PE 55 INDIVIDUAL AND DUAL SPORTS (RACKET SPORTS, ATHLETICS, MARTIAL ARTS

SIMBRE, CHRISTIAN LLOYD S. MTWThF- 7:00 AM- 9:00 AM

PROF. CRISPIN QUILANG JUNE 17, 2019
Table tennis
SPORT
WRITTEN BY:
 Victor Barna
See Article History
Alternative Title: Ping-Pong
Table tennis, also called (trademark) Ping-Pong, ball game similar in principle to lawn
tennis and played on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a netfixed across its
width at the middle. The object is to hit the ball so that it goes over the net and bounces
on the opponent’s half of the table in such a way that the opponent cannot reach it or
return it correctly. The lightweight hollow ball is propelled back and forth across the net
by small rackets (bats, or paddles) held by the players. The game is popular all over the
world. In most countries it is very highly organized as a competitive sport, especially
in Europeand Asia, particularly in China and Japan.

History

The game was invented in England in the early days of the 20th century and was
originally called Ping-Pong, a trade name. The name table tennis was adopted in 1921–
22 when the old Ping-Pong Association formed in 1902 was revived. The original
association had broken up about 1905, though apparently the game continued to be
played in parts of England outside London and by the 1920s was being played in many
countries. Led by representatives of Germany, Hungary, and England, the Fédération
Internationale de Tennis de Table (International Table Tennis Federation) was founded
in 1926, the founding members being England, Sweden, Hungary, India, Denmark,
Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Wales. By the mid-1990s more than 165
national associations were members.
The first world championships were held in London in 1926, and from then until 1939
the game was dominated by players from central Europe, the men’s team event being
won nine times by Hungary and twice by Czechoslovakia. In the mid-1950s Asia
emerged as a breeding ground of champions, and from that time the men’s team event
has been won by either Japan or China, as has the women’s event, though to a lesser
extent; North Korea also became an international force. In 1980 the first World Cup was
held, and Guo Yuehua of China won the $12,500 first prize. Table tennis became
an Olympic sport in 1988, with singles and doubles competition for men and women.
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The Game

Table tennis equipment is relatively simple and inexpensive. The table is rectangular, 9
feet by 5 feet (2.7 metres by 1.5 metres), its upper surface a level plane 30 inches (76
cm) above the floor. The net is 6 feet (1.8 metres) long, and its upper edge along the
whole length is 6 inches (15.25 cm) above the playing surface. The ball, which is
spherical and hollow, was once made of white celluloid. Since 1969 a plastic similar to
celluloid has been used. The ball, which may be coloured white, yellow, or orange,
weighs about 0.09 ounce (2.7 grams) and has a diameter of about 1.6 inches (4 cm).
The blade of a racket, or bat, is usually made of wood, is flat and rigid, and may be
covered with a thin layer of ordinary stippled, or pimpled, rubber, which may be laid over
a thin layer of sponge rubber and may have the pimples reversed. Whatever
combination is used, each of the two sides of a paddle must be different in colour. The
racket may be any size, weight, or A match consists of the best of any odd numbers of
games, each game being won by the player who first reaches 11 points or who, after 10
points each, wins two clear points ahead. A point is scored when the server fails to
make a good service, when either player fails to make a good return, or when either
player commits a specified infraction (e.g., touches the playing surface with a free hand
while the ball is in play). Service changes hands after every two points until 10-all is
reached, when it changes after every subsequent point.
The serve is made from behind the end of the table, the server tossing the ball upward
from the palm of the free hand and striking it as it descends so that it first bounces on
the server’s own court and then, passing over the net, bounces on the opponent’s court.
In serving, no spin may be imparted to the ball by the fingers. This was not always
so. Finger spin, especially in the United States, reached a stage where the experts
could produce untakable services and the game became farcical. Finger spin was
universally banned in 1937.
Interest to the spectator lies in observing the ability of one player to defeat another by
well-thought-out strategy. Increasing the speed of the game, slowing it down, varying
the direction of or imparting different spin or pace to the ball, and employing gentle drop
shots over the net when the opponent is out of position are some of the tactics that may
be used to support the strategy planned.
Advertisement
Slow or defensive play at one time was so dominant that, at the 1936 world
championships in Prague, an hour was needed to decide a single point. Play is now
restricted. If a game is unfinished 15 minutes after it has begun, the rest of that game
and the remaining games of the match proceed under the Expedite System. Thereafter
if the service and 13 following strokes of the server are returned by the receiver, the
server loses the point. The service changes after each point.
Table tennis may be played with one player at each end of the table or with two players
at each end who may be both men or both women or one of each. Worldwide, the
women’s game is comparable in organization to the men’s, and women take part in
world championships and all other organized events. Table tennis as well as being fully
organized is also extremely popular as a recreational game and is so played in all types
of sports clubs, social clubs, and game rooms, in the home, and even out-of-doors
when conditions are reasonably calm.
Victor BarnaThe Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
LEARN MORE in these related Britannica articles:
 celluloid
…application of note was in table-tennis balls. Early celluloid objects have become
collector’s items and museum artifacts, valued as specimens of an artificial plastic
based on naturally occurring raw materials.…

 Olympic Games
Olympic Games, athletic festival that originated in ancient Greece and was revived in
the late 19th century. Before the 1970s the Games were officially limited to competitors
with amateur status, but in the 1980s many events were opened to professional
athletes. Currently, the Games are open to all, even the…


Pong
Pong, groundbreaking electronic game released in 1972 by the American game
manufacturer Atari, Inc. One of the earliest video games, Pong became wildly popular
and helped launch the video game industry. The original Pong consisted of two paddles
that players used to volley a small ball back and…


Deng Yaping
Deng Yaping, Chinese table tennis player, who won six world championships and four
Olympic championships between 1989 and 1997. She is regarded as one of the
greatest players in the history of the sport. Deng began playing table tennis at age five,
and four years later she won her provincial junior…

shape.

table tennis serve ServeThe ball and racket must be behind and above the table
during the serve. From the upturned palm of the server's motionless free hand, the ball
is tossed upward and struck as it falls so that it first hits the server's half of the table,
travels over (or around) the net, and then hits the opponent's half of the
table.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
 table tennis driv Forehand driveThe drive is executed close to the table so the ball
may be struck at the peak of its arc. The object is speed instead of spin, so the player
hits through the ball, which is directed slightly downward over the net in a low
arc.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
table tennis loop Forehand loopLoop shots are executed away from the table and
when the ball is on its way down. The player swings upward while "brushing" or grazing
the upper half of the ball with a closed racket face (the top of the blade tipped toward
the net). This imparts topspin to the ball.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
table tennis chop Forehand chopThe forehand chop is executed away from the table
and when the ball is on its way down. The player, standing in a square-on position,
swings downward while "brushing" or grazing the lower half of the ball with an open
racket face (the top of the blade tipped away from the net). This imparts backspin to the
ball. A quick, smooth follow-through is desirable.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
table tennis backchop Backhand chopThe backhand chop is executed away from the
table and when the ball is on its way down. The player, in a half-turn stance, swings
downward while "brushing" or grazing the lower half of the ball with an open racket face
(the top of the blade tipped away from the net). This imparts backspin to the ball. A
quick, smooth follow-through is desirable.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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A match consists of the best of any odd numbers of games, each game being won by
the player who first reaches 11 points or who, after 10 points each, wins two clear points
ahead. A point is scored when the server fails to make a good service, when either
player fails to make a good return, or when either player commits a specified infraction
(e.g., touches the playing surface with a free hand while the ball is in play). Service
changes hands after every two points until 10-all is reached, when it changes after
every subsequent point.

The serve is made from behind the end of the table, the server tossing the ball upward
from the palm of the free hand and striking it as it descends so that it first bounces on
the server’s own court and then, passing over the net, bounces on the opponent’s court.
In serving, no spin may be imparted to the ball by the fingers. This was not always
so. Finger spin, especially in the United States, reached a stage where the experts
could produce untakable services and the game became farcical. Finger spin was
universally banned in 1937.
Interest to the spectator lies in observing the ability of one player to defeat another by
well-thought-out strategy. Increasing the speed of the game, slowing it down, varying
the direction of or imparting different spin or pace to the ball, and employing gentle drop
shots over the net when the opponent is out of position are some of the tactics that may
be used to support the strategy planned.

Advertisement
Slow or defensive play at one time was so dominant that, at the 1936 world
championships in Prague, an hour was needed to decide a single point. Play is now
restricted. If a game is unfinished 15 minutes after it has begun, the rest of that game
and the remaining games of the match proceed under the Expedite System. Thereafter
if the service and 13 following strokes of the server are returned by the receiver, the
server loses the point. The service changes after each point.
Table tennis may be played with one player at each end of the table or with two players
at each end who may be both men or both women or one of each. Worldwide, the
women’s game is comparable in organization to the men’s, and women take part in
world championships and all other organized events. Table tennis as well as being fully
organized is also extremely popular as a recreational game and is so played in all types
of sports clubs, social clubs, and game rooms, in the home, and even out-of-doors
when conditions are reasonably calm.
Victor BarnaThe Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
LEARN MORE in these related Britannica articles:

celluloid
…application of note was in table-tennis balls. Early celluloid objects have become
collector’s items and museum artifacts, valued as specimens of an artificial plastic
based on naturally occurring raw materials.…

Olympic Games
Olympic Games, athletic festival that originated in ancient Greece and was revived in
the late 19th century. Before the 1970s the Games were officially limited to competitors
with amateur status, but in the 1980s many events were opened to professional
athletes. Currently, the Games are open to all, even the…

Pong
Pong, groundbreaking electronic game released in 1972 by the American game
manufacturer Atari, Inc. One of the earliest video games, Pong became wildly popular
and helped launch the video game industry. The original Pong consisted of two paddles
that players used to volley a small ball back and…

Deng Yaping
Deng Yaping, Chinese table tennis player, who won six world championships and four
Olympic championships between 1989 and 1997. She is regarded as one of the
greatest players in the history of the sport. Deng began playing table tennis at age five,
and four years later she won her provincial junior…

Getting Started
In order to start playing the real sport of table tennis, one requires the proper equipment
and techniques. Although experimentation forms a large portion of one's advancement
later on, in the beginning most everyone needs to learn the basics. Remember, even a
wanderer had to find out how to walk one time or another.

Equipment
For a more detailed discussion of table tennis equipment, visit the equipment page.
If you are just starting out, take stock of your equipment(if any):

 Does the equipment meet legal requirements(in table tennis)?

 Is the equipment in a good enough condition as to not hamper performance(very
important when starting out)?

The paddle can be of any size and weight, from a lollipop to a pizza ladle. It must have
one side of red and one side of black.
The table must be 9 feet long by 5 feet wide, and the surface must be 30 inches from
the floor. A white line divides the table lengthwise, and white lines form the border of
the top surface. The net used must be 6 inches high, spanning the entire table at the
middle. Although not required for most uses(as some nets are 5 feet long), regulations
stipulate for a net to be legal, it must stretch out 6 inches beyond the table on both
sides.
The ball can either be orange or white, depending on light conditions and/or personal
preferences. Try to buy the best quality balls possible, even for practice. This will pay
off in the long run. Three-star balls denote top quality...but even there, quality differs
between manufacturers. Cost is a good barometer of quality here, about 1$US each for
a respectable ball. They usually get cheaper in bulk. Good balls last longer and play
more consistently for better practice results.
Try to wear nonreflective clothing, choosing relatively dark solid colors whenever
possible. Wear shoes that allow quick movements of the feet and easy ankle control.
Avoid running shoes or any shoes designed mainly for forward movements.
If you are buying your first equipment, follow these tips:

 Try to buy from an established table tennis dealer if possible, although this
means you will likely be doing the buying over mail. The advantages include
knowledgeable service(not always-check) and a wider selection of quality
equipment. If you must buy from your local sporting goods store(many retailers
carry table tennis equipment), then the section to look would be most likely
"games(an unfortunate case in the US)" or "racquet sports(more often under
games)." Although you get your equipment quicker, the selection is severely
limited and often of "game quality." Make sure the above guidelines for legal
equipment is followed when purchasing.
 When buying paddles, look for wooden rackets with inverted rubber-that is,
rubber with a smooth flat surface, as opposed to the pimples out rubber with little
"pips" jutting out of the surface. The modern game leans toward inverted
surfaces.
 Assuming you will be playing with the shakehands grip, racket selection shouldn't
be a problem, as 99.999999% of the retailers in US(Fred Meyer, Sportmart etc..)
carry only shakehands rackets. Penholders will find their respective rackets
usually only in specialized vendors.
 When selecting a table, definitely go for quality. While there is no need to spend
over $500 on one, make sure the table you are buying is legal and durable. Do
not store the table outdoors. Keep the table clean and away from heavy
traffic(i.e. store when not in use).
 Try to only buy three star balls, both for practice and games. The color of balls is
left entirely to the reader's preferences. Orange is the predominant color today,
and many people find it easier to track the color in most lighting conditions,
especially fluorescent.

Pre-Play Preparation
Many people have the misconception that table tennis is just a "game", and therefore is
to be regarded as such, even to the point of not warming up properly before play! If the
"game" in question had been light frisbee, then warming up would not be as much of a
concern simply due to the fact that throwing and retrieving frisbees don't tax the body
that much(usually).
Warming up helps get your body ready for the rapid coordinated moves that make table
tennis such an intensive sport. There are no special or unique exercises; it's just like
warming up before playing any other sport. A light jog, jumpropes, and various stretches
help loosen your muscles and get you "in gear" for optimum performance. When
selecting the types of stretches(proper techniques can be learned from books or
knowledgeable people-don't overdo it!), try to cover all parts of the body, from your neck
to the ankles. When you are done playing, perform cool-down exercises-essentially the
same as warm-ups to gradually improve overall flexibility and fitness.
Also remember to before picking up the paddle:

 Pack water and towels if necessary

 Take extra balls along in case one breaks or gets lost(very easily done in
garages!)
 Keep 8 feet of space all around the table clear of traffic or debris
 Make sure the lighting conditions meet practical standards(see if you can
reasonably track the ball in play)-bad lighting can ruin a practice
 And finally-be anxious! Get excited about what you will accomplish, set goals and
work towards them, do anything to make practicing and playing fun. After all, if
you aren't interested in table tennis, you couldn't have read this far.

Guide to Grips
The way one chooses to hold his/her table tennis paddle will make a big difference in
his/her play. There are currently 3 "standard" grips existing in table tennis today.
Because of lack of experience/expertise, this website will cover techniques in
shakehands only, but most strokes will transfer over to the other grips with only a few
modifications.
The shakehands grip is the prevalent grip of table tennis today(as of 1998), used by
the majority of recreational and professional players. The paddle is gripped with all
fingers, with the thumb resting by itself on the opposite side as the index finger. The grip
is analogous to shaking a hand at an approximately 45-degree angle. The pinky, ring,
and middle finger wrap around one side of the handle, and the index finger rests on the
bottom edge of the rubber. The thumb rests on the top of the handle on the other side,
thumbnail perpendicular to the wood. It should point in the same direction as the index
finger. When held out straight in front of you, the paddle's edge should form a line with
the outstretched arm. The grip should feel natural, with no particularly uncomfortable
areas. Too tight a grip can sacrifice control and power. Be sure to grab the handle
loosely enough so that another person would have no trouble plucking it from your
hand. But at the same time, maintain enough tightness so the paddle won't fly out of
your hand during an intense loop shot.
Some of the advantages of using the shakehands grip are:

 Equally strong forehand and backhand advantage(provided you pay equal

attention to both)
 Wide selection of paddles to choose from

Once a dominant grip in its heyday, the penhold grip still has its supporters, world class
players included. The racket is gripped as one would grip a pen, with the thumb and
index finger, with the rest of the fingers being tucked away on the other side. There are
several variations to this grip, and two types of paddles to reflect this. The "chinese"
paddles are basically shakehands paddles with a shortened handle. The remaining
fingers rest against the other side. "Japanese" paddles have a raised handle, which is
called a "hook." The index finger curls around the "hook" for extra leverage. Which one
you use depends on personal preferences. Penhold paddles typically only have one
side covered with a rubber sheet. This makes them lighter than most shakehands
paddles. The other side must still comply with the paddles rule, so it is usually painted
red or black, or covered with a sheet of colored paper.
Some of the advantages of using the penhold grip are:

 A dominant forehand game(while backhands are possible with this grip, the vast
majority of penhold players rely on their forehand game)-quick feet are required
to sustain this!
 Since it is not as widely used, an element of surprise against opponents
unfamiliar with the grip

The Ready Position/The Importance of Footwork

The typical playing area for table tennis is about 20 feet by 40 feet(the legal
dimensions). The actual table width only occupies 5 feet of the 20. This means in tough
matches, the ball will come in at a variety of angles, some very sharp. Therefore,
despite the seemingly diminutive area the table tennis table covers compared to most
sports playing areas/fields, the ability to move the body around becomes extremely
important. But table tennis footwork also requires precision. The smaller steps that get
you in perfect position for that forehand loop are just as important as the veritable leaps
one may make while traversing the table edge in pursuit of a corner smash. Before
attempting anything at the table, however, the correct stance must be performed.
A ready stance must be kept at all available times during play to ensure maximum
control, power, and consistency. The typical table tennis stance is a slight crouch
forward, feet shoulder-width apart. Make sure you bend your knees and ankles. Most of
the weight should be on the balls of the feet, because this makes quick sudden
movements and pivots necessary for good shots much easier. The upper arm should be
close, but not flush, to your body. The forearm and racket should point forward, which
requires that the elbow be bent. A relaxed posture is important, adjust the stance until
most of the tension is gone. Just make sure you aren't so relaxed that slouching occurs;
the idea is to maintain the optimum position for well-coordinated and explosive
movements.
For right-handers, the place to stand is on the backhand half of the table. The right foot
should be slightly to the left of the center line. Try to have the left foot slightly forward.
Stand at an enough distance away from the table so that the tip of your paddle barely
touches the edge of the table. This should mean standing fairly close to the table; the
arm should be close to the body, not outstretched. Also, the body should face the table
at a slight angle, with the right foot and shoulder slightly farther away from the endline
than the left. This allows good positioning for both forehands and backhands.
When the ready position is mastered, the necessary footwork can follow. Remember,
footwork is done primarily to position the player for an optimum shot, one that doesn't
have to be reached for. Therefore any unnecessary movement is a waste of time and
energy, besides allowing your opponent to catch you unawares with a shot opposite
your direction of movement. Most players use a side to side shuffle when moving across
the table. Doing so allows one to face the table at all times, important when the ball is
coming in very quickly. The same principles are used whether moving left or right. The
foot in the direction of movement takes a short step in that direction, and at the same
time the weight of the body shifts to that foot. At the end of the shuffle, the other foot
slides to take its place alongside the foot that moved first.
The timing of the footwork is as important as the actual execution. If done too early, the
opponent will notice and likely fire a shot where you weren't planning on going. Catch it
too late and you will find yourself reaching for the ball, or worse. Pay close attention to
the opponent when he/she is getting ready to hit; prepare yourself and don't start
moving until he/she has started his/her stroke. Follow the ball with your eyes and use
the feet to move to the best shotmaking area relative to where the ball lands. Don't start
the stroke until you have finished moving. After hitting the ball, get back into the ready
stance immediately, in anticipation for a return that could go anywhere. When the action
gets fast, all of these movements and decisions must be made in split seconds. Training
will help you get there.

Basic Strokes
For all of the strokes described below, the arm should be very relaxed. Power should be
concentrated on the waist, forearm, and wrist (acting together) like a whip, with the
upper arm moving very little. Almost every shot requires a little movement to get into
correct positioning-in other words, you can't stand still and play table tennis! And always
remember to return to the ready position following each shot.

The Drive
Drives, a light topspin stroke that produces a low ball trajectory, are the primary
offensive strokes in table tennis. One employs drives to force errors and to set up
winners. The mastery of both the forehand and backhand drives is important because it
will give your opponent less options when using attacking strokes of his/her own. In
executing this and all other offensive strokes, the usage of the entire body in unison is
important for consistency and power. Keep in the ready position until you are ready to
execute the shot and remain relaxed but responsive(this is very important).
FOREHAND DRIVE: Keep the upper arm close, but not flush, to the torso. The
forearm(form a rough 90 degree bend with the upper arm) should be drawn back to the
3 o'clock position, and let the waist turn naturally along with the arm(this is where
relaxing is important). Shift your weight toward the right foot at the same time. While
shifting your weight back to your left foot, swing forward with a slight upward motion,
with the waist providing additional force in the swing. Use the elbow as a pivot point; it
should not move so much up and down, but also should be allowed to move slightly
forward in the follow-through. Contact with the ball should be made slightly to the side of
the body after the top of the bounce. Make sure the paddle is somewhat closed(or
facing downwards at an angle), and remains that way throughout the stroke. Follow-
through should finish when racket is parallel with the left shoulder. Immediately return to
the ready position. The left foot should be slightly in front of the right for support.
BACKHAND DRIVE: From the ready position, the waist turns left with the racket
pointing towards the 9 o'clock position. When following through, contact with the ball is
made in front of the body, slightly after the top of the bounce. Let the elbow again act as
the pivot point, and snap the forearm forward in a slightly upward direction. Make sure
the paddle is closed. Follow-through should finish naturally(about 12~1 o'clock) after
contact with ball. The left foot should be slightly ahead of the right.
Note : Be sure to contact the top half of the ball when hitting topspin drives.

The Push
Pushes are the basic backspin shots, used to change the pace of an exchange or to
return certain very low and close shots such as backspin serves. A generally defensive
shot, it allows placement anywhere on the table that is difficult to attack when executed
properly. All pushes should be done with the right foot stepping in. The ball is contacted
right after the bounce with an open racket. How open the racket is depends on the
intensity of backspin on the ball. Heavier backspin requires a more open racket to return
over the net. Try to keep the ball low, varying the amount of backspin and racket angle.
FOREHAND PUSH: Bring the racket slightly up and back, while keeping the elbow at
your waist. Bend the wrist back. Swing forward with a downward motion, and when the
racket reaches the ball snap the wrist forward for extra racket speed. With an open
racket, graze the bottom half of the ball. An ideal contact point is right after the ball
bounces. Never push a ball at the top of the bounce, because the resulting return will
pop the ball high enough for the opponent to execute a smash. Try to hit the ball in front
and slightly to the right of your body. Follow through forward and slightly down, and
return to the ready position.
BACKHAND PUSH: Bring the racket slightly up and back, close into your stomach while
cocking the wrist back. This time try to contact the ball directly in front of your body, and
remember to keep the elbow still while the forearm and wrist move forward and down.
Graze the bottom of the ball and follow through.
Note : Keep the push stroke gentle, as being too hasty often makes the ball go long, or
too high. Keep in mind that unlike the drive, the push is more of a finesse and 'touch'
shot. As you advance the stokes can start becoming more aggressive, with a variety of
spins.

The Block
Blocking allows a player to use the opponent's force against him/her, and is done
immediately after the bounce so that maximum control and speed are retained.
Adjusting the racket angle depends on the severity of topspin on the ball; the more
topspin there is, the more you should close the racket. Being essentially a cut-down
drive, there is very little backswing and follow-through. Think of blocking as a backup
shot that can be used when there isn't enough time for a full drive or loop. Depending on
how much control you have over the block, it can be used offensively as well. Use your
wrist to vary the direction of these block-returns, and make sure footwork takes you to
the most choice areas to hit in.

The Smash
The smash, or kill, is the put-away stroke of table tennis. Any ball that is high enough
and close enough to the opponent's side can be smashed, although some opportunities
are better than others. Smashing combines waist, forearm, and wrist movement to the
fullest extent. A good smash is very hard to return, but it can be done. Do not dawdle
after you have executed a smash. The ball is contacted at the top of the bounce at its
highest point.
FOREHAND SMASH: Similar to the drive, the key differences include:

 A longer backswing
 Greater weight transfer during swing
 Faster, more intense snapping of the forearm when contacting ball
 Depending on ball height and position, the racket is closed more than usual to
keep the ball in the court
 Longer follow-through, but don't forget to anticipate a possible return!

BACKHAND SMASH: Again, use the guidelines above and apply them to the backhand
drive. Be sure to snap the wrist more as you contact the ball and finish in a long follow-
through.
Note on smashes: Don't just indiscriminately smash the ball when you find the opening;
instead, try to direct the ball to a location where it is least likely to be hit back,
accidentally or intentionally.

Basic Service Techniques

The following are the basic rules of service:

1. The ball must be held above the table level in order for the opponent and umpire
to see it.
2. The ball must be held in the palm of the hand with fingers stretched, and tossed
vertically at least six inches.
3. The ball must be struck only on the way down.
4. The ball must be struck behind the end line.
Serves are entirely up to the player; there are no specific serves that must be used by
everybody. But to begin with, there are some basic serves that should be experimented
with. Imparting spin on these serves should be concentrated mostly on the wrist.
Backspin- just like pushing or chopping, a backspin serve is executed with an open
racket slicing the bottom of the ball.
Topspin- like driving, topspin serves can be done hitting with a flat racket, or like
looping, where the player grazes the top of the ball with a closed racket for more spin.
Sidespin- simply hit the back of the ball in a left-to-right or right-to-left motion, as
desired. To make the stroke easier, try holding the racket in front of you and brushing
the bottom of the ball in a pendulum motion.
Notes on serves: Be sure to assume the ready position as soon as you finish your
service motion. Keep the ball as low as possible to prevent an early attack by the
opponent. Experiment with all the spins; mix up your serves during games. The spins
are not the only thing that should be varied. Practice placing the ball in different depths
and in different directions. Unlike doubles, a singles serve can go anywhere on the
opponent's court. The advantage to service is the uncertainty faced by the returner. Be
as inconspicuous as possible.