use the standard black
and red. As quoted by the ITTF: "This will bring about a very significant change in the visual outlook
of our sport. Can you imagine playing with bright green or even pink rubber?”
Black rubbers will remain compulsory on one side but on the other side of the bat other colors
will be allowed.
Interest in table tennis rapidly increased in other countries. Since 1988, table tennis has been
an Olympic sport. Some reasons for its popularity are as follows: it is not an elaborate sport; it could
played indoor; equipment is inexpensive; it requires limited space; it could be enjoyed by all; and
could be played by physically handicapped individuals.
From 1970's up to present, China is the dominant force in both men's and women's events on
the world scene, winning multiple events at all world championships. In 1985, the two color rule is
adopted to reduce the effectiveness of combination rackets.
In the Philippines, Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) which was founded
in 1951 was the governing body of table tennis. At present, the Phil. Table Tennis Federation, Inc.
is the recognized national sport association for table tennis in the country wherein it aims to promote
the sport of table tennis throughout the country.
Ian “Yanyan” Lariba, a Filipina who hailed from Cagayan del Oro City represented the
Philippines in the table tennis competition of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

References:
Brief Table Tennis History That May Interests You. Retrieved Sept. 13, 2020 from .https://youtu.be/Ol9xtjhps-w
History and Facts about Table Tennis
http://sportsbux.blogspot.com/2010/10/history-and-facts-about-table-tennis.html
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PED013 - Table Tennis

VALUES AND BENEFITS

Table tennis is a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family and friends. It also great health
benefits. Like most sports, table tennis offers great health benefits, great mind-body stimulation, aerobic
exercise. Unlike other sports, however, the overall risk for injury with table tennis is quite low.
Some of the values and benefits of table tennis are as follows:
1. Health and Fitness. Table tennis is good for your health - it's great for getting up a
sweat and getting the heart rate up. Played at the higher levels, it's one of the fastest
sports around. A couple of hours a week hitting the ball do wonders for your fitness.
2. Gentle on Your Body. It's easy on the body. You can play the game according to your
own capabilities and limitations, and still be competitive. And being a non-contact
sport, you don't have to worry about those bruises or even broken bones that you can
get in contact sports.
3. It could be played by all. There's no age or gender barriers - it's common at clubs for
60 year old veterans to be playing 15 year old juniors, or men playing against women,
and with everyone having a great time and a close match. Families can all play each
other. In fact, many athletes with disabilities can compete on equal terms with able-
bodied athletes at table tennis, since there is much more to the game than sheer power
or strength.
4. A Sport for Life. Table tennis is a lifelong sport that can be played competitively right
up to your eighties and beyond. It's never too late to start.
5. Keeps You Mentally Sharp. As you get older, table tennis is good for the brain. There
is an awful lot of thinking, planning, and strategizing going on out there on the court,
all of which helps keep the old grey matter active!
6. You Can Play Anytime. Table tennis is an indoor, non-seasonal sport. You can play it
all year round, day or night, and you don't have to worry about bad weather or covering
up to keep those harmful UV rays off you.
7. You Can Play Anywhere. It's space efficient. You don't need a huge amount of space
to have fun at home, in the dormitory lobby and a foldaway table can be put away when
you aren't using it.
8. Make New Friends. Table tennis is a great social sport. You'll get to meet plenty of
people down at the local clubs or in your PE Class. Play a competition once in a while
and you'll be able to compete and make friends with a whole bunch of fellow table
tennis enthusiasts.
9. You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune. You don't have to spend a lot of money to play
table tennis. A basic table tennis racket, net and a ball are not too costly compared to
other sports. Plus, the cost of joining a club and club fees are usually quite low
compared to sports such as golf or tennis.
10. Enjoy Yourself. It's fun! Table tennis is a wonderful sport to take up for life. It's easy
to play, yet difficult to master. You'll always have another challenge to look forward
to, and another mountain to climb.

ETHICS AND ETIQUETTES

Table Tennis has a set of customary social manners and rules that players should follow so
that it makes playing the game fun, enjoyable, and even memorable for everyone may it be in
practice games or in tournaments. Players are expected to conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner.

Following this etiquette will ensure your matches go over smoothly without conflict.
1. Observe sportsmanship when playing.
2. Control of temper and language is important.
3. Learn to win and lose gracefully.
4. Never question the official’s decisions.
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PED013 - Table Tennis

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

1. Table. It is 2.74 m (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide, and 76 cm (30 inch) high, layered with
a smooth coating. The table or playing surface is divided into two halves by a 15.25 cm
(6 inch) high net. The table surface is often in a green, blue or dark color (see ITTF Laws).

Figure 1. Table tennis table showing the dimensions

2. Ball. The international rules specify that the game is played with a light 2.7 gram, 40 mm
diameter ball. It is made of celluloid material, colored white or orange, with a matte finish.
Stars on the ball indicate the quality of the ball. Three stars indicate that it is of the highest
quality, and is used in official competition (see ITTF Laws).
3. Racket. Players are equipped with a laminated wooden racket covered with rubber on one
or two sides. This is called either a paddle, racket, blade or a bat. There are no official
restrictions on the shape or size of the blade itself, however, these dimensions are optimal for
most styles of play. The player has the right to inspect his opponent's racket before a match to
see the type of rubber used and what color it is. There are two types of rubbers used by
players: ordinary pimpled rubber and the sandwich rubber (see ITTF Laws).
4. Net Assembly. This is stretched across the center of the table by a cord attached to a post at
either end. It measures 6ft long and the ball must pass over it for a rally to continue (see ITTF
Laws).
5. Playing Conditions. The playing space shall be rectangular and not less than 14 meters long,
7 meters wide and 5 meters high, but the 4 corners may be covered by surrounds of not more
than 1.5 meters length. The playing area shall be enclosed about 75 cm high, all of the same
dark background color, separating it from adjacent playing areas and from spectators (see ITTF
Handbook).

SAFETY

1. Before starting to play or practice, check the playing area. Choose a smooth and safe surface
to play.
2. Make sure all the equipment are safe to use especially the tables and surrounds. Check that
all legs are locked and stable.
3. Pick up unused and spare equipment and other items (bags, towels, bottles) and place in out
of the way.
4. Wear proper playing attire.

WARM – UP (Sample)
1. Jog in place
2. Head bending (head clock stretching)
3. Arms stretching
4. Back stretching
5. Hips rotation
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PED013 - Table Tennis

6. Calf stretching
7. Toes stretching

Reference: How to Play Table Tennis - All the Basics https://youtu.be/5mkwuNexUzo

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

1. Grip. Grip means how to hold a racket. The main two grips are: shakehand grip and penhold
grip.
➢ Shakehand Grip. The shakehand grip is aptly named because you hold the racket as if you
were shaking someone's hand, with your index finger extending over the bottom part of the
rubber on the backhand side and your thumb slightly touching the rubber on the forehand side.
Notice how only 3 fingers wrap around the handle.
➢ Penhold Grip. The penhold grip is also aptly named because you hold the paddle just like a
pen, only grasping the paddle at the top of the handle. Because of this, "penholders" often
use rackets with special handles more comfortable for them.

It is your choice which grip you want to use, but the shakehand grip is suggested especially
for beginners. Also, the shakehand grip makes table tennis a lot easier to play, because it gives you
freedom of wrist and allows you to hit easily from both forehand and backhand sides.

2. Ready Position/Footwork. Before you can properly execute any table tennis shot, you need to
learn a correct ready position. Player should directly face the table with his legs slightly flexed, his
feet spread about eighteen inches apart, and his body in a crouched position. Racket should be table
height and in front of the body (for easy transfer to forehand and backhand).

3. Basic Strokes

➢ Forehand Drive
➢ Backhand Drive
➢ Forehand Push
➢ Backhand Push

4. Spin and Racket Angles: It’s a Game of Spin

Why Is Spin Important?

Table tennis is a game of spin. Nearly every stroke and serve imparts some type of spin to the
ball, and to understand each type of spin. Without spin, the game would be very different and a lot
less exciting.
Because your opponents will be using spin, you must also. The types of spin you use against
various shots will depend on what type of style you develop. If you wish to develop your game fully,
you must learn how to use spin and how to play against it. There are three basic types of spin: topspin,
backspin and sidespin (see Figure 1). You can use combinations of them, or use no spin at all (“no
spin”).

Figure 2. The 3 basic types of spin

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PED013 - Table Tennis

• Topspin. If you hit the ball so that the top half of it rotates away from you, you create topspin.
This is done by hitting the back of the ball (usually toward the top) with an upward stroke.
• Backspin. If you hit the ball so that the bottom half of it rotates away from you, you create
backspin (also known as underspin or chop). This is done by hitting the back of the ball (usually
toward the bottom) with a downward stroke.

Backspin is used primarily as a defensive or passive shot. It’s used to keep the ball low
and difficult to attack. Some defensive players (“choppers”) will back up 15 feet or more to return
topspin drives with backspin. Backspin can lead to pushing, which is returning a ball that has a
backspin with your own backspin.

Figure 3. Differences Between Topspin and Backspin ball arcs

• Sidespin. If you hit the ball so that the side of it moves away from you, you create sidespin.
This is done by hitting the back of the ball (usually toward the side) with a sideways stroke. The
ball spins like a record on a record player.

• No Spin. A ball without spin is also a good variation, especially on the serve. Any spin shot can
be done without spin as a variation.

Service is sometimes called the “Trick” part of table tennis. You should master a few established
serves, but you should also invent your own. Watch other player for ideas. There are an incredible
number of variations. You can also experiment with different types of serves (different placements,
spin, etc.). One of the most popular serve is high toss serve. Also experiment with different contact
points on the racket, mixing up no-spin and spin.

TERMINOLOGIES

Assistant Umpire – The person appointed to assist the umpire with certain decisions.
Backhand- A shot executed where the back of your hand is pointing towards the opponent, to the left
of the elbow for a right handed player and vice versa for a left handed player
Backspin- A type of spin used mostly on defensive shots. When you chop down on the ball,
you produce backspin. The bottom of the ball will move away from you.
Bat- An alternative name for the racket.
Blade- The wooden part of the racket.
Chop- A defensive return of a topspin stroke played with backspin, usually well away from the table.
Closed Racket- A stroke played with the striking surface of the racket angled downwards, eg. a
topspin stroke or block.
Doubles- A game of table tennis where two people play on each side and alternate turns at striking
the ball.
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PED013 - Table Tennis

Drive- A stroke played close to the table with your racket arm moving forward and slightly upwards
in the direction that the ball is going to travel.
Drop shot- A shot which drops very short over the net on your opponent's side of the table. Usually
played when your opponent is positioned away from the table.
Forehand- A shot executed where the palm of your hand is facing your opponent, to the right side of
the elbow for a right handed player and vice versa for a left handed player.
Free Hand- The hand not holding the racket.
Game- A game is won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or pairs score
10 points, when a game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of
2 points.
High Toss Serve- A serve where the ball is thrown high into the air. This helps the server to increase
the amount of spin and speed imparted onto the ball.
ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation)- The international governing body for the sport of
table tennis.
Inverted rubber- The most common racket covering. It consists of a sheet of rubber on top of a layer
of sponge. The pimples (pips) point inward, so the playing surface is smooth.
Let- A rally where the result is not scored.
Let Serve- If the ball, in passing over or around the net, touches it, provided the service is
otherwise good, the serve is replayed - or - if your opponent is not ready, the serve is replayed.
Lob- A defensive shot used against high-speed shots, where the ball is returned very high in the air.
Match- A match consists of the best of any odd number of games (usually 3, 5 or 7).
Obstruction- A player obstructs the ball if he or she, or anything he or she wears or carries, touches
it in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his or
her court since last being struck by his or her opponent.
Open Racket- A stroke played with the striking surface of the racket angled upwards, eg. a push or
backspin shot.
Paddle- An alternative name for the racket.
Penhold- A style of grip in which the racket handle is held between the thumb and forefinger. Used
mainly by Asian players.
Pimples- A type of racket covering. A sheet of rubber on top of a layer of sponge. The pimples (pips)
point outwards, so the playing surface is pimpled. Depending on the length and hardness of
the pimples, unusual types of spin can be imparted.
Ping Pong- A trademarked name. Used predominantly in USA. Often used interchangeably with table
tennis by the general public.
Playing Surface- The upper surface of a table tennis table which lies in a horizontal plane 76cm (2ft
6in) above the floor.
Point- A unit of scoring in table tennis. A rally where the result is scored.
Racket- The equipment used to hit the ball. Comprises of a wooden blade with rubbers affixed to it.
Racket hand- The hand that is holding the racket.
Rally- The period during which the ball is in play.
Receiver- The player due to strike the ball second in a rally.
Referee- The person appointed to control a tournament.
Rubber- The racket covering. Sometimes refers only to the rubber on top of a sponge base.
Sandwich Rubber- A type of racket covering. A racket covering with pimples inwards or outwards
on top of a layer of sponge, having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4mm.
Server- The player due to strike the ball first in a rally.
Service- The start of a point where one player strikes the ball.
Shakehand- A style of grip in which the racket handle is held in the palm of your hand so that the
start of the racket head fits snugly into the "V" shape formed by your thumb and pointing
finger - similar to shaking hands with another person.
Sidespin- A type of spin imparted onto the ball causing it to move left or right before and after it
strikes the playing surface.
Smash- An aggressive shot hit with speed, often in response to a high bouncing return.
Spin- The rotation of the ball. A player can impart spin onto the ball by using a brushing action with
the racket surface.
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PED013 - Table Tennis

Sponge- A type of racket covering used in sandwich rubbers. It is used under a sheet of rubber with
pimples.
Strike- Touching the ball in play with your racket, held in your racket hand, or with your racket hand
below the wrist.
Stroke- Any shot used by a player in a game.
Topspin- A type of spin imparted onto the ball causing it to arc over the net and down onto the table
surface.
Umpire- The person appointed to control a match.
Volley- Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the table. A player who volleys the ball
generally loses the point.

REFERENCES

Basic Concepts for Table Tennis Beginners. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from
https://gregsttpages.com/guide-to-table-tennis/beginners-guide-to-table-tennis/basic-
concepts-for-table-tennis-beginners/
Cassady, Donald R. (1979). Sports Activities for Men. New York: MacMillan Co.
Hodges, Larry (1998). Table Tennis: Steps to Success. Champaign, Ill: Human Kinetics.
How to Win at Table Tennis – eBook. Retrieved August 28, 2020 from
http://gregsttpages.com/archives/guides/how-to-win-at-table-tennis-ebook/
ITTF Handbook for Match Officials 2011-2012. (June 2011). 14th ed. Switzerland: The ITTF.
ITTF Handbook 2019. Switzerland: The International Table Tennis Federation.
Leach, J. (1974). Table Tennis Made Easy. California: Wilshire Book Company.
Letts, Greg. "A Brief History of Table Tennis/Ping-Pong". (2015) About.com. Retrieved June 29,
2015 from http://tabletennis.about.com/od/ beginnersguide/a/history_of_tt.htm
Letts, Greg. “What is the Objective of the Game of Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong?” About.com.
Retrieved June 20, 2015 from http://tabletennis.about.com/
od/objectiveofthegame/a/objective.htm
Letts, Greg. “Top Ten Reasons to Play Table Tennis”. About.com. Retrieved June 20, 2015 from
http://tabletennis.about.com/od/beginnersguide/tp/reasonstoplay.htm
TATAP. Retrieved June 29, 2015 from
https://www.facebook.com/tabletennisassociationofthephilippines/ info?tab=page_info
Table Tennis History. (n.d.) Retrieved June 29, 2015 from
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall04/baksh/history.html
Table tennis lesson. Retrieved September 08, 2020 from
https://www.slideshare.net/denzk2003/table-tennis-lesson-22482352
“Table Tennis Terminology”. All About Table Tennis.com. Retrieved June 29, 2015 from
http://www.allabouttabletennis.com/ table-tennis-terminology.html
The ITTF Archives. (n. d.) Retrieved June 29, 2015 from
http://www.ittf.com/museum/archives/index.html
Seemiller, D. and M. Hollowchak. [1997] Winning Table Tennis Skills, Drills and Strategies.
IL: Human Kinetics. University Press.
The ITTF Archives. (n. d.) Retrieved June 29, 2015 from
http://www.ittf.com/museum/archives/index.html
Techniques of Chinese Table Tennis Players. (1981). Hongkong: Hai Feng Publishing Co.
The Forehand Counterhit – Table Tennis Basic Strokes. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from
https://gregsttpages.com/guide-to-table-tennis/beginners-guide-to-table-tennis/basic-
concepts-for-table-tennis-beginners/how-to-play-the-basic-strokes-of-table-tennis/the-
forehand-counterhit-table-tennis-basic-strokes/
The International Table Tennis Federation Handbook. (2019). Switzerland: The International Table
Tennis Federation.
Top 10 Mistakes Made By Table Tennis Beginners. Retrieved September 08, 2020, from
https://gregsttpages.com/guide-to-table-tennis/beginners-guide-to-table-tennis/top-10-
mistakes-made-by-table-tennis-beginners/