How To Play Ping Pong (Table Tennis) For Beginner & Professional

Want to learn how to play ping pong (table tennis)? Are you a beginner? So you have read the right article that you need to read.

Table Tennis is one of the racket sports which can be played with a table. In the past, it was known by the name of Ping Pong.

In this article, we will learn about the topic How to play table tennis for beginners. We will go over the most basic concepts so that you have a general understanding of how to play table tennis.

It’s a good sport that you can become master level by frequently practicing. In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn the essential instructions of table tennis that will aid you in improving your skills at playing such a game.

What tools do you require?

Like most sports, it is necessary to acquire the necessary equipment to play it. My opinion is that Ping pong is among the most affordable sports available and is among the most enjoyable. There are just three essential items that you may need to buy when it comes to playing Ping Pong.

Ping pong paddles

The game of table tennis can be played by hitting the ball using a paddle, which is also known as a bat or racket based on the location you reside. A ping pong paddle is comprised of four distinct components:

Handle

The handle is the portion of the paddle you grip. It is available in a variety of dimensions and shapes that could influence your play and accommodate different styles of play.

Blade

The blade of Ping Pong paddles is the primary part of the bat. It’s constructed using several different layers of hardwood (and occasionally carbon).

A layer of sponge

At the top of the blade lies an extremely very thin sponge (typically between 1.2mm to 2.5mm. A beginner needs to choose an instrument with a thicker layer of sponge since this will allow for greater control over the ball.

Rubber

Rubber is the final component. Sitting on the sponge’s top is a layer of rubber, which is what is responsible for the ball’s contact. There is a range of different rubbers that can be used to match different types of playing. To find out more, read the article on table tennis rubber here.

Ping pong paddles are generally evaluated on three things that are: spin, control, and speed. For beginners, you should choose an item that has the highest control rating, as well as speeds and spin ratings that are low. As you get better and more proficient in controlling the ball, you could consider paddles with lower control, and begin working to generate more spin and speed with your shots. Click here to read our selection of the top ping-pong paddles for beginners.

   Read more: How to choose ping pong paddle under 30 USD Review&Buying guide

Ping pong ball

Like many other games, to play table tennis you’ll require an appropriate ball. Ping-pong balls are small round and made of plastic. The most common size for regulation is 40 millimeters and they are available in two colors: white and orange.

   Read more: How Big Is a Ping Pong Ball? (Size, Weight, Diameter)

Ping Pong balls are assessed on their quality using an unbiased system of stars ranging between 1 and 3 stars. The balls with one star are utilized for leisure play, but for use in a tournament, the ball has to be three stars. For more information, visit our buying ping pong balls guidelines here.

   Read more: How to choose ping pong balls for player

Ping Pong Tables

Ping-pong tables are among the more costly pieces of equipment that you’ll need. It’s possible to spend anything from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand dollars for top-of-the-quality standard tables for competition. If you’re thinking of buying your own, then take a look at our best ping pong tables list here. However, you don’t have to own a table because bars and clubs with tables are all over the place!

   Read more:

• Top Ping Pong Table For Garage – Buying Guide Detail
• Top Ping pong Tables For All Players

It is also possible to purchase Ping-Pong conversion tops which sit over tables. They allow users to experience the best of a table without taking up any space.

Other accessories you may like

Although not necessary to begin playing, you may want to consider a few additional accessories and table tennis equipment.

A decent pair of sneakers for beginners the majority of gym or sports shoes are suitable however when you grow and become more active it is possible to purchase the right shoes that were designed specifically for players of ping pong in the mind.

The paddle case Table tennis bats don’t have the most durability and are easily damaged through dust, water, or being hit. We recommend buying a Table tennis case to ensure your racket is in good condition when not in use it.

A ping pong machine If you decide to take your sport seriously and would like to work further, then you could purchase a table tennis machine which will shoot balls at you in order to let you test your shot.

   Read more: How to choose table tennis shoes for player

How to Play Ping Pong (Table Tennis) Step by Step?

Step 1: Select the paddle

The first step in understanding what table tennis involves is understanding the equipment you’ll need and deciding to buy which one is the most suitable for you. Table tennis players use four basic types of equipment

• Table
• Net
• Ball
• Racket

If you are a beginner, you must purchase the top table tennis paddles or the bats that you are able to control easily. The focus is not on the spin or speed of the racket, but the control.

Before purchasing an instrument, you should study the material which is used to produce them and the way to identify an authentic tennis bat. Then you learn about grips and which one is more comfortable to use.

How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat?

A table tennis racket is one of the most important items you’ll require in order to enjoy the sport. It’s typically made of a blade and rubber. You can evaluate the quality of the ping pong table tennis bat via these two components. Currently, there are available two kinds of paddles: Certain rackets are pre-made, and others are custom-made. If you are just a beginner at playing table tennis, it is recommended that you should buy a pre-made bat. This model is a great option for beginning players, it’s used not only for the quick and loopy attacks but also for great speed and control.

You are able to change the table tennis paddles into customized ones when you have improved skills in your game.

Points and Tips

To find the made racket, here are three signs to be considered:

• The kind of grip or handle.
• How many layers of the blade.
• The characters of the bat for table tennis (speed, spin, control ability).

The racket’s wood can be 3 5 or 7 layers. The wood with 7 layers is more efficient than the lower level. However, the lower layer of wood will provide you with greater control. Beginners should concentrate on table tennis bats that have three layers or five layers.

Regarding handles, it is offered in three kinds:

• Anatomic (AN)
• Flared (FL)
• Straight handles (ST)

We suggest that newbies should use a pre-made table tennis racket with an FL handle since it provides a more secure grip.

The thickness of rubber also affects your performance. Table tennis bat typically has a thickness of rubber between 1.0mm up to 2.3mm. The bats with a thicker rubber have faster speed, while the ones that are thinner allow you to control the ball better. For beginners, it is recommended to use a table tennis bat with a thickness of 1.5 millimeters and 1.9mm.

On the racket, the maker usually lists the detailed features. This will allow you to determine whether the table tennis equipment is good for speed, spin, and control.

Step 2: How to hold Your Racket

Another aspect of learning how the game of table tennis involves “How to grip”. As we mentioned above, to play ping pong table tennis you need to be able to control the racket. A good grip can assist you in controlling the racket to determine the right position of the ball.

In Table tennis, There are two main kinds of grips:

• Shakehand Grip
• Penhold Grip

For newbies, We recommend the Shakehand grip as it offers greater control and strength, especially when you are doing backhand strokes.

Within this post, we will guide you about the shakehand grips, If you’re looking for more kinds of grips, Please reach another our article entitled ” Table Tennis Grips“.

How do I handle Shakehand Grip?

The Shakehand Grip occurs when you hold the bat in such a manner that appears as if you’re shaking hands. There are two kinds of shakehand grips.

• Shallow Shakehand
• Deep Shakehand

Here’s how to perform the Shakehand grip:

• Set your hands on the upper portion of the racket’s handle using the index, middle and small fingers.
• Your index finger should remain at the rubber’s edge.
• Put your thumb on the blade, below the rubber, or on the surface.
• Placing your thumb over the blade permits you to raise the racket to any angle and to adjust it according to how you stroke.

Shakehand vs Shallow Shakehand Vs Deep Shakehand

• To use the shallow shakehand grip put your thumb on the blade. This is ideal for the forehand stroke since it’s more flexible and stronger.
• A deep grip for shakehand occurs when you put your thumb on the rubber. It can be used to make backhand strokes. This kind of grip will give you greater control of the racket.

The coach Tips

If you’re looking to be able to grip your ball the best during your game, These additional tips will aid you:

• Be sure to keep an even grip on the handle of the racket.
• Fingers of the index must be resting on the backhand rubber, and not resting on the edges.
• Do not alter your grip during rallies.

While playing table tennis, you’ll see that different player use their own styles of grip.  You do need to care much about the way that the other player holds their bat. Instead, you should concentrate on what grip you prefer to use. If your grip is not good, it won’t help you to win the game. It is important to be comfortable with the kind of grip you are using.

   Read more:

• Ping Pong Backhand Shots You Should Learn
• How To Hold A Ping Pong Paddle Like A Pro Player

Step 3: Learn the Gameplay for How To Play Ping Pong

There are rules for the table tennis game. No matter when you play either doubles or singles games, you still need aware of these rules. The rules for the game are regulated in the ITTF(International Table Tennis Federation) and are required in professional players. As a beginner or one who plays for fun, you don’t require to know all of the rules but are still required to know the basic rules of the game.

• The number of points

Before 2002, scoring on table tennis was up to 21 points. To create a more exciting game, the rules have been changed, now players can play for up to 11 points. The player who scores at least 11 points and 2 points difference will win the game. If two players score 10 points, it’s commonly referred to as deuce.

• How to Start a Game

Before starting the game, the players must decide who will serve first. When you’re playing with friends, it is easy to decide. However, the rules stipulate that the choice is taken in different ways. This could be accomplished by throwing a coin around or flipping discs. The most commonly used method to determine at the lower levels is when the umpire holds the ball in one hand, the player chooses the right hand with the ball will serve first. Players can also decide to choose which opponent will serve first, or pick which table to play first. If the player picks the table’s edge to play, the opposing player could decide to serve first or let an alternate player. The winner could also decide to serve first, while the other player chooses which side they prefer to play first.

• Rules For Table Tennis Serve

The rules of serving in table tennis have changed through the decades. For an informal game, it’s very easy. The ball should be placed above the table’s surface, and also behind the top lines of the player. In this situation, your position needs to be towards the back of the table while playing serving.

The most basic rules of table tennis are to place your ball with the hand which doesn’t hold the paddle and throws it up. As the ball falls down, you will hit the ball with your racket in the other hand, so that it bounces off one side of your table. It must bounce at least once before moving towards the opposing side.

If your opponent is watching the ball bounce several times in their own table area, they forfeit points. If the ball comes into contact with the net but is still on the table of the table that is being used by the other player it is possible to replay the serve, which we refer to this as “a let”. And if the ball hits the net but does not bounce off the side of the opponent the server loses points. If the server throws the ball with a purposeful intention then it could be said it is “in play “.

• The number of serve

In 2001, rules allowed each player to serve 5 consecutive times. If there was a deuce in play, you’ll alternate your serves until the player has an advantage of two points. In 2001 the rulebook was altered and players are permitted only two consecutive serves. In a deuce game, the service is alternated until the player scores 11 points to be the winner of the game.

• Return The Serve

If a serve has been made, the opponent must bounce the ball in the opposite direction. The ball must bounce on the side of the table that is serving at a time. If you let it bounce more than one time on the table’s edge you will lose one point.

In the event that you’re returning the serve during an event, and the ball is hit by the net, but does not touch the table’s opponent’s side the point will be given to the opponent. If the ball is hit by the net but continues to bounce onto the table of the opponent then the rally continues. The person receiving the ball may be in any position to take part in the return but is not permitted to contact the table with their free hand.

The player is prohibited from moving the table. If the player serves backspin serve which causes the ball to bounce back across the net and back to bounce on the table of the opponent, then the player must hit the ball prior to it hitting the server’s side of the table. This requires the receiver to step outside the net in order to perform an attack.

Mentor Tips:

• The rules for table tennis are the same for casual and professional players.
• Keep in mind that when you perform serves, the ball must be placed on the arm that is not playing.
• Make sure you are positioned behind the line that runs along the other edge of the table. Hold the ball in your palm.
• Players are limited to two serves unless the game is deuce and players score 10 points. The serves will be alternated until a player has scored 11 points.
• Your arms that aren’t playing are not allowed on the tennis table while serving the ball to your opponent.
• The ball must bounce once in your direction on the table prior to shifting to the side of your opponent.

Step 4: Two Basic Serve – Master Two Essential Serve

In table tennis, something you must be aware of is that every game point starts with serving. If the serve starts you are able to manage the point and oblige your opponent to make an unforced return. You could even make your opponent place you on the side. It all depends on your method of giving to the ball. If you are a beginner, you will learn to create the most efficient serves.

There are a variety of ways to serve a ball, however, it’s not possible to master all of these methods as a newbie.

Based on the server’s racket surface:

• Forehand serves
• Serve backhand

Base on how they serve rotates:

• Topspin serve
• Backspin Serve
• Sidespin serve

Although there is a variety of serve, it could be difficult for newbies to master all of them. It is recommended to learn only two key serves. We suggest the forehand topspin serve as well as backspin serve because they can give you an advantage over your opponent.

Most players would expect you to serve with a backhand or forehand serve, so it is possible to surprise them by serving a spin. In this way, you don’t have enough time to plan and control your ball. it can give you an advantage when playing.

Hands-on Topspin Serve

The forehand topspin serves are one of the most effective methods to surprise your opponent. This kind of play blocks the opponent from launching a strong attack. This gives you a greater ability to control the ball, so you can utilize the ball to your advantage in order to score points.

How do I make a forehand topspin serving?

The position of your foot

Keep your ball at a 45-degree angle. it should face the edge of the table tennis. This will allow you to perform a smooth stroke. You should have your knees slightly bent and your legs must be separated from one other. They should be shoulder-width to ensure that you are balanced and are able to recover quickly following the serve. The ball should be placed on your palm free of the table and you should keep your palm straight. Make sure that your hand remains just behind the edge of the table, and then raise it up above the table’s surface. Your tors should be slightly bent towards the front with your elbow bent about 90 degrees.

Backswing

Once the serve start then you should throw the ball up in the air and have your racket be placed in the middle of your backswing. A ball must throw in a vertical direction, facing upwards in accordance with Table tennis rules. The ball’s height is dependent on the size of the player, however, it should be at least 16cm. A racket should be positioned forward and slightly inwards Then, you can rotate it slightly by extending your shoulders. Then perform a backward motion using your racket’s arm. The focus should be on the ball as you make your backswing.

Strike

When you’re finished with your backswing, you should hit the ball. Keep your shoulders at a 45-degree angle toward the top at the end of your table. Make sure your bat is moving forwards, and it should be in a downwards direction. Your attention should be focused on the ball, and then you are able to lean forward slightly towards your waist. After you’ve tossed the ball vertically then you can tilt it towards the front and then make contact with the ball.

Final

After you’ve successfully hit your ball position of the racket is to be in a forward direction and toward the table. However, prior to hitting the ball, the racket should be facing up and to the side so that you can get the topspin for serving the ball.

Forehand Backspin Serve

The Forehand Backspin serve is very different from the topspin forehand serve in terms of the method. This serve can help you score points and stop the opponent from making an aggressive attack on the serve.

How do I do a backspin forehand serve?

The posture of your feet

The posture of your feet should be held at a 45-degree angle. Just like the topspin of the forehand, you should have them in the direction of the line that ends at the top of the table. It is also recommended to keep your knees bent, and your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Also, you must put the ball in your palm, on its side. Your other hand should also be behind the end line while keeping your hand over the table’s table. Keep your body slightly bent and in a forward direction for stability. After that, you can place the racket in your hand for playing and keep your elbow at 90 degrees.

Backswing

Once you begin serving, you’ll be required to put the ball inside the sit, and then prepare for your racket to strike mid-backswing. Similar to the forehand topspin it is necessary to throw the ball vertically, and face upwards. The height must be 16cm or greater based upon the size of your player. Turn your racket backward and it should point upwards as you turn your shoulders. This sends a backward movement to the racket’s arm. As you throw the ball, you should be fixed on it all the way through the mid-swing.

Strike

You’ll have been sure to hold your shoulders bent at a 45-degree angle when you strike. Your posture should remain in front of the line that ends at the top of the table. The racket needs to keep moving back a bit and in an upward direction. This lets you move the racket up and backward when you strike the ball. This causes an upward spin from the strike. Your focus should be focused on the ball.

Final

When you make contact with your ball you must turn your shoulders to the position you started from. Your player’s arm should move towards the table and then underneath the ball as you contact the ball. Your free arm shouldn’t require any move in the course of serving.

Key Points / Tips:

Below are some suggestions to use when you are performing the following service:

• Make sure your attention is on the ball all through the entire serve.
• Be sure to maintain your position in a straight line to can have better balance when playing.
• The goal of the forehand topspin serve as well as backspin serve is to deter the opponent from striking an unforced strike.
• It is important to maintain your position so that you are able to quickly return from the serve in order to perform the backstroke.
• Be sure to throw the ball up to 16cm, so that you don’t break the rules of the Table Tennis game.

Step 5: Master The Four Strokes Basics

Similar to other sports Table tennis is also requires techniques to play the game well. The fundamental strokes used in this game form the core of the game and are a crucial part that beginners must master. The more frequently you can practice these strokes, the more proficient you will become at the game.

There are many ways players can aim the ball. They can use defensive strokes instead of attack strokes. If you are a beginner, it is recommended to master the fundamental strokes first.

Before we get into the fundamental strokes, you must also know about the various shots that are used in table tennis. Shots such as those lobbing are one of the defensive shots commonly used by players. They cause the opponent to move away from the table. The player will not have enough time to recover their position. You can utilize the loop when you are attacking. It is able to shoot the ball with a lot of force, so you can control the ball. A chop can also be an attacking shot that is opposite of the loop shot. The loop makes your opponent wrestle against the ball. There are other methods such as smash and flick.

For a beginner, you should master the fundamental moves in table tennis prior to any other methods. These fundamental shots form the base for all other strategies since they adhere to the same rules. It’s the only way to be able to fully comprehend or master the game. We will examine these moves in-depth and will show you how to perform these strokes.

These four strokes comprise:

• Push forehand
• Forehand Drive
• Push in the back
• Hand drive

Tips and Key Points:

• When you are making an attempt to strike, focus your attention on your ball.
• Always ensure that you return to your position swiftly and are ready for a strike by your foe.
• Learn the basic strokes, and focus on your technique rather than how your opponent plays.
• Maintain your arms following your direction towards the ball, so that you are able to accurately make contact with the ball coming towards you. Your arms should be pointing in the forward direction.
• Maintain your legs at shoulder width. If you’re left-handed, you can place your right foot in front of the left one. The feet should be one-two step away from each other.

Step 6: Implement Basic Strategy

It is important to put all the lessons you’ve learned into the game. If you plan to pursue table tennis for a career, it is essential to be able to formulate a plan. It doesn’t matter if it’s a looping shot or a spin shot that is suited to you. The majority of experts think that successful athletes are able to implement a strategy that helps them beat their opponents.

Here’s a strategy we suggest:

• Service: Make sure you use at least 50% power in your spin and the other 50% of it in a strong backspin.
• Return: You need to perform a forehand or backhand drive stroke unless the ball is backspin.
• Rally When you find the ball in a topspin it is best to move to return drive it but if you are in backspin, the stroke should be a push stroke.
• Win points: You’ll earn the most winning points when you beat your Opponents.
• Practice: You’ll need to become more involved in your training for a transition from a beginner into a professional table tennis player. The top players in the world today also had to go through instruction to become better. Every player has strengths and weaknesses, but by training, they become better and overcome their weaknesses. If you’re having difficulty performing a backhand flick, when you practice, you will be able to learn additional techniques to help you become more proficient. You’ll require help from a professional coach to teach you how to play this game and become more professional.

Step 7: Find an organization

One of the best ways to experience Ping-Pong is by joining an organization. I suggest making use of online to benefit. Find the closest club in your region and, if you can find an accurate phone number on file, you can contact them and inquire about times when they are playing.

A majority of clubs offer a wide playing field. If you’re worried about being too old or young to play but don’t worry, there are many players in the age range of 10 to 60+ who frequently play (and the older players are often really great too!) Clubs typically feature a huge variety of players and are an ideal way to meet new friends.

For the majority of people, playing in clubs is among the most efficient ways to develop your skills in the least period of time. There are always people willing to help you practice and provide advice and suggestions on the basis of the feedback they receive by playing alongside you. Some of the more skilled players will know the flaws you’re making and then try to fix the situation in a manner that will make you better. That is the reason I’ve always preferred to play with someone who is aware of the game they’re playing even if they’re five times more skilled than me.

Other reason

There are occasions when clubs host tournaments or will tell you which one is closest to you. Tournaments held by clubs are a great experience to be part of and there is nothing like it. Many people from all over the region, sometimes even miles away, travel to these events to take part. It’s fascinating to observe the many different ways players play.

There are some players who have wild serves, wild hits, or simply perform in a way that you’ve never witnessed before. If you believe you’re skilled enough, you could enter any tournament, but don’t be dismayed if you fail as there’s plenty of tough competition there. If you do find someone to work with, it’s essential to master the fundamental skills in place before moving on to more challenging tasks.

What should I do next in order to achieve a higher degree?

As we said earlier, there are many motives for learning to play table tennis. Although it’s an activity for entertainment, it is among the most intense sports and it is possible to become an expert in this sport. You can study to play the game as a profession.

There are numerous benefits to taking up this game. It’s a fantastic method to stay fit, and also have fun playing.

It’s up to you to decide what you would like to accomplish talent. But the first step you must do is master the techniques and all the rules for playing. You’ll need to know how to serve spin, block, and smash, as well as learn other advanced techniques in table tennis. Professional athletes earn a lot of money playing this game and it’s definitely worth the effort.

Conclusion

With the above article, we hope you have a good understanding of How to play ping pong. For beginner players, there is no other way but to practice a lot to be able to reach a higher level.

If you’ve reached a higher playing level, there is still a feeling of anxiety when you play in a tournament. It is crucial that when you begin to master the art of playing tennis, you will participate actively in matches. This will increase your confidence and enable you to build your skills. You should get professional instruction to help you improve in table tennis. There are numerous tutorial videos online and other materials which can help you to learn more about the game. But, you’ll require practical instruction and guidance in table tennis. The best way to improve your skills better is to participate in the game more and make it an integral part of your routine.