Scoring table tennis doesn't include "loves" and "deuces" like court tennis. Instead, players battle their way to 11 points (although some people may choose to play to 21).
Getting the proper grip on your table tennis paddle is a matter of both choice and comfort. Try the two most common grips to decide which you like best.
The most common stroke in table tennis is the push stroke. Learn this one first and start playing with good form.
The forehand push is the most basic forehand shot. It is a vital skill for any table tennis player.
Once you've mastered the forehand push, use the forehand drive to add some power to your game. Unleash into the ball with everything you have on this shot, as long as you can keep it under control.
Shorter and quicker than the forehand drive, this backhand attack is one the most effective offensive weapons in table tennis.
This defensive stroke is named for its downward cleaving motion. Retreat a step or two and chop under the ball to give it some backspin.
Named for its downward cleaving motion, the chop is a classic defensive stroke that lands the ball short on your opponent's side with a very heavy backspin.
The topspin serve is a good basic attacking serve. The topspin causes the ball to accelerate as it hits the table, forcing your opponent to act quickly.
The backhand serve is a good change-up from your normal serve, and may catch your opponent off guard. It takes some practice to get it up to the level of your other serves.
The key to a good service return is reading the spin of the serve.
Once you can read your opponent's spin on the serve, it's time to start sending some spin back. It's not as hard as it sounds, and it will make your opponent think twice about those tricky serves.
Forget spin, finesse and defense - the smash shot is pure, ruthless power. Hit it properly and don't expect a return.
A good defensive shot against the smash shot or the topspin drive, the lob shot provides extra airtime so that you can get back into position. It can also throw off your opponent's timing.
There are certain requirements for each serve in table tennis. When these are not met, the receiver scores a point without ever having to hit the ball. Here is a guide to commonly made service faults.
Playing doubles adds a whole new dimension to table tennis. Working well with your partner is the crucial element to a winning doubles team.
The most common serve in table tennis is the forehand serve. Once you master the basic principle, there are many variations that can be done on this serve.
The loop shot is an aggressive variation of the block shot. Master the forehand loop before you attempt the backhand version.
The loop shot is an aggressive variation on the block shot. The backhand loop is much more difficult than the forehand, but once effectively mastered, it can be a very useful weapon.
The block is the most fundamental shot in table tennis. Not only is it a beginning foundation from which most other aggressive shots are formed, it is used to manage an opponent’s shot when there...
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