Since its invention over 150 years ago, ping pong has evolved quite drastically. The general concept of volleying a ball back and forth over a hard surface remains the same, but specific equipment, rules, and practice techniques have changed significantly.
To play ping pong, you need a pair of paddles (also known as bats or rackets), a ball, and a table. The paddles are thin pieces of wood encased in rubber. The ball is typically white and made of celluloid or a similar material. The game is played between two players on a table divided by a net. Each player tries to hit the ball into the opponent’s cups, and each time a cup is successfully reached, that player scores a point. The team that wins the most points is declared the winner of the match.
One of the most important aspects of playing ping pong is learning how to properly serve the ball. A good serve starts with holding the ball in your open hand behind the end of the table. Ensure that the ball is at least 6” away from the edge of the table and that it is thrown with an upward motion.
Once you have a handle on the basics, start by practicing individual strokes like the forehand drive, backhand drive, and smash. Pay particular attention to footwork and timing when executing each stroke. Then gradually work these strokes into your overall gameplay for seamless transitions and more power in your shots.