A Beginner's Guide To Table Tennis
If you're a beginner in table tennis or ping-pong, you must understand the basics as early as possible. Once you do, you can start off the right way, from knowing the equipment involved in the sport to figuring out what kind of grip you should use.
With that said, here's a simple guide to help you play this sport:
Playing For Fun
The best way to learn any sport, including table tennis, is by playing it with friends and family first. This will allow you to enjoy the process of learning from your mistakes while playing.
Also, in doing so, you won't get bored with the sport even when you find it challenging. It's alright if you can't follow the correct handling of the paddle or do the strokes properly yet. By having fun and learning the game's rules at the same time, it won't be a hassle for you to practice the sport until you become good at it.
Table Tennis Equipment
Aside from learning the sport's rules, you should also be familiar with the equipment used in the game. This includes the following:
Ball: You can use a small synthetic ball that weighs a standard of 2.7 grams, and the standard color for it is either white or orange. Manufacturers of table tennis balls have ratings for them, the highest of which is three stars. A ball with that rating is the best one you can use when you're starting out with table tennis.
Rubber Racket Or Paddle: You also need a paddle or table tennis racket to hit the ball from your side to your opponent's side. The common materials used for this are rubber and wood. Other materials can be used as prescribed in official table tennis games. If you want, you can go for shakehand-style rackets like those from STIGA Table Tennis as they’re popular among players.
Table Tennis Table: It's best to use the right table tennis table even when you're a beginner. That's because the table is essential to play the sport. The recommended dimensions of the table are 5 ft for the width and 9 ft for the length. Moreover, the table must be 2.5 ft above the ground.
Net And Post: The net must be 6 ft long and 0.5 ft wide. The upper part of the net must have white tape, which is at most 15 mm in width. To hold the net up, you should attach it to the posts. 
Proper Paddle Grips
Now that you have a good idea of the equipment you need to acquire, it's time for you to learn how to hold the paddle. Having the right hand grip is one of the essential skills you'll need in the sport.
To become effective in servicing and returning the ball, you must properly execute the grip of your hands. The two main grips used in table tennis are the shakehand and pen hold grips.
For beginners, it's best to start with the shakehand grip in order to be more familiar with the proper handling of the paddle. With this kind of grip, you'll learn how to be agile. You'll be able to practice how to adjust your grip to counter the returns from the opponent as well.
Know Your Starting Position
Equally important to know is how to execute your starting position. You’ll do this at the start of every new game and after you've transferred the ball to the other side.
Here's how you need to go about it:
You shouldn't be less than 15 cm away from the table. This is to make sure your body doesn't touch it, which is considered a foul.
At the start of the game, you must position yourself facing the opponent. If you're right-handed, stand at the left so you can hit the ball with ease.
Your right foot must be slightly behind your left foot. Do the opposite if you're left-handed.
With the right positioning, you can balance your body whenever you make a stroke or return the ball.
Moreover, the correct position allows you to prepare to receive the ball and return it to the opponent's side. Due to the quick pace of the sport, your body must be able to move in any direction accurately.
The right form starts with the legs, which will make your upper body stable when in motion. Also, it would be best for you to slightly spread your legs out.
Another key point is to raise your ankles in order to spread your weight while playing. This allows you to change locations quickly.
When playing, remember to always lean forward while slightly bending your knees. This helps you balance and prepare to move into other positions during the game.
Also, take note that your arms should always be in front of your body. Don’t tuck your elbows in. During the play, you must ensure that the hand you'll use is parallel to the ground so you can direct the ball to the other side.
Lastly, keep your other hand away from blocking your playing hand.
Body Language
You must also know how to outsmart your opponents or spot the tricks of your opponent. Do this by observing the other player’s hand grip, their stance, and other gestures that might lure you in different directions.
Aside from knowing the other person's body language, you must also be aware of your own. As much as possible, avoid being tense. You have to be as relaxed as possible even while playing. This is something you can work on as you hone your table tennis skills.
Spins
If you’re looking to become an advanced table tennis player, it's vital to practice the spins that'll upgrade your table tennis skills. Professional players use spins to reduce their opponent's chances of returning the ball.
The three spins you need to learn are the following:
Backspin: You can use this for defensive playing to keep the ball low.
Topspin: Use this for offensive returns of the ball, resulting in a slow response from the opponent.
Sidespin: You can primarily use this when serving. You can also execute this type of spin with the topspin or backspin for offense.
Shadow Playing
Table tennis is a sport that requires you to use all your body parts. Ignoring the correct movements of your feet will not be beneficial. The strokes or spins you carry out will not be effective if you’re not mindful about where your legs and feet go. With the proper footwork, you'll go far in the sport. Keep in mind that every movement you make during a game is essential to winning and becoming as good as someone like Anna Hursey, a female tennis prodigy.
To achieve that, you should train on your own, which is referred to as ‘shadow playing.’ Other athletes do this to improve their skills without a coach. This will help you become more aware of your own movements because you'll be observing your grip, stroke, and footwork.
Use your paddle when shadow playing to practice the different grips and strokes. It’s also ideal to develop a swifter and more accurate swing.
Conclusion
Remember that learning table tennis requires hard work and commitment. Playing with a friend who’s a table tennis enthusiast will help you enjoy your journey.
You should have the right equipment from the very start since that will affect your performance. See to it that you practice different strokes, grips, spins, and footwork so you can be prepared for whatever your opponent has in store for you. Over time, your skills may just be good enough that you’ll be able to win table tennis tournaments.
