table-tennis-basic-knowledge-and-playing-style

Table Tennis Basic Knowledge and Playing Style

Racket and Ball: A table tennis racket consists of a racket face, a handle and a head, with the racket face being divided into a forehand face and a backhand face. The ball is made of rubber or plastic, has a diameter of 40 millimeters and weighs 2.7 grams.

Playing Field: Table tennis is usually played on a rectangular table covered with a soft rubberized surface. The playing surface should be not less than 14 meters long, 7 meters wide, and 4 meters high, and enclosed by a 0.75-meter-high baffle.

Rules of play: Table tennis is usually played in a best-of-three or best-of-five format, with 11 points per set. The ball must be thrown up at least 16 centimeters when serving, with the serving team serving behind the white end line.

Basic Table Tennis Play

Forehand Attack: The player stands on the left side with the right foot forward and the left foot back, slightly sideways. Holding the racket in the right hand, he tilts the racket face slightly forward and strikes the lower part of the ball with the front of the racket face when hitting the ball. This style of play has a strong attacking power and is suitable for attacking the opponent's backhand position.

Backhand Attack: The player stands on the right side, with the left foot forward and the right foot backward, the body slightly sideways. Holding the racket in his left hand, he tilts the racket face slightly forward and hits the lower part of the ball with the front of the racket face. This style of play is suitable for quick transition attacks.

Serve: The player throws the ball upward at about waist height and then sends the ball out using a forehand or backhand attack. The key to the serve is to master the landing point and strength of the ball.

Receiving the serve: The player needs to make a quick judgment after the opponent serves the ball and take a corresponding return. The key to serve receive is to judge the landing point and strength of the ball accurately.

Rubbing: By rubbing the middle and lower part of the ball, the ball generates spin and arc, changing the trajectory of the ball and its landing point.

Pull: By rubbing the upper part of the ball, the ball generates a strong rotation and arc, which is often used in attacking.

Grip and Preparation Positions

Grip: There are two types of grips: the straight grip and the horizontal grip. Straight grip is like holding a pen, suitable for near-table fast attack; horizontal grip is like holding a hand, suitable for middle and far table confrontation.

Preparation posture: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, body leaning forward, eyes fixed on the opponent's racket and the ball, arms naturally relaxed, ready to swing the racket at any time.

By mastering these basic knowledge and playing styles, beginners can gradually improve their skills and achieve better performance on the table tennis court.

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