TABLE TENNIS

Chapter 1

Brief History, Nature and Development of Table Tennis

Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

1. Trace the brief history of table tennis

2. Discuss the nature of the game
3. Analyze the development of the game table tennis.

Lesson 1

Brief History of the Game

Table tennis, often called ping pong, is played on a wooden table, with a plastic ball and paddles
covered in rubber and a net dividing the playing surface.it is sometimes called the miniature version of
tennis since the rules are so similar.

Table tennis is a fun and exciting sport and it is easy to learn. A big advantage to taking up the
table tennis is that you do not need to spend a lot of money on expensive equipment. The most
expensive part is obviously the table. You can find inexpensive ping pong sets, consisting of the net, 2
paddles and a number of balls, in almost any department store in the toy or sporting goods section.

The game of the table tennis was invented in England in the 1880’s by rich Victorians looking for
an activity to be played indoors. When the game was first played, books serve as a net, knot of string or
a champagne cork was used as a ball and cigarette box lids were employed as paddles. Apparently
people enjoyed this newly invented game with its make – shift equipment, since it continued to grow in
popularity.

Improvements were made to the equipment during the early 1900’s. The ball were being made
from celluloid and the paddles consisted of a piece of rubber glued to a wooden handle. The word ping
pong originated because of the distinctive sound the ball made when hit with the rubber paddle. And
Parker Brothers opted to go with the ping pong name when they introduced the game to the United
States.

With the commercial availability of the equipment, the game continued to grow in popularity
and the first tournament was held in 1902. In 1921 the Table Tennis Association was founded in England
and less than 10 years later, the first World Championships also took place there.

Over time the sport spread to other parts of the world. In the Far Eastern countries, such as
China, it is called ping pong, while in other countries similar terms in the native language are used.

The 1950’s rolled around and other innovations were made. As an example, a sponge layer was
added to the paddles over the rubber, making the paddles lighter and easier for the players to use. And
finally after being around for than a century, table tennis was included as an Olympic Sport in 1988.
 In the latter part of 2000, the international body governing the rules of table tennis introduced
more changes. They decided to increase the size of the plastic ball used in tournaments from 38mm to
40 mm. This was an attempt to slow the game down a little. They also made changes to the way the
game was scored, now using a 11 point system as opposed to the traditional 21 points, which make each
set fast and exciting for the players and spectators.

LESSON 2

Rules of Table Tennis

Singles Play

I. General Rules
1. The choice of playing position at the table and order of service are determined by the
toss of a coin. If the winner of the toss prefers to have first choice of whether to serve
first or receive first, and vice versa.
2. The change of service takes place after 5 points have been scored. A point is normally
awarded when the play of a service is concluded. The receiver then becomes the server
and the server becomes receiver, and so on, after each 5 points until the end of the
game or the score is 20-all. Whenever the score becomes 20-all, the receiver becomes
the server and the server the receiver, and so on after each point until the end of the
game.
3. At the start of a new game, the player who served first in the previous game becomes
receiver and the receiver becomes server and so on, alternating after each game
4. The players exchange ends after each game, and if play consists of more than one game,
in the deciding game of the match the players change ends when one player reaches a
score of 10 points.
5. A game is won by the player who first scores 21 points with a 2-point margin.
6. A match consists of the best two (2) of three (3) games.

II. Service
1. A good service is delivered by projecting the ball from the free hand, which must start
from above the playing surface. The ball must be resting in the palm of the free hand.
The ball is tossed into the air.
2. As it starts to descend, the ball is struck so that it touches the server’s court first and
then, passing directly over or around the net, touches the receiver’s court. At the instant
of contact of the racquet on the ball in service, both handle and ball must be behind the
line of the server’s court.
3. A good return of a served ball must be struck by the receiver on the first bounce so that
it passes directly over or around the net and touches directly on top of the opponent’s
court.
III. POINTS

A point is awarded to the opponent in the following circumstances:

1. Failure to make a good service, unless a “let” is declared
2. Failure to make a good return of a good service or a good return made by the opponent,
unless a “Let” is declared
3. If the player, the racquet, or anything that the player wears or carries touches the net or
its supports while the ball is in play.
4. If the player, the racquet, or any wearing apparel moves the playing surface while the
ball is in play or touches the net or its support
5. If the player’s free hand touches the playing surface while the ball is in play
6. If, after being struck by the opponent, the ball comes in contact with the player or
anything the player wears or carries before it has passed over the end lines or sidelines,
not yet having touched the playing surface on the player’s side of the table.
7. If at any time the player volleys the ball – that is before the ball hits the table top –
except as provided in Rule A under “Let” (below)

IV. LET

A let ball, which is then replayed, is called in the following cases:

1. If the served ball, in passing over the net, touches it or its supports, if the service would
otherwise have been good or volleyed by the receiver.
2. If a service is delivered when the service is not ready
3. If either player is prevented by an accident not under his/her control from serving a
good service or making a good return
4. If either player gives up a point, as provided in Rules C-G under “Points”, owing to an
accident not within his/her control

V. Scoring

A point is scored by the side that makes the last successful return prior to the end of a
rally. An unsuccessful return occurs whenever the ball is missed, is hit off the table, sent into
the net, or hit onto the player’s own half of the court on the return. Failure to make a good
serve also scores a point for the opponent unless it is a let.

VI. Ball in Play

The ball is in play from the moment it is projected from the hand in service until one of the
following has occurred:
1. It has touched one court twice consecutively
2. It has, except in service, touched each court alternately without having been struck by
the racquet immediately
3. It has been struck by either player more than once consecutively.
 4. It has touched either player or anything that the player wears or carries.
5. It has touched any object other than the net and supports

DOUBLES PLAY

I. Good Service
The service is delivered (as described in Singles), except that it must touch first the right half
of the server’s court or the centerline on the server’s side of the net and then, passing
directly over or around the net, touch the right half of the receiver’s court or the centerline
on the server’s side of the net and then, passing directly over or around the net, touch the
right half of the receiver’s court or the centerline on the receiver’s side of the table.

II. Choice of Order of Play

The team winning a coin toss has the option of choosing:
1. The choice of ends
2. The right to receive or serve first
3. The right to require the losing team to make the first choice
4. After choice A & B have been made, the other team makes the remaining choice.

III. Order of Service

1. The first five services must be delivered by the serving partner (player 1) of the pair who
has the right to do so. The service must be received by the receiving partner (player 3)
of the opposing pair.
2. The second five services must be delivered by the receiver of the first five services
(player 3) and received by the partner of the server (player 2) of the first five services.
3. The third five services must be delivered by the partner of the first five services (player
2) and received by the partner of the server (player 4) of the first five services.
4. The fourth five services must be delivered by the partner of the receiver (player 4) of the
first five services and received by the server (player 1) of the first five services.
5. The next five services start over as in Rule A “Order of Service”

Table tennis is governed by the worldwide organization International Table Tennis

Federation (ITTF), founded in 1926. ITTF currently includes 217 member associations.
The table tennis official rules are specified in the ITTF handbook. Since 1988, the table
tennis has been an Olympic Sport, with several event categories. In particular, from
1988 until 2004, there were: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, and
women’s doubles. Since 2008 a team event has been played instead of the doubles. In
2007, the governance for table tennis for persons with a disability was transferred from
the International Paralympics Committee to the ITTF.
LESSON 3

Nature of the Game

Table Tennis is a sport where two players hit a ball back and forth to each other, with a racket
on a table, in a manner similar to tennis. The rules are slightly different, but the concept is essentially
the same. Table tennis is an Olympic Sport, “ping - pong” is the recreational version of the same sport.
Spin, speed and strategy play an important part in competitive table tennis matches. The speed of the
ball can vary from slow spiny serves to fast smashes that travel as fast as 110 km/h.

It is often difficult for beginners to learn to use the correct footwork. At the beginning, you can
get away with poor footwork since it is not the most important part of the game. But as you get better
having good footwork becomes more and more important, until it is essential component of the game in
advanced play.

Play is fast and demands possibly the quickest reactions of any sport. A skilled player can impart
spin to the ball which makes its bounce difficult to predict or return with confidence. Spin combined
with speed makes table tennis an exciting sports to play as well as to watch. The different between
Olympic level play and the average home recreational player is tremendous. Often a proper foundation
of table tennis skills is required to understand how competitive players can do what seems impossible to
the untrained eye.

Keep your crouching position as much as you can while playing – this helps keep your center of
gravity low, and will help you move around the court more smoothly. Standing up straight will raise your
center of gravity, lock your knees and impair your ability to balance and move quickly.

In game play, the player serving the ball commences a play. The server first stands with the ball
held on the open palm of the hand not carrying the racket, called the freehand, and tosses the ball
directly upward without spin, at least 16 cm. (approximately 6 inches) high. The server strikes the ball
with the racket on the ball’s descent so that it touches first his court and the touches directly the
receiver’s court without touching the net assembly. In casual games, many players do not toss the ball
upward; however, this is technically illegal and can give the serving player an unfair advantage.

The ball must remain behind the end line and above the upper surface of the table, known as
the playing surface, at all times during the service. The server cannot use his body or clothing to obstruct
slight of the ball; the opponent and the umpire must have a clear view of the ball at all times. If the
umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service they may first interrupt play and give a warning to the
server. If the serve is a clear failure or s doubted again by the umpire after the warning, receiver scores a
point.

If the service is “good”, then the receiver must make a “good” return by hitting the ball back
before it bounces a second time on receiver’s side of the table so that the ball passes the net and
touches the opponent’s court, either directly or after touching the net assembly. Thereafter, the server
and receiver must alternately make a return until the rally is over. Returning the serve is one of the most
difficult parts of the game, as the server’s first move is often the least predictable and thus most
advantageous shot due to the numerous spin and speed choices at his or her disposal.
LESSON 4

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

1885: James Devonshire (ENG) granted provisional patent for his “Table Tennis”

1890: Several patents registered in England and the USA. Earlier surviving action game of table tennis:
David Foster’s Parlour Table Games, England. Sets produced under trade names such as Gossima, and
Indoor Tennis, with Lawn Tennis style rules.

1900: Introduction of celluloid balls to replace rubber and cork ones. The celluloid ball had the perfect
bounce, and the game became a huge success

1901: the game is introduced in China via western settlements

1926: International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) initiated in Berlin and became formalized in London.
First World Championships held in London, England. ITTF Constitution adopted, along with first set of
standardized Laws

1920s – 50: Classic Hard Bat Era (European Dominance)

1926 – 31: Maria Mednyanszky (HUN) wins the world championships five times consecutively.
Mednyanszky wins 18 gold medals overall

1930 – 35: Victor Barna (HUN) becomes five times world championships and is runner-up 1931 losing
the final against his compatriot Miklos Szabados. Barna wins a record 22 gold medals at world
championships during his career, 40 medals overall

1950 – 55: Angelica Rozeanu-Adelstein (ROU) wins the World Championships six times in a row and is
the last non-Asian to win the female singles title until today

1950s – 80s: Age of Sponge Bat and Technology (Beginning of Asian Dominance)

1952: Hiroji Satoh (JPN) became the first player to win a world championship when using a racket
covered thick sponge and is the first non-European winner.

1953: China entered the World Championships for the first time

1954: Ichiro Ogimura (JPN) is the epitome of Japanese dominance with technological development and
physical training

1957: World Championship changes to a two-year cycle

1959: Rong Guotuan (CHN) is the first Chinese world champion in any sport

1967: Ivor Montagu retired as President if the ITTF after forty years in office

1971: Ping Pong Diplomacy: table tennis played an important role in international diplomacy when
several teams were invited to China for a series of friendship matches after the 1971 World
Championships in Nagoya
1977: ITTF received formal declaration of its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

1981: World Championships held in Nova Sad, Yugoslavia. Total triumph for China, whose athletes win
all of the seven gold medals. Table tennis admitted to the Olympic programmed (84 th session IOC in
Baden-Baden)

Modern Olympics Era (Chinese Reign with few exception)

1988: For the very first time, table tennis was featured in the Olympic Games that were held in Seoul,
South Korea

1996: Beginning of the ITTF Pro Tour, with events taking place all around the world

2000: After the Olympic in Sydney, the ball size is increased to 40mm for improved television viewing

2001: Game scored changed from 21 to 11 points

2002: Implementation of the ITTF World Junior Circuit (U18) and World Cadet Challenge (U15
continental team competition)

2003: First ITTF World Junior Championships in Santiago, Chile

2007: World Championships held in Zagreb, Croatia. Total triumph number five for China, winning all of
the five gold medals. First appearance of table tennis as a compulsory sport in Bangkok, Thailand

20008: China sweeps all medals at the Beijing Olympic Games. An estimated 330 million television
viewers in China watch the Women’s Team final between China and Singapore

2009: The Executive Committee expands to 9 members, all six continents are represented

2010: Table tennis is the part of the first Olympic Youth Games

2011: ITTF and Total Sport Asia start a 6 years agreement providing extensive TV-coverage of ITTF events
around the world

2012: The number of the ITTF member national associations had risen to 217, ITTF is the second largest
International Federation behind the International Volleyball Federation. While the sport is now called
table tennis in most local and international tournaments, it is still more popularly known as ping pong. A
group of Filipino table tennis player, in fact, calls themselves “pongers”. Derived from the sound of the
ball made when hitting the racket and the table-“ping” represented the higher pitch, “pong”, the lower-
it is played children as young as 7 and seniors as old as 91. But it has not only brought generations
together. In fact, it has improved international relations between 2 hostile nations.
Exercise 1

Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. The game table tennis was invented in ____________.

a. America c. England
b. China d. Philippines
2. International Table Tennis (ITTF) was founded in year ______.
a. 1925 c. 1989
b. 1926 d. 2000
3. In year _______, game score change from 21 to 11 points
a. 1988 c. 1990
b. 1989 d. 2001
4. The first ITTF World Junior Championships was held at ________during 2003.
a. Santiago, Chile c. China
b. New York d. Japan
5. Table Tennis was often called as ________.
a. Wiffwaff c. pingpong
b. Battledore d. love
6. The table tennis for the person with disability was transferred from the International Paralympic
Committee to the ITTF in year ______.
a. 2001 c. 2003
b. 2007 d. 2005
7. ITTF received formal declaration of its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
in the year _______.
a. 1977 c. 1981
b. 1971 d. 1987
8. Table tennis is part of the first Olympic Games in year ______.
a. 2008 c. 2010
b. 2009 d. 2011
9. A group of Filipino table tennis players called themselves as _______.
a. Players c. Athletes
b. Pongers d. Master
10. Improvements were made to the equipment during the early 1990’s. The ball was being made
of _______.
a. Celluloid c. wood
b. Rubber d. silk
CHAPTER 2

PREPARING YOUR BODY FOR TABLE TENNIS ACTIVITY

Objectives

At the end of the Chapter, the students are expected to:

1. Explain the importance of warm – up exercise

2. Present the proper procedure for flexibility exercises
3. Determine the benefits of flexibility exercises
4. Appreciate the contribution of different exercise in preventing muscle injury while playing table
tennis.

LESSON 1

THE WARM-UP ACTIVITIES

Table tennis is a fast physical sport which requires agility, speed and quick reactions. Therefore
it’s important that you perform warm-up and warm-down (cool-down) exercises prior to starting a
session, and at the end of a session.

Warming-up before you play reduces the risk of tearing or straining muscles, whilst cooling
down will clear the system of the chemicals in the body (produced by the exercise) that can result in
muscle stiffness.

The warm-up should be able to accomplish the following:

 Raise your core body temperature

 Increase your resting pulse rate by 10-30 beats per minute
 Include low intensity exercises
 Be rhythmic and continuous
 Move from general to specific muscle groups
 Include stretching of major muscle groups
 Last approximately 10 minutes

Importance of warm-up exercises

 Help prevent injury by raising the temperature in muscles and increasing circulation around
joints
 Increase oxygen delivery to the muscles to enable more vigorous activity
 Encourage muscles to contract, faster and stronger
 Improve coordination
Duration of exercises

 The warm-up exercise and cool down period should last for approximately 10 minutes, with five
minutes of very light jogging and five minutes of stretching and flexibility exercises.
 You should wear an outer layer on top of your table tennis clothing, such as a track suit or
waterproof suit, in order to keep you warm but it must not restrict your movements.
 You should start your warm-up with 2-3 minutes of light jogging. This will increase your core
body temperature and heart rate and warm up the muscles and associated tissues.
 After 2-3 minutes of general jogging you should then move on to table tennis specific
movements such as shuffle (side to side) footwork.

After about 5 minutes of jogging and shuffle (side to side) footwork, you then need to do some
static stretching exercises.

Stretching reduces muscle tension, reduces the risk of muscle and tendon injuries, and increases
the flexibility and freedom of movement. Static stretching exercise should involve the whole body,
so you will need to stretch the neck and shoulders, lower back and abdomen, buttocks, groin and
hips, front and back of thigh, lower leg and ankle.

LESSON 2

STRETCHING BEFORE EACH GAME PRACTICE

These exercises involve the major muscle groups used in table tennis and you should stretch them
through their full range of movement.

 Hold each stretch for 10-20 seconds, but do not bounce

 Repeat each stretch 2-3 times
 Stretch gently and slowly and keep breathing
 Stretch to the point of tension, never pain

TABLE TENNIS STRECTHING EXERCISE

1. Inner thigh
3. Ankle Flexes

4. Hips and Groin – soles of feet touching and gently pushing down the knees

5. Hamstring – keeping the back straight, pull the leg towards the body keeping the leg straight

6. Trunk – bend to either side keeping hips stationary

7. Lower back – kneel with hands flat on floor. Lift right arm and left leg and extend horizontally
(repeat with left arm and right leg)

8. Arms and shoulders – hands together above the head, push the head forwards and the hands
back with the arms straight

9. Arms and shoulders – hands on wall, push the shoulders downwards

10. Arms and shoulders – join the hands over one shoulder and pull

11. Arms and shoulders as above but using a towel

12. Arms and shoulders – hand on the opposite elbow and push backwards.
EXERCISE 2

Part 1

Directions: Write the word True if the statement is correct and False if it is incorrect on the space
provided before each number.

_________1. Table tennis is a fast physical sport which requires agility, speed and quick reactions.

_________2. Warming – up before you play reduce the risk of tearing or straining muscles.

_________3. Cooling down will clear the system of the chemicals in the body (produced by exercise)

that can result in muscle stiffness.

_________4. Warm – up should increase your resting pulse rate by 10-30 beats per minute.

_________5. The warm up exercise and cool down period should last for approximately 30 minutes.

Part 2

Directions: Enumerate five stretching exercises for table tennis.

1. ________________________
2. ________________________
3. ________________________
4. ________________________
5. ________________________

CHAPTER 3

BASIC SKILLS IN TABLE TENNIS

Objectives

At the end of the chapter, the students are expected to:

1. Identify the different basic skills in table tennis.

2. Describe the appropriate procedure in executing the different table tennis skills.
3. Demonstrate the proper way of executing the table tennis skills
4. Enumerate and emphasize the importance of each basic skill
5. Appreciate the benefits derived from using the appropriate skills in the table tennis game.
Introduction

The overall objective of the game of ping – pong is to win the match by winning enough points
to win more than half of the number of maximum possible games to be played between you and your
opponent (in singles), or you and your partner and your two opponents (in doubles).

Lesson 1

THE BASIC TABLE TENNIS STROKES

1. The BackHand Push

This shot would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that, if you
didn’t hit the ball, it would bounce at least twice on your side of the table, i.e. short over the net.

The purpose of this stroke is to stop your opponent from playing an attacking stroke, so you
should try to make sure that your shot is also played short over the net.

2. The Forehand Drive

This shot would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that the ball
approaches you with height and / or depth.

The purpose of this stroke is to play aggressively and stop your opponent from playing an
attacking stroke, so you should try to make sure that your shot lands close to your opponent’s baseline
or sideline.
 3. The Backhand Drive

This shot would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that the ball
approaches you with height and / or depth. The purpose of this stroke is to play aggressively and stop
your opponent from playing an attacking stroke, so you should try to make sure that your shot lands
close to your opponent’s baseline or sideline.

4. The Forehand Push

This shot would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that, if you
didn’t hit the ball, it would bounce at least twice on your side of the table, i.e. short over the net. The
purpose of this stroke is to stop your opponent from playing an attacking stroke, so you should try to
make sure that your shot also stays short over the net.

LESSON 2

TABLE TENNIS FOOTWORK

Good footwork is essential in modern table tennis. It enables you to reach the ball quicker and
more easily, which in turn enables you to play a greater variety of strokes. Additionally, good footwork
enables you to play a better stroke and place your return more accurately, which puts your opponent
under time pressure.
Table Tennis Footwork Patterns

The two main footwork patterns in table tennis are side to side, and in and out.

But whatever footwork pattern you use, you should always make sure that your weight is on
your toes, so that your weight is going forward. You should also make sure that you bend knees in order
to lower your center of gravity.

1. In and Out Footwork Pattern

In order to return a short return you will need to move forward to play your stroke, and then
return to the ready position. This is the in and out footwork pattern. So when moving in, you need to
position your right leg under the table so that
you can get as close as possible to the
ball.

You then play your shot and move

back out again. If you’re right-handed,
your feet will need to be in the following
positions:

Your left foot moves first, in order to

get closer in to the table, and then your
right foot moves forward under the table.
After you have played your stroke, your
right foot moves back out and your left
foot then returns to its original position.

2. Side to Side Footwork Pattern

The main footwork pattern that you’ll use in a table tennis match is the side to side footwork
pattern. This footwork pattern is used when you are close to the table and therefore needs to be
fast an economical. When moving to the left or the right, you should always move your outside
foot first.

3. Cross – over Footwork Pattern

If you need to move to a shot that’s played wide to your forehand side, you can use the cross-
over footwork pattern. This is used when you do not have sufficient time to use the side to side
footwork pattern, because you need to cover a larger area quickly.

LESSON 3

TABLE TENNIS SKILLS/TECHNIQUES

Types of Grips

1. The Shakehand Grip

 The ‘shakehand grip’ is achieved by literally shaking hands with the handle of bat. The forefinger
should be placed on the bottom part of the backhand side of the blade, and the thumb should
rest on the center part of the forehand side near to the neck of the handle.

2. The penholder grip

Mostly used by Asian players, has the handle in an upright position and you held it as if you were
holding chopsticks. The advantage is that it is not necessary to turn the bat round for backhand
and forehand.
A. The Block
The modern game of table tennis has become one that is dominated by players who play vey
fast aggressive shots and who use an attacking/offensive style of play.

1. The Backhand Block

The purpose of this stroke is to catch

your opponent out of position
and reduce the time available
to them.

2. The Forehand Block

This shot would normally be used when the approaching ball is moving very quickly, with
topspin, towards your forehand side. The purpose of this stroke is to catch your opponent out of
position and reduce the time available to them.

B. The Loop
The modern game of table tennis has become one that’s dominated by players who play very
fast aggressive loop shots and who use an attacking / offensive style of play.
The loop shot is used frequently by all the top players in order to play aggressively and to
minimize the opportunity for their opponent to play an attacking stroke.
 For the backhand loop – face the line of play, and
  For the forehand loop – take a sideways stance facing the line of play

This shot would normally be used when your opponent plays his shot in such a way that the ball
approaches you with height and / or depth. The purpose of this stroke is to play aggressively and stop
your opponent from playing an attacking stroke.

C. Table Tennis Forehand Smash

The forehand smash in table tennis is an attacking stroke which you can use whenever your
opponent plays a shot where the ball bounces higher than normal. The intention of the
forehand smash is to hit the ball as hard as possible, with minimal spin, in order to try and finish
the rally and win the point.

Forehand Smash Against A Lobbed Return

The critical element of playing this stroke is to make that you hit the ball in a downward direction. But,
it’s important to get your body into a side-on position and slightly away from the table.

D. The Table Tennis Lob

Forehand Lob and Backhand Lob
The lob shot is a defensive stroke which is played away from the table, usually in response to a
stroke from your opponent which forces you away from the table and/or out of position.

E. The Backspin Chop

The modern game of table tennis has become one that is dominated by players who play very
fast aggressive topspin strokes with an attacking/offensive style of play.
  For the backhand chop – face the line of play, and
 For the forehand chop – take a sideways stance facing the line of play

LESSON 4

TABLE TENNIS SERVE

1. Short backspin serve

The short backspin serve makes it difficult for your opponent to play an attacking stroke, so it
can be an effective serve to use.

2. Backhand sidespin serve

The short backhand sidespin service limits your opponent’s options on which shots to play, so it
increases the chances of a weak return.
 3. High toss serve
The high toss service is one of the best table tennis techniques you can master and is favored by
many of the top players because the speed of the ball falling onto the racket helps you to impart
extra spin and speed onto the ball.

LESSON 5
TABLE TENNIS TACTICS

Tactics generally rely on three main skills:

1. The ability to keep the ball in play
2. The ability to play the ball to certain areas of the table, and
3. The ability to apply pressure on your opponent by using different types and amounts of spin,
and different speeds, in order to create openings and hit winning shots.

6 Table Tennis Tactics

1. Play on your opponent’s weaknesses

2. Play consistently and don’t make unforced errors
3. Move your opponent around the table
 4. Vary your strokes
5. Vary the speed, spin and direction of your strokes
6. Play to your own strengths

LESSON 6

TABLE TENNIS DRILLS

1. X’s and H’s Simple Drill

Player A plays the ball down the sidelines, while Player B hits the ball crosscourt.

2. Short Game Simple Drill

One player should serve a double bounce serve, and the

other player should then try to return the ball so that it
would bounce twice on the server’s side of the table. If
the ball is returned too high or too long, the other player
should
attack
the ball,
and the

point should be played out.

3. Crosscourt Placement Simple Drill

This drill is simple on the surface, since both players must only use their opponent’s forehand
courts to land the ball in. Either player can serve, (and the first bounce of the serve can be in any
part of the table, while the second bounce must be in the receiver’s forehand court), but the
points is then played out using only the forehand courts.
4. Down the Line Placement Drill
This drill is similar to the crosscourt placement drill, but now the players are using the courts
down each sideline.
EXERSICE 3

Part 1:

Direction: Select the best answer from the choices given after each statement or question.
Encircle the corresponding letter of your answer.

1. This service will limit your opponent’s option on which shot to play, so it increases the
chances of a weak return.
a. Block c. short backspin
b. High toss service d. backhand sidespin serve
2. It is a stroke which attempts to negate the attacking stroke of your opponent and relies on a
player having good movement and the right types of table tennis rubber.
a. Topspin c. backspin chop
b. High toss d. backhand sidespin
3. This shot is used frequently by the top players to play aggressively and minimize the
opportunity for their opponent to play an attacking stroke
a. Smash c. hoop
b. Block d. chop
4. A defensive stroke which play away from the table usually in response to a stroke from your
opponent which forces you away from the table.
a. Lob shot c. topspin
b. Block d. service
Part 2:

Enumeration

1. Basic table tennis strokes

____________________
____________________
____________________
____________________
2. Two types of block

3. Two types of grips

CHAPTER 4

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

Objectives:

At the end of the Chapter, the students are expected to:

1. To identify the different facilities and equipment required in table tennis.

2. To familiarize oneself with the specifications of the different facilities and equipment in table
tennis

Four pieces of equipment are needed to play table tennis: the table, the net, the ball and the
racket.

The racket is really two pieces of equipment, the racket itself and its covering. In addition,
players must choose proper playing attire plus any of the many table tennis accessories available table
tennis glue, head and wrist bands, net measurer, racket holder and playing bag, and weighted rackets.

A. The Table

The table is 9 feet by 5 feet, with the surface 30 inches from the floor. It is usually dark, non-
reflecting green, with a ¾ -inch white line running along the edge. There is also a ¼ -inch line running
down the middle that is only used in doubles. (It doesn’t invalidate the table for singles play). The way
the bounces when it hits the table must meet certain standards. It should have a uniform bounce
whether the ball is hitting near the edge or in the middle. It should bounce roughly the same on all legal
tables. (When dropped from a height of 12 inches, the ball should bounce between 8-3/4 and 9-3/4
inches.)
 A legal playing court is at least 20 by 40 feet, but you may have to compromise on this
depending on the size of your facility. Beginners don’t need nearly as much room as more advanced
players. If at all possible, the ceiling should be at least 12 feet or higher, but this isn’t necessary for
beginners. (you can’t lob with a low ceiling, but lobbing is a rather advanced shot). The background
should be dark enough so that the ball (usually white) can be seen clearly. Make sure there are no
glares. Table tennis is a vision oriented sport, and a white background or a glare from a window can ruin
the game.

The floor should not be slippery, for obvious reasons. Most top players consider a wood floor (or
something similar) best, because extensive play on a hard surface can hurt your feet and legs.

B. Net
The net is 6 inches high and stretches across the middle of the table. It should extend 6 inches
on each side of the table-this is to keep players from hitting the ball around the net, some top
players can do.
 C. Ball
Balls are usually white, but some are
orange. They vary in price from cheap
balls that break on contact with a racket
to three – star quality balls that cost
nearly a dollar each.

D. Racket
A racket consists of two parts. First,
the blade itself (a racket without the covering). Then the covering for the hitting surface. A blade
is made of wood, although a small amount of a car bonfiber or similar fibrous material is
permitted.

Exercise 4

Part 1

Directions: Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on the blank provided

______________1. A 9x5 ft. with a surface 30 inches from the floor. It is usually dark, non-reflecting

green, with a ¾ inches white line running along the edge.

______________2. The measurement of a legal table tennis court.

______________3. A six inches high and stretches across the middle of the table.

______________4. An equipment used in table tennis, usually white but some are orange.

______________5. An equipment used for hitting the table tennis ball.

Part 2. Enumeration. List down 5 accessories used by table tennis players.

1. ______________________
2. ______________________
3. ______________________
4. ______________________
5. ______________________

CHAPTER 5

RULES REGULATIONS AND TERMINOLOGY OF THE GAME

Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students are able to:

1. To familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations of the game

2. To familiarize oneself with the common terms used in table tennis
3. To determine the appropriate rule that applies to specific game situations.

LESSON 1

Rules of the Game

Single Rules

1. Opponents will conduct a coin flip, the winner may choose either end of the table or the right to
serve or receive first. If they choose an end, the other player has the choice of serving or
receiving first. Each match shall consist of the best two out of three games with the winning
player reaching 11 points first or being ahead by two after the score reaches 10 all in each game.
2. The server changes from one player to the other every time five points are scored, except when
the score becomes tied 10-10. At this time, the serve changes and continues to change after
each point until one player scores two consecutive points, thus winning the game.
3. The serve must be made from behind the end line. The server puts the ball into play by tossing it
into the air from the palm of one hand and striking it with the paddle (held in the other hand) so
that it hits his/her own court. The ball must go over the net and hit the receiver’s court. The
receiver must return the ball over the net so that it hits the server’s court. Play continuous until
one player fails to make a legal return. The opponent then scores a point.

Doubles Rules
 1. Each match shall consist of the best two out of three games with the winning pair reaching 11
points first or being ahead by two after the score reaches 10 all in each game.
2. The pair winning a coin flip may choose either end of the table or the right to serve or receive
first. If they choose an end, the other pair has the choice of serving or receiving first.
3. The pair having the right to serve the first five serves in any game shall decide which partner
shall do so. The opposing pair has the choice of serving or receiving first.
4. Each server shall serve for two points as in singles. At the ends of each two points, the one who
was receiving becomes the server. This sequence shall continue until the end of the game or the
score of 10 all. At 10 all, the sequence of serving and receiving shall continue uninterrupted
except each player shall serve only one point in turn and the serve will alternate after each point
in turn and the serve will alternate after each point until a pair is ahead by two points.
5. The server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return, and the
partner of the server shall then make a good return. The partner of the receiver shall then make
a good return, the server shall then make a good return and thereafter each player alternately in
that sequence shall make a good return.
6. After each game the pairs shall change ends. The pair serving first in the previous game shall
become the first receivers in the next game and vice versa. Rule #3 (above) shall then be in
effect.
7. Rules not covered above shall be in accordance with the Laws of the International Table Tennis
Federation as interpreted by the United States Table Tennis Association.

Scoring

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

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 again after either player reaches 5 points.

Legal Service

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.
RULES

1. The entire table top area is used for play.

2. The racket (paddles) may be of any standard size, shape or weight for the game of table tennis.
3. The serve must first touch your paddle, then your court and then pass over the net to the
receiver’s court and then his/her paddle.
4. In singles, the serve may land anywhere on the table.
5. In doubles, the server must serve diagonally. Right side to right side.
6. In doubles, players must alternate hits – never hitting the ball 2 times in a row
7. If the ball touches the net during play, it is good
8. The ball may not touch the net on a serve

LESSON 2

TERMINOLOGIES

 Backhand: a shot done with the racket to the left of the elbow for a right-hander, the reverse for
a lefthander.
 Blade: the racket usually without a covering
 Block: a quick, off the bounce return of an aggressive drive done by just holding the racket in the
ball’s path.
 Closed: racket face aimed downward with the top edge leaning away from you
 Crosscourt: a ball that is hit diagonally from corner to corner.
 Drop Shot: Putting the ball so short that the opponent has trouble reaching it. Done when the
opponent is away from the table
 Forehand: Any shot done with the racket to the right of the elbow for a right-hander, to the left
for a lefthander
 Let: a serve that hits the nets a lands in the proper service box. If play is interrupted for any
reason during a rally, a let is called and the point does not count.
 Lob: a high defensive return of a smash.
 Loop: a heavy topspin shot usually considered the most important shot in the game
 Open: if the hitting surface of the racket is aimed upwards with the top edge leaning towards
you.
 Rally: the hitting of the ball back and forth, starting with the serve and ending when a point is
won
 Serve: the first shot, done by the server. It begins with the ball being thrown up from the palm
of the hand and struck by the racket.
 Hand shake grip: the most popular grip. It gives the best balance of forehand and backhand
 Smash: a put away shot. Ball is hit with enough speed so opponent can’t make a return
 Volley: to hit the ball before it bounces on your side of the table. It results in an immediate loss
of the point.

Exercise 5
Part 1: Direction: Fill in the blanks. Write your answer on the blank provided before each number.

Matching Type

A B

______1. The racket usually without a covering. A. handshake grip

______2. A shot done with the racket to the left
Of the elbow for a right handler, the reverse for
A left handler B. rally
______3. The most popular grip. It gives the best balance
For forehand and backhand. C. let
______4. The hitting of the ball back and forth, starting
With a service and ending when a point is won D. loop
______5. A serve that hits the net and land on the proper
Service box. E. open
______6. A heavy top spin shot usually considered the
Most important shot of the game. F. Cross court
______7. If the hitting surface of the racket is aimed upward
With the top edge leaning toward you G. volley
______8. A ball that is hit diagonally from corner to corner H. smash
______9. To hit the ball before it bounce on your side of the table,
It results in an immediate loss of the point I. Blade
______10. It is put away shot, ball is hit with enough speed so
opponent can’t make a return J. backhand