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This presentation is split into sections:

Section 1 - A short backstory on Table Tennis

Section 2 - How does Table Tennis work?

Section 3 - The Fundamentals of Table Tennis

Section 4 - Misconception of Table Tennis

Section 5 - Explore interesting content on Table Tennis

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  • Founded in the 1880’s
  • Was invented in England
  • Initially, was more of a social, after dinner sport
  • First World Championships were in London, 1926

Originally, called “Ping Pong” then called “Table Tennis” in 1921-22

They didn’t have all the proper equipment to play. They improvised, and used what they had.

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  • Lightweight balls serve as the object to hit
  • A wooden racket, w/ a handle and blade & 2 rubbers stuck to each side of the blade (is what you hit with)
  • A professional table, with a proper net, and designated lengths for each material (is what you hit on)
  • A woven net as a “mini barrier”

v.s

  • Line of books would be a net; “mini barrier”
  • Usually, a lid of a cigar box would serve as a racket
  • Sometimes the ball would be a string, champagne cork, or rubber
  • Played on a flat table

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Note that this a a developed version: 1880s-1900s

v.s

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There are usually 2 players competing against each other (There is also something called “doubles” where it is 2 people vs. 2 people). In a normal table tennis game, you need 11 points to win. If both players are tied at the point 10, then it’s called “deuce” and there is a different set of rules than the standard way of playing.

  • Each player serves twice (taking turns)
  • Score till 11 points to win
  • When serving make sure your opponent can see the ball in your palm and toss the ball 6 in. high before hitting the ball
  • Each player serves once (taking turns)
  • A player has to score 2 points more than their opponent
  • When serving make sure your opponent can see the ball in your palm and toss the ball 6 in. high before hitting the ball

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There is a set of games in a match. For instance, a match can consist of 3 games (single games) or 5 games, etc. So, a match contains a certain set of games.

There is something called matches and games. Some confuse both words as the same meaning. Though, actually both words have completely different meanings.

A game is essentially just a single game (up to 11 points).

A best of ____ is a bit more specific than a match. It’s a set that has a certain amount of games in it. Below are 2 of the most common sets.

Contains 3 games in a match. First person to win 2 games, wins the match.

Contains 5 games in a match. First person to win 3 games wins the match.

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There are many strokes in table tennis; simple, deceptive, difficult, etc. However, in this section we’re going to focus on the basic strokes that comprise a table tennis game.

  • Forehand and backhand strokes/drives
  • Forehand and backhand pushes
  • Serves

These are just a few strokes that are essential to a game. Although there are a lot more strokes that you can incorporate in your game, to level up your game.

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Serves can be with spin or no spin--generally with spin for a more challenging fight. During a game, each player serves twice during each point, taking turns. Serves get the game going; if you miss your serve, point over (opponent gets the point), and if you don’t, the fight for the point continues. Serves are a crucial and an essential part of the game.

  • Forehand and Backhand no spin
  • Forehand sidespin (short/long)
  • Forehand underspin (short/long)
  • Backhand sidespin (short/long)
  • Backhand underspin (short/long)
  • Plus, lot’s more!

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Want to learn how to execute the strokes? Click on the box that you want to watch, to access that video.

Episode 1:

The Shakehand Grip

Episode 2:

The Backhand Stroke

Episode 3:

The Forehand Stroke

Episode 4:

The Backhand Push

Episode 5:

The Forehand Push

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Many think of table tennis as a social sport rather than a competitive sport. To some, table tennis may not be well-known to them in taking part in competitions. However, there are various types of high-level tournaments.

The best part about table tennis, that it is a friendly, competitive and unique sport. And, is open to people of any age and level.

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Watch this video of some crazy good rallies taken place in the Olympics. (about 4 minutes)

Check out this article on a 14yr old girl fighting for climate change while training hard in table tennis to achieve her dreams.

Watch Ibrahim Hamadtou play with his mouth An amazing story of an Egyptian who lost his arms in an accident and playing table tennis with his mouth. (about 3 minutes)

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