10 things to know about table tennis

Expertise shared by Somerton’s table tennis coach Gabriel Saunders

What is table tennis?

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight plastic ball back and forth using a small bat. The game usually takes place on a rectangular table that is divided into two by a net. It can be played indoors or outdoors, as a competitive game, or a recreational activity for all ages and abilities. While playing table tennis improves your coordination and reflexes, the match can be so intense that a ball can travel as fast as 100mph, no wonder table tennis is recognised as “the world’s best brain sports”!

Who invented table tennis?

The exact origins of table tennis are unknown, but the game was likely first invented in Victorian England in the 19th century. It was an indoor version of the popular game lawn tennis during the winter, and was played by the English upper classes on their dining tables for leisure. The development of table tennis into the modern game we know started in 1926, when the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded, and the first official world championship for table tennis was held. Table tennis was introduced to the Olympic Games in 1988.

Fun facts: The ITFF has listed all the former names of table tennis, including whiff whaff, indoor tennis, the royal game and ping pong!

What are the basic rules of table tennis?

Basically the rules of playing table tennis are straightforward and easy to understand. A table tennis match is often played to 5 games, but you can have any number of games you like. The first player to get to 11 points is the winner. If the score is 10:10, the game continues until one of the players gets a 2-point lead.

There are service rules that you need to know. Firstly, the ball should be held flat in your palm. When serving, you must throw the ball upward at least higher than the net. When the ball is falling, you may then strike the ball, either forehand or backhand. The ball must first hit your side of the table, pass cleanly over the net, and then hit your opponent’s. You can serve from and to any part of the table, unless you are playing doubles, where you must serve diagonally. There are mistakes that can make you lose points, such as failing to strike the ball so that it bounces once on the opponent’s side on a serve, smashing the ball in the net, and touching the table with your hands.

What are the benefits of table tennis?

Table tennis has a lot of benefits, and it brings amazing all-round improvement on your health and fitness.

Table tennis burns calories

Yes, and it burns a lot of calories! Table tennis is a great way to lose weight while having lots of fun. According to studies, a 150-pound person can burn 272 calories by playing table tennis for an hour.

Table tennis is good for your brain

As a fast-paced, short-distance sport, table tennis significantly improves your hand-eye coordination and reflexes, simulates your mental alertness and concentration. If you need to brighten up in the morning after a sluggish start to the day, simply get a game on. Alzheimer’s Weekly also reports a clear increase in motor skills and cognitive awareness from playing table tennis and that it could possibly prevent dementia.

Table tennis is gentle on joints

Table tennis does not put a lot of pressure on your joints and reduces the risk of any long-term injuries. It is good for people who had knee surgery, back problems, or those just do not want to twist their ankles.

Table tennis improves your balance

Staying balanced and moving the body swiftly are keys to success. Even if you are a beginner table tennis player and you do not have great balance, the more you play, the better your balance will be.

Table tennis helps build character

Table tennis develops your positive personal traits. It teaches you to manage your emotions and sporting attitude towards win and lose, as well as being confident and patient!

Table tennis is a social sport

Table tennis encourages making new friends and social interaction. In a world so dominated by technology, table tennis offers a form of competitive, friendly and personal communication.

What are the different styles of table tennis?

Continue reading here: https://www.somertonsc.com/article/info/10-things-to-know-about-table-tennis