Table Tennis: Techniques & Equipment
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A brief overview of table tennis techniques and equipment.
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Playing Techniques and skills
Basic Strokes
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Forehand – Striking the ball with the front of the racket on the dominant side
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Backhand – Hitting the ball across the body using the back of the racket
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Push – A soft, controlled stroke, often used defensively with backspin
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Chop – Defensive stroke with heavy backspin, usually from mid to long distance
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Smash – A powerful, flat hit aimed to end the rally
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Loop – An aggressive, high-spin shot with topspin
Spin and Speed
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Spin is a core element of strategy and control:
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Topspin: Ball dips quickly after crossing the net
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Backspin: Ball floats and stays low; harder to attack
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Sidespin: Curves the ball left or right, making returns more difficult
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Players combine spin with speed for offense or to disrupt opponents
Footwork and Reflexes
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Fast, efficient footwork is essential for reaching and returning shots
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Good positioning enables stronger strokes and better timing
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Reflexes and anticipation are critical due to the game's fast pace
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Equipment
Table
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Standard dimensions:
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9 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 2.5 feet high
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Surface color is typically dark (green or blue) with a white boundary line
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Divided in half by a net
Net
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6 inches (15.25 cm) high
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Stretches across the center of the table
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Attached tightly so the ball can pass just above it
Paddle (Bat/Racket)
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Constructed from laminated wood with layers of rubber on one or both sides
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Varies in shape, grip style (penhold or shakehand), and rubber type (smooth, pimpled, tacky)
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Affects spin, speed, and control
Ball
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Made of lightweight plastic
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2.7 grams in weight, 40mm in diameter
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Hollow, typically white or orange in color depending on playing conditions