Table tennis originated as a parlor game in the late 19th century and enjoyed renewed popularity in the 1920s. The game was popularized as pingpong until the Parker Brothers corporation trademarked the term, and organizations began referring to the game as table tennis. From the early days of cork balls and rubber-covered sticks to the new sponge-covered racket wielded by a Japanese player at the 1952 World Championships, table tennis became a legitimate, rules-driven game of skill. Today's table tennis is a popular game for amateurs and the focus of international sports competitions.
Strokes
Learn the different strokes, the proper execution for each and the appropriate time to use them. Pong World lists seven types of strokes: push, block, kill, counterdrive, forehand loop, backhand loop and chop. For instance, use the push for a safe return on an underspin or a low ball and execute this stroke by making contact with the underside of the ball immediately after its bounce. Contact occurs in front of your body, and the push should be aimed deep into your opponent's court or close to the net.
Types of Players
Table tennis professionals label players based on the type of strokes they use in play. Pong World lists five types of players: loopers, choppers, penholders, blockers and counterdrivers. Professional table tennis players use specific strategies against certain types of players. For instance, when playing against the chopper, play the ball down the middle since playing the sides is often a chopper's strength. Play against the blockers by breaking the trademark rhythm with varying shots.
Training for Competition
Once you understand your opponent's playing style and develop a playing strategy that uses your strengths and your opponent's weaknesses, set goals for your training sessions. Use resources such as instructional videos, table tennis clinics and coaches. Pong World recommends cycle training in which you vary your training to include stroking drills, footwork, strengthening workouts and aerobic exercise. Practice varying your shots to limit your opponent's anticipation of your play. Perfect your ability to play down the middle to avoid your opponent's power zones.
Equipment
Selecting the right table tennis equipment can help improve your game. Consider weight, speed and handle shape when selecting your racket. A lightweight racket is best for maneuverability, while heavier paddles are the choice for power players. The speed of the racket, which is determined by manufacturer, and the handle shape, of which there are five, are choices made based on your style of play. Players who attack use faster rackets. Loopers prefer flared handles, while smashers like straight handles..
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