Equipment of Table Tennis

Ball

The ball that is used in the game is a 2.7 gram, small celluloid ball that is usually

colored white or orange depending on the preference of the players. They can come in

different qualities with those possessing 3 stars being the best kind and is often

recommended especially to those who are just starting up.

Also, they come in a range of sizes from 38 mm to 54 mm in diameter. However, the

40 mm diameter ball is the one that is used mainly on international leagues and

competitions as it is the one that is specified by the International Table Tennis

Federation of ITTF.

Rubber, Racket or Paddle

The table tennis racket or paddle is another important piece of equipment that is used

in hitting the ball back and forth on the table. Its shape is similar to the ones used in

the game of tennis except that it is smaller and is made of different materials.

The racket is usually made of wood and rubber and is divided into two parts: the

handle and the blade. The quality of both of the parts of the racket can affect the force
that can be applied by the player and it is important the player choose the best kind

of rackets in order to really improve.

Aside from that, the player must take notice of the kind of rubber that is used on the

blade as this can affect the type and amount of spin that can be used in hitting the ball.

Rackets are available in pre-made as well as customized conditions.

All beginners are recommended to acquire the pre-made ones in order to avoid the

confusion of making customized ones. However, they must be sure to buy from

reputable table tennis stores or sports shops, or online table tennis stores.

Table Tennis Table

Included in the list of important table tennis equipment is the table where the game is

to be played. The ITTF specifies that the official table tennis tables that are used in

the tournament must be 9 ft long, 5 ft wide and must be placed 30 inches high from

the ground.

They come in either green, blue or black in color and are usually made from a type

of hardboard. The surface must be smooth as to provide the lowest friction as

possible.
Net and Post

The net which is the last piece of important equipment is usually brought together

with the table or with the rackets or it can be bought by itself.

Whatever the case, it should be six feet long and six inches wide and has an upper

white tape that is not more than 15mm wide. Also, it should include an assembly so

that it can be attached to the middle of the table tennis table.

Types of racket rubber

The rubber on your table tennis blade influences the way you play table tennis. It can

dictate your overall technique, strategy, and style of play. Choosing the right table

tennis rubber for your racket can be overwhelming.

Inverted Rubber

This ping pong paddle rubber is best suited for putting spin on a ball due to its breadth

of contact surface with a ball.

Short Pips Out Table Tennis Rubber

This rubber is not easily affected by the opponent’s spin due to its narrowness of

contact surface with a ball. It will knock a ball away.

Long Pips Table Tennis Rubber (with Sponge)

This will serve a ball with unexpected spin due to the various movements of pimples

in hitting a ball.

Long Pimples Rubber (without Sponge)

This is light and easy to handle. It doesn’t have much elasticity, so you can shut the

power of explosive Top-spin balls down.

Grip in table tennis

Grip in table tennis is the way one player holds the racquet. There are three different

styles of holding a bat and different player has either one or both styles of holding the

racquet.
Penhold

This hold got its name, as it resembles holding a pen. Here the player’s middle, ring,

little fingers are curled around the racquet. This style of holding the racquet is

called Chinese penholding. Even though many players have this way of holding the

racquet, their style of play is entirely different.

Another style of penhodling is the Japanese/ Korean style. In this style, the three

fingers are across the back of the racquet. Players who have Chinese penholding

style prefer round racquet head, whereas the one who have the Korean style, prefer

square-shaped racquet head.

Usually, players who have a penholding style don’t use the other side of the racquet.

But, in 1990s the Chinese developed a reverse penhold technique in which, the

player uses the other side of the racquet as well.

Shakehand

As the name suggests, this type of grip resembles one shaking a hand. This hold is

also called the Western grip as many players of Europe and America use this style of

holding a racquet.

Shakehand grip looks easy and it is a very versatile style. So, it was started even in

China and now, many top-level Chinese players also use this technique. Apparently,

players feel this technique easier than penhold, as it gives a wide scope of play.

Seemiller
This grip is named after Danny Seemiller, as he was the one who used this technique.

To have this kind of grip, one should place the thumb and index finger on either side

of the racquet and the rest of the fingers should be placed at the bottom part.

This method is used to distract the opponent, as contrasting rubbers can be placed on

both the sides of the blade. This technique gives great loops on the forehand side.

Angle of Racket

The angle of the racket is varied by rotating the hand and forearm. Although there

are other factors, a closed racket angle will generally produce topspin (rotation of the

ball away from the player) whilst an open racket angle will generally produce

backspin (rotation of the ball towards the player).

Neutral racket angle

With the racket held in a vertical position, the racket angle is described as neutral.

This is the "ready position" and is used when you're waiting for your opponent to

serve.

From this position, you can easily move to play a backhand or forehand stroke.
Closed racket angle

When the striking surface is angled downwards, the racket angle is described

as closed.

This is the racket angle used to play a topspin or block stroke.

Open racket angle

When the striking surface is angled upwards, the racket angle is described as open.

This is the racket angle used to play a backspin or push stroke.

The angle of the racket is varied by rotating the hand and forearm.

Although there are other factors, a closed racket angle will generally produce topspin

(rotation of the ball away from the player) whilst an open racket angle will generally

produce backspin (rotation of the ball towards the player).

 THE RULES OF GAMES

The Ball Toss -

In the Laws of Table Tennis, Law 2.6.2 states: 2.6.2 The server shall then

project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises at least

16cm (6.3 inches) after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without

touching anything before being struck.

Table Tennis Rules

 Scoring. A match is played best 3 of 5 games (or 4/7 or 5/9). ...

 Flow of the match. Each player serves two points in a row and then switch server. ...

 Legal serve. The ball must rest on an open hand palm. ...

 Equipment. The paddle should have a red and a black side.

The aim of the game is simple; hit the ball over the net onto your opponent’s side. A

point is won by you if your opponent is unable to return the ball to your side of the

table (e.g. they miss the ball, they hit the ball but it misses your side of the table, or

the ball hits the net), or if they hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table.

Scoring

A match is played best of 3 of 5 games.The winner of a game is the first to 11 points.

There must be a gap of at least two points between opponents at the end of the game

though, so if the score is 10-10, the game goes in to extra play until one of the players

has gained a lead of 2 points. The point goes to the player who successfully ends a

rally, regardless of who has served.

A match can consist of the number of games you like, just make sure you agree

this in advance!

Flow of the match

Each player serves two points in a row and then switch server. However, if a score of

10-10 is reached in any game, then each server serves only one point and then the

server is switched. After each game, the players switch side of the table. In the final

game (ie 5th game), the players switch side again after either player reaches 5 points.

Legal serve

The ball must rest on an open hand palm. Then it must be tossed up at least 6 inches

and struck so the ball first bounces on the server's side and then the opponent's side.

If the serve is legal except that it touches the net, it is called a let serve. Let serves are

not scored and are reserved.

Equipment

The paddle should have a red and a black side. The ball should be either orange or

white and 40 mm in size. The table should be 2.74 meters long, 1.525 m wide, and

0.76 m high.

Serving: singles

A player takes two serves before the ball switches to the opponent to serve, except

during periods of extra play where it changes each time. The first person to serve at

the start of the game can be determined in many different ways, we’ll leave that up to

you to decide! Service can be diagonal or in a straight line in singles

Serving: doubles

Service must be diagonal, from the right half court (marked by a white line) to the

opponent’s right half court.

Service changeover in Doubles is as follows:

At the start of a game, the serving team will decide which player will serve first. The

first player to serve is A1 and;

A1 serves to B1 (2 services)

B1 then serves to A2 (2 services)

A2 then serves to B2 (2 services)

B2 serves to A1 2 services)

Repeat

At the end of game 1 and the start of game 2, team B will take the first serve; B1 must

serve to A1. A1 then serves to B2 and so on.

Rotation rules for doubles

In doubles, you should alternate hitting the ball with your partner. So, for example,

A1 serves the ball to B1, who returns the ball. A2 then hits the ball and B2 returns

this. A1 hits and B2 returns, A2 hits and B1 returns….and so on.

Service rules you must obey

The ball must first bounce on your side and then in your opponents. Your opponent

must allow the ball to hit their side of the table before trying to return this.

The ball must pass cleanly over the net – if it ‘clips’ the net and goes over, it is a ‘let’

and the serve is retaken. If it hits the net and doesn’t go over, the point goes to the

other player/team. There are no second serves.

Types of service

There are two types of service

A. Forehand

B. Backhand

Forehand

The forehand in tennis and other racket sports such as table tennis, squash and

badminton is a shot made by swinging the racket across one's body with the hand

moving palm-first. ... Most forehands are hit with topspin because it helps keep

the ball from landing outside the court.

Backhand

How to play a backhand drive in table tennis. A backhand drive is an attacking

shot. It's played with a little bit of topspin, but mainly it's a flat hit and can be very

powerful. You'd normally play a backhand drive close to the table when your

opponent's return is a little high.

Foult of service

Fault:

(1) A fault in table tennis is the failure of the server to make a

good service according to the Laws of Table Tennis. Block: A

defensive play in the game that is used to combat loops and smashes in

order to keep the ping-pong ball on the table.

(2) If the ball does not high 16cm

(3) If the palm is not correct

Points of table tennis

For each game, the first player to reach 11 points wins that game, however a

game must be won by at least a two point margin. A point is scored after each ball is

put into play (not just when the server wins the point as in volleyball). The edges of

the table are part of the legal table surface, but not the sides.

Rally:

The time during which the ball is in play. The two players will continue to

alternate hits until a point is scored. There is no time limit on how long a rally can

last, but as soon as the ball goes out of play or hits the net, the rally comes to an end.

Deuce in table tennis

When the score reaches 10 all you have one serve each until one player gets

two points ahead.

Expedite system

The Expedite System requires each player to alternate one serve (instead of

two) at a time until the end of the game. If the receiving player makes 13 correct

returns in a rally, the point is awarded to the receiver. Once introduced, The Expedite

System shall remain in operation until the end of the match.

Order of the Service

 Player A serves first to Player B. They each get one point, and the score is 1-1.

The total score is now 2, so it is Player B's turn to serve.

 Player B gets the next 2 points, and the score is 1-3. The total score is now 4, and

the serve switches back to Player A.

 Player A continues serving until the total score is 6.

In an 11 point game, the game must be won by a 2-point lead. If both players score 10

points, the service switches after every point until the game is over.

Common Terms used for playing table tennis

Types of strokes

Table tennis strokes generally break down into offensive and defensive categories.

Offensive strokes

Hit

Also known as speed drive, a direct hit on the ball propelling it forward back to the

opponent. This stroke differs from speed drives in other racket sports like tennis

because the racket is primarily perpendicular to the direction of the stroke and most

of the energy applied to the ball results in speed rather than spin, creating a shot that

does not arc much, but is fast enough that it can be difficult to return. A speed drive is

used mostly for keeping the ball in play, applying pressure on the opponent, and

potentially opening up an opportunity for a more powerful attack.

Loop

Perfected during the 1960s the loop is essentially the reverse of the chop. The racket is

parallel to the direction of the stroke ("closed") and the racket thus grazes the ball,

resulting in a large amount of topspin. A good loop drive will arc quite a bit, and once

striking the opponent's side of the table will jump forward, much like a kick serve in

tennis. Most professional players nowadays, such as Ding Ning, Timo Boll and Zhang

Jike, primarily use loop for offense.

Counter-hit

The counter-hit is usually a counterattack against drives, normally high loop drives.

The racket is held closed and near to the ball, which is hit with a short movement "off

the bounce" (immediately after hitting the table) so that the ball travels faster to the

other side. Kenta Matsudaira is known for primarily using counter-hit for offense.

Flip

When a player tries to attack a ball that has not bounced beyond the edge of the table,

the player does not have the room to wind up in a backswing. The ball may still be

attacked, however, and the resulting shot is called a flip because the backswing is

compressed into a quick wrist action. A flip is not a single stroke and can resemble

either a loop drive or a loop in its characteristics. What identifies the stroke is that the

backswing is compressed into a short wrist flick.

Smash

A player will typically execute a smash when the opponent has returned a ball that

bounces too high or too close to the net. It is nearly always done with a forehand
stroke. Smashing use rapid acceleration to impart as much speed on the ball as

possible so that the opponent cannot react in time. The racket is generally

perpendicular to the direction of the stroke. Because the speed is the main aim of this

shot, the spin on the ball is often minimal, although it can be applied as well. An

offensive table tennis player will think of a rally as a build-up to a winning smash.

Smash is used more often with penhold grip.

Defensive strokes

Push

The push (or "slice" in Asia) is usually used for keeping the point alive and creating

offensive opportunities. A push resembles a tennis slice: the racket cuts underneath

the ball, imparting backspin and causing the ball to float slowly to the other side of

the table. A push can be difficult to attack because the backspin on the ball causes it to

drop toward the table upon striking the opponent's racket. In order to attack a push, a

player must usually loop (if the push is long) or flip (if the push is short) the ball back

over the net. Often, the best option for beginners is to simply push the ball back again,

resulting in pushing rallies. Against good players, it may be the worst option because

the opponent will counter with a loop, putting the first player in a defensive position.

Pushing can have advantages in some circumstances, such as when the opponent

makes easy mistakes.

Chop

A chop is the defensive, backspin counterpart to the offensive loop drive.A chop is

essentially a bigger, heavier push, taken well back from the table. The racket face

points primarily horizontally, perhaps a little bit upward, and the direction of the
stroke is straight down. The object of a defensive chop is to match the topspin of the

opponent's shot with backspin. A good chop will float nearly horizontally back to the

table, in some cases having so much backspin that the ball actually rises. Such a chop

can be extremely difficult to return due to its enormous amount of backspin. Some

defensive players can also impart no-spin or sidespin variations of the chop. Some

famous choppers include Joo Sae-hyuk and Wu Yang.

Block

A block is executed by simply placing the racket in front of the ball right after the ball

bounces; thus, the ball rebounds back toward the opponent with nearly as much

energy as it came in with. This requires precision, since the ball's spin, speed, and

location all influence the correct angle of a block. It is very possible for an opponent

to execute a perfect loop, drive, or smash, only to have the blocked shot come back

just as fast. Due to the power involved in offensive strokes, often an opponent simply

cannot recover quickly enough to return the blocked shot, especially if the block is

aimed at an unexpected side of the table. Blocks almost always produce the same spin

as was received, many times topspin.

Lob

The defensive lob propels the ball about five metres in height, only to land on the

opponent's side of the table with great amounts of spin. The stroke itself consists of

lifting the ball to an enormous height before it falls back to the opponent's side of the

table. A lob can have nearly any kind of spin. Though the opponent may smash the

ball hard and fast, a good defensive lob could be more difficult to return due to the

unpredictability and heavy amounts of the spin on the ball.Thus, though backed off
the table by tens of feet and running to reach the ball, a good defensive player can still

win the point using good lobs. Lob is used less frequently by professional players. A

notable exception is Michael Maze.

Types of spin in table tennis

There are three basic types of spins:

1. The topspin

2. The sidespin

3. Back spin

The Topspin

Topspin is produced by starting your stroke below the ball and brushing your racket

against the ball in an upward and forward motion. 2. Backspin. Backspin is produced

by starting your stroke above the ball and brushing your racket against the ball in a

downward and forward motion.

The sidespin

This type of spin is predominantly employed during service, wherein the contact

angle of the racket can be more easily varied. Unlike the two aforementioned

techniques, sidespin causes the ball to spin on an axis which is vertical, rather than

horizontal. The axis of rotation is still roughly perpendicular to the trajectory of the

ball.
 Backspin

Backspin is where the bottom half of the ball is rotating away from the player, and is

imparted by striking the base of the ball with a downward movement. At the

professional level, backspin is usually used defensively in order to keep the ball low.

Backspin is commonly employed in service because it is harder to produce an

offensive return, though at the professional level most people serve sidespin with

either backspin or topspin.

Match officials

Scoring, rules and officials

Scoring

A competitive game of table tennis is played to the best of five or seven games. The

first player to get to 11 points in a game is the winner. However, if a game is tied at

10-10, a player must win a game by two clear points. You do not lose service if you

lose a point - each player must serve for two points in a row before handing the

service over to their opponent.

Rules

 To start a point, the server must stand at the back of the table and can serve either

forehand or backhand. The ball must be thrown up either equal to or above the

height of the net before striking the ball and the ball must be thrown from an open

palm to stop finger spin.

 If the ball hits the net on a serve but continues over the other side then a 'let' is

played.
 Players are allowed to hit the ball around the side of the net.

 The ball must bounce on a player's side of the table before playing their shot.

 During play, competitors are not allowed to touch the table with their non-bat hand.

If they do, the point is conceded.

 Players must swap ends at the end of a game, and in the final match players will

switch ends after five points.

Officials

For every table tennis competition, a referee is appointed with a deputy who can act

on their behalf. The referee is required to be present at the venue throughout a

tournament and is required to uphold the rules.

During a table tennis match, an umpire is appointed to decide on the result of each

point or rally. The umpire is required to use their judgement when applying the laws

and regulations of the ITTF. Where the umpire is officiating alone, their decision is

final and they should be seated about 2–3 metres from the side of the table and in line

with the net.

i. Referee
ii. Empire
iii. Assistant empire
iv. Timekeeper
v. Stroke counter
vi. Appeals
vii. Time out
viii. Technical timeout
ix. Requested by the player
Referee

For every table tennis competition, a referee is appointed with a deputy who can act

on their behalf. The referee is required to be present at the venue throughout a

tournament and is required to uphold the rules. During a table tennis match, an umpire

is appointed to decide on the result of each point or rally.

Change of the ends

Changing ends and order of receiving

The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next

game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs

shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points".

Types of competition

The Olympic Table Tennis competition consists of four categories.

1. Men's Singles,

2. Women's Singles

3. Men's Team

4. Women's Team.

Major events of the table tennis

 Table Tennis at the Olympics Games - Participants compete in both men and

women's singles and doubles events. Table tennis has been part of the

Summer Olympic Games since 1988.

  World Table Tennis Championships - Consists of five events:, men’s singles,

women’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles. All are hosted in odd

numbered years.

 World Team Table Tennis Championships - includes men's team and

women's team events, and are held in even numbered years.

 The Table Tennis World Cup - held annually since 1980. Was only men's

singles until the women's singles added in 1996 and team competitions added

in 1990.

 Table Tennis at the Commonwealth Games

 Table Tennis at the Paralympics.

Ranking of the players

11/2019 – General List – Men

Ranking Previous Name Assoc. Ranking Pts.

1 2 FAN Zhendong CHN 16250

2 1 XU Xin CHN 16160

3 4 LIN Gaoyuan CHN 14975

4 3 MA Long CHN 14955

11/2019 – General List – Women

Ranking Previous Name Assoc. Ranking Pts.

1 1 CHEN Meng CHN 16965

2 5 LIU Shiwen CHN 15360

3 6 SUN Yingsha CHN 14895

4 3 ZHU Yuling CHN 14330

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