Play Ping Pong
Play Ping Pong: Learning to Love and Loving to Learn
Rules of the Sport
Understanding the rules for ping pong can be the most frustrating part of the sport. Some beginners may struggle with the nuances of a proper service, or remembering when to alternate serves. With patience and practice, the rules and techniques to play ping pong will become second nature.
In a game with two players playing against each other, the game is over when one player scores 11 points, with at least a two-point lead over the opponent. In table tennis tournaments, players will play a 5-game match against each other; unless they're in a playoff or championship match, for which a 7-game match is played. In a 5-game match, the first player to win 3 games wins the match. In a 7-game match, the first player to win 4 games is the winner.
The first server in a game of ping pong is determined by a coin toss, and then the roles of server and receiver switch every 2 points during the game. When serving, a player must first present the ball on an open palm, keeping the ball above the table and behind the server's end line. The player then projects the ball upwards at least 6', without imparting any spin, before striking it with a paddle. A correct service requires the ball to first touch the server's court, pass over the net assembly and then directly touch the receiver's court.
Ping Pong Paddle Grips
The server has the clear advantage at the beginning of a rally due to the express control held over the ball's direction and speed. However, once a good return has been made by the receiver, a fierce ping pong battle ensues. As with any weapon, and in this case a ping pong paddle, proper technique is needed to maximize its effectiveness; this is why two distinct families of styles of paddle grips have evolved, coupled with their various types of strokes.
Perhaps the oldest and most common paddle grip in ping pong is the shakehand grip. The shakehand grip is similar to one used on a tennis racket, but with the index finger placed over the racket head perpendicular to the handle. The advantage of this grip is an even distribution of power between forehand and backhand shots. However, the disadvantage is that it takes longer, and requires greater movement, to switch between a forehand and backhand position.
The second-most popular grip is called the penhold. A traditional Asian grip, the penhold is very similar to holding a pen, with either the fingers splayed at the back (Japanese), or fingers curled at the back (Chinese). The advantage of the penhold grip is the ability to impart spin, especially topspin, on the ping pong ball, and it allows a player to disguise his or her strokes better. However, the disadvantage of the penhold is its limited backhand capabilities.
Drive It Home
Within these two families of styles there are a number of variations. Moreover, each grip style lends itself to a series of effective strokes. While the strokes may have some inherent defense, they are primarily intended to be used for an attack and win points.
Using the penhold grip, the penhold loop drive imparts a high degree of topspin on the ball. Players who use the penhold loop stroke in their game tend to stick close to the table and also be highly skilled in their footwork. This stroke, which really evolved from the 1960s on, is best suited for a pip-in racket. This drive produces an arc in the ball's trajectory, and causes it to literally 'drop' over the net. It is important to keep the racket parallel to the direction of the stroke and barely graze the ball in order to properly deliver this stroke.
Using the shakehand grip, the counter drive is a stroke that relies more on speed than spin. For this drive, the racket is perpendicular to the direction of the stroke and the ball stays in a relatively straight trajectory. The purpose of this drive is to make it hard for the opponent to return due to shot placement and speed. This type of drive is similar to the smash, which, implied by its name, is a stroke with the purpose of being non-returnable.
In order to improve as a player, it is vital to practice ping pong and understand the rules and strokes of the game. Whether using the now 'standard' shakehand grip, or adding to a resurgence of the penhold, studying both grips and the types of strokes that come with each will produce many points and won matches.
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