Playing table tennis, be it as a hobby or maybe even professionally, is a lot of fun. If you are looking for different things that you need to learn to get started, you have come to the right place.
In this article we are going to talk about all the important aspects when it comes to getting started with table tennis.
Let's get acquainted with the rules
First of all, it is important that you understand the basic rules of table tennis. As with any other sport, nothing is as simple as it looks. If you want to be a good gamer, even if you quit for fun with some friends, it is always better to know the rules first. It goes without saying that you don't have to learn all the rules right away. If you keep playing and exercising, you can keep building your knowledge. So what do you need to know
The main rules
A typical game usually consists of the top three games out of a total of five, which basically means you can play anywhere from three to five games depending on the outcome. If two players are playing a single game, the winner is the one who reaches 11 points first, and if the result is 10-10, the winner is the one who sets a difference of 2 points from that point.
After every two serves there is a change of service, so that the previous server becomes the receiver and vice versa, and these switchings take place until the end of the game. When a new game is started, the player who first served in the previous game is now the first recipient. There are a lot of details about how to serve and things like that, but what we revealed earlier is all you need to know now! Let's move on to more practical tips.
What equipment do you need?
Table tennis doesn't require a lot of equipment, although there are many different things that can help you perform better. First things first – you need a racket (paddle) and ball – everything else is optional. Not everyone can afford to buy a table and you will surely find one to practice with, and if you want to practice at home – buy a net and install it on your regular table – a little bit of DIY is always one sufficient option.
Solo exercise equipment
Many people don't always find a partner to practice with on a daily basis. Since we all know that practice makes perfect, buying a table tennis robot that you can play alone is a great alternative. There are many different settings that you can opt for on these robots as they have a wide variety of functions and capabilities. This makes them suitable for players of all skill levels, so you can progress regardless of where your skill level is.
Master your grips
The first step to practical table tennis training is to master your grip as it is the basis for every hit. There are many different holds, but how should you hold your paddle as a beginner?
- First of all, you need to make sure that your thumb is on the forehand side of the paddle so that it is facing your opponent when you take the forehand strike. In particular, your thumb should be in the area between the rubber and the handle.
- More precisely, your index finger must stay on the back of the paddle – in the lower part of the rubber. So, unlike your thumb, your index finger points at your opponent whenever you perform the backhand strike.
- The remaining fingers must be wrapped tightly around the handle. The key is to keep the balance between the handle tight enough to hold the paddle on your hand and loose enough so that it doesn't strain your muscles. This can happen if you always play with such a tight grip.
What should your starting position look like?
Your legs should be slightly apart for stability, making sure your waist is flexible and your feet are free to move. If you are left handed you need to stand to the right and vice versa. Also, make sure that your left foot is slightly behind your dominant foot. For even weight distribution, lift your ankles and jump from one spot to another. This will make you light-footed and able to move around the table quickly. Also, it is best to bend your knees slightly and lean forward. That way, you'll move faster, find your balance more easily, and move into more comfortable positions faster.
After you've completed this article, you'll be familiar with the basics. If you work on all of the aspects that you read in the previous text, you will get better and build from there. Good luck and whatever the purpose of learning table tennis – have fun!
