Getting Started in Table Tennis

Table tennis is a very popular sport in Britain, both competitively and informally and there are plenty of clubs across the country which accommodate players of all abilities or none. Table tennis is a relatively easy game to pick up but it is worth getting to grips with the basics to avoid getting into bad habits from the outset:

• Learn how to grip the racket - there are various ways to grip a racket (see Strokes, Tips and Tactics) and different grips suit different players. It is worth experimenting with the three main grips to find the one which allows most comfort and flexibility.

• Wear appropriate footwear - table tennis requires quick agile movements so footwear should have just enough grip to stop the player from slipping around but not so much grip that a player can’t move quickly to one side when returning a shot.

• Start off with a larger ball - whilst international standards require a 40mm ball to be used in most competitive events, it is easier to begin learning the game with a larger ball which slows the game down.

• Practise forehand and backhand - if a player has a strong forehand or weak backhand (or vice versa) the opponent will play to that weakness so it is worth practicing with both hands to enable returns on more shots.

• Use the centre of the racket - the centre of the racket (or sweet spot) allows for the most bounce, so aim to hit the ball with the centre rather than the edge of the racket.

• Footwork - having a strong hand is not the only skill required in table tennis; good footwork is just as important. New players should practise moving in the direction of the ball, rather than standing in one place and stretching for every shot.

• Practise different strokes - different strokes are more or less effective depending on the position and speed of the ball when it travels over the net. Perfecting various strokes allows the player to become less predictable and to be more effective in making difficult shots and returns.

• Get fit - contrary to popular opinion, table tennis is an extremely energetic sport when played properly, so it is worth getting fit in order to improve agility and stamina during lengthy rallies.