Getting Started

Table tennis began in the 19th Century as an after-dinner parlour game for upper-class Victorians with a cigar box lid used to hit a rounded Champagne cork over books on the dining room table, Now table tennis has developed into an exciting, fast-paced sport with the ball traveling at speeds of up to 70mph.

Table tennis competitions feature men's and women's singles and doubles, mixed doubles and team events. There are also wheelchair events for elite athletes with a disability (EAD).

Games are played to 11 points and a player must hold a two-point margin to win the game.

To serve, a player must hold the ball, behind the edge of the table, in the palm of their hand and then throw it upwards, without spin, a minimum of six inches before hitting it so that it bounces once on their own side of the net and then again in the opponent's court.

As in tennis, if the ball hits the net and goes over and bounces in the opponent's court from a serve, a let is called and the point replayed.

Service alternates every two points regardless of who wins the point and - in the final game of a match - when one player reaches five points, the players switch ends.

In doubles, the rules are the same as for singles play apart from two notable exceptions - the ball must be served diagonally from the server's right-hand court into the receiver's right-hand court and all four players hit the ball in rotation.

Kit you'll need

In the true traditions of the sport, table tennis can be played on any table with a makeshift net and so all you really need to get going are bats (paddles) and a ball.

However, when played properly on a full size table, the game is fast and energetic so you will need some proper clothing and grippy shoes.

Table tennis matches can last a long time and so you will need to keep hydrated.
So always keep your drinks bottle handy when playing or practicing.

What's Good

Table tennis really is a great game for all the family and can be seriously addictive.  If you want to progress there is a good network of clubs and pretty much any sports centre or club will have a table tennis table.

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