Table tennis is a great game that can be played at all levels. Whether you’re away for the weekend and find a table in your hotel or have recently joined a table tennis club in Sydney, you can quickly get involved and enjoy a bit of light activity whatever your skill level. As a complete beginner, an intermediate player or even as a single player (if you press the table up against the wall), you can enjoy table tennis at any level.
How to play table tennis
Otherwise known as ping-pong, table tennis can be played by two or four players. The aim of the game is pretty simple, you need to hit the ball over the net with your paddle so that it bounces on your opponent’s side of the table. If they are unable to return the ball to your side in the same manner (because they missed the ball, hit the net or hit it too far), you get a point.
The winner of the game is the first to 11 points. However, there must be a gap of at least two points between both players in order for a winner to be declared. So for example, if the score is 10-10, the game must continue until one player has a lead of two points.
Top table tennis tips
Playing table tennis in its simplest form is relatively easy, but if you want to improve your skills or play competitively, then these five top tips could make all the difference.
1) Grip
There are two key types of grips: penhold and shakehands. Penhold is traditionally more popular in Asia whereas shake hands are dominant in Europe. The shake hands technique is fast gaining popularity in Asia too and is generally considered easier to master.
For this type of grip, you need to hold the racket loosely between your thumb and index finger. You should be touching the curve of the blade with your index finger resting along the edge of the backhand side and your thumb on the forehand side.
Take your time to ensure that you are comfortable with your grip. Play around by tightening and loosening your grip slightly until you find something that works for you.
2) Stance
The key to a good table tennis stance is to get a low centre of gravity. You want to be low and wide with your feet to be at least 1.5 shoulder widths apart. At first, it can be tiring to maintain this kind of stance, but with the time you will build strength and be able to relax in this position.
3) Footwork
Although your feet don’t move an incredible amount in table tennis, the tiny adjustments made with each hit of the ball are crucial to your success. In order to improve your table tennis game, you should take some time to work on your footwork with specific drills.
4) Strokes
Sure, you can get through a game of table tennis by just hitting the ball but understanding the different stroke types and when they are used will be the key to improving your skills drastically. There are many different types of strokes in table tennis, but to improve your game quickly, get acquainted with the four most basic types first: forehand drive, backhand drive, backhand push and forehand push.
5) Serve
Did you know that there are multiple different service types in table tennis? Most people use a simple topspin but in order to beat your opponent, you need to master a few different types to keep them on their toes (literally). But don’t get too overwhelmed. If you’re a beginner, start by exploring the super heavy backspin serve and a super-fast serve.
Where to play table tennis in Sydney
If you fancy joining a table tennis club in Sydney, you’re in luck. At DOOLEYS, we have something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a place to play social table tennis in Sydney or simply want to learn how to play table tennis, we’ve got you covered. Likewise, we have competitive teams who play regularly in leagues. So whatever your skill level, join our DOOLEYS Table Tennis Club and get started!
