Table tennis is a hobby that can bring you joy, fitness, and friendship. It is a sport that can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender, or skill level. Table tennis can improve your coordination, reflexes, brain function, mood, and health, as well as reduce stress and promote fun and socialization. To get started, you only need a table, a net, a racket, and a ball, which you can buy or make yourself. You can also join a club, a team, or a community that offers table tennis coaching or events. Table tennis is a hobby that can enrich your life and challenge your mind and body. Why not give it a try?
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Table Tennis
as a hobby
AKA: Ping-Pong.
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We curated content to familiarize you with table tennis as a hobby and to inspire and help you get started.
We strive for accuracy, but errors may occur. Always use your judgment.
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The fastest table tennis hit by a male is 116 kilometres per hour (72.08 miles per hour) and was achieved by Łukasz Budner (Poland) in Częstochowa, Poland, on 4 June 2016.
Guinness World Records
Basic lingo for orientation.
- Rally: The exchange of shots between players during a point.
- Serve: The shot that starts a rally. The server must toss the ball up and hit it so that it bounces on their side of the table and then on the opponent’s side.
- Forehand: The stroke that is played with the racket facing forward, usually on the right side of the body for right-handed players.
- Backhand: The stroke that is played with the racket facing backward, usually on the left side of the body for right-handed players.
- Spin: The rotation of the ball caused by the angle and speed of the racket. Spin affects the trajectory and bounce of the ball.
- Topspin: A type of spin where the top of the ball rotates forward. Topspin makes the ball dip down and bounce higher.
- Backspin: A type of spin where the bottom of the ball rotates backward. Backspin makes the ball float up and bounce lower.
- Sidespin: A type of spin where the side of the ball rotates sideways. Sidespin makes the ball curve and bounce at an angle.
- Loop: A powerful topspin shot that arcs over the net and dips down sharply.
- Chop: A defensive backspin shot that floats over the net and bounces low.
- Smash: A fast and flat shot that is hit downward with little or no spin.
- Block: A passive shot that is used to return an opponent’s attack by placing the racket in front of the ball.
- Push: A soft shot that is played close to the net with backspin or no spin.
- Drive: A basic shot that is played with moderate speed and spin.
- Flick: A quick shot that is used to attack a short ball by lifting it over the net with topspin or sidespin.
- Net: The situation when the ball touches the net during a rally or a serve. If the ball touches the net and lands on the opponent’s side during a rally, the point continues. If the ball touches the net and lands on the opponent’s side during a serve, the serve is a let and must be replayed.
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How to break the ice and make a start.
- Buy a well-reviewed affordable table tennis racket by a good brand (Stiga is a leading table tennis brand).
- You can start practicing by yourself, without a table tennis table. Follow this YouTube tutorial.
- You have a couple of options once you have a basic grasp and feel like making the second step.
- Find table tennis facilities, clubs, or Meetup groups near you.
- Buy a table tennis table, and invite family and friends to play. People usually love joining a ping pong game.
- Once you feel like stepping up your game, you can try YouTube tutorials, apps, and online or in-person courses.
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Ping-pong diplomacy thawed the cold war.
How Ping-Pong Diplomacy Thawed the Cold War | History
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How do I choose a table tennis racket?
While purchasing guides are out there, you should not worry about it as a beginner. Professional table tennis rackets can get expensive, but they are not required to get a first grasp of the game. Buy an affordable well-reviewed racket, and upgrade it in the future, if needed.
Can I practice table tennis by myself?
Definitely. Follow this video tutorial for example.
Can I practice table tennis without a tennis table?
Yes, you can. Follow this video tutorial for example.
How can I find opponents for table tennis?
If family and friends are not up to the challenge, look for table tennis facilities and venues near you. They are usually quite common.
Can table tennis improve my fitness?
Definitely. Table tennis is a serious sport that requires a lot of energy.
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Table tennis can improve your coordination, reflexes, brain function, mood, and health, as well as reduce stress and promote fun and socialization.
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| Skills | Agility, Communication, Concentration, Decision-making, Empathy, Hand-eye Coordination, Mindfulness, Perseverance, Physical Endurance, Physical Fitness |