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Table tennis blog

Table tennis rules, technique, equipment and history explained simply, for players at the table and in RealTT

Getting started

Getting startedCommon table tennis beginner mistakes and how to fix themThe most common table tennis and ping pong beginner mistakes, from grip to ready position, serving to reading spin, and how to fix each one Getting startedHow to play table tennis (ping pong): a beginner's guideLearn how to play table tennis or ping pong from scratch: grip, ready position, serve, return, scoring and your first strokes, step by step Getting startedHow many calories does ping pong burn?How many calories does ping pong burn per hour or in 30 minutes? A chart by body weight, the MET formula, what raises the burn and table tennis vs tennis Getting startedTable tennis for kids: a guide for parentsTable tennis for kids: what age to start, the benefits, the right paddle and table setup, fun games to play at home and how to find classes Getting startedTable tennis for seniorsTable tennis for seniors: why ping pong suits older adults, safety tips before you start, easy adaptations, a sample session and where to play Getting startedTable tennis fundamentalsThe table tennis fundamentals in one place: grip, ready position, serve, forehand and backhand strokes, footwork and spin, plus the order to learn them Getting startedFun ping pong games for kids and groups10 fun ping pong games for kids and groups: round the world, king of the table, cup targets, rally challenges and no-table games for home Getting startedTable tennis glossary: the terms explainedA table tennis glossary with the most common terms and phrases: strokes, spin, equipment, rules and club slang, each explained in plain English Getting startedHealth benefits of table tennis (ping pong)The physical and mental health benefits of table tennis and ping pong: coordination, reflexes, exercise, focus and social time, at any age Getting startedTable tennis PE lesson planA ready-to-use table tennis PE lesson plan: objectives, equipment, a 50-minute class step by step, PE games, ideas for few tables and simple assessment Getting startedTable tennis school project: summaryTable tennis summary for a school project or essay: what it is, history, rules, equipment, fundamentals, famous players and an outline you can follow Getting startedTable tennis in Portuguese: terms for traveling playersHow to say table tennis, paddle, serve, game and spin in Brazilian Portuguese, with rough pronunciation and phrases for playing at a club in Brazil Getting startedTable tennis vs ping pong: is there a difference?Table tennis vs ping pong: are they the same sport? Where each name comes from, why table tennis is the official name and how casual and pro play differ Getting startedWhat is table tennis and how does it work?What is table tennis (ping pong)? The objective of the game, how scoring works, the equipment you need and why it is so fast, explained simply Getting startedWhere to play table tennis: clubs, leagues and public tablesWhere to play table tennis or ping pong near you: free public tables, rec centers, clubs, leagues and national associations, and how to start competing

Rules

RulesCan you touch the table in ping pong? Free hand, net and moreCan you touch the table in ping pong? The official rule on your free hand, your paddle hand, moving the table, touching the net and hitting with your hand RulesEdge ball vs side ball: when it counts in table tennisDoes an edge ball count in ping pong? The official rule, how to tell an edge ball from a side ball by its path, and what happens on serves and in doubles RulesThe expedite rule in table tennis: 10 minutes and 13 returnsHow the table tennis expedite rule works: when it starts after 10 minutes, the 18-point exception, who serves, the 13 returns and the stroke counter RulesHow many games are in a table tennis matchHow many games are in a table tennis match? Best of 3, 5 and 7 explained, how many games you need to win, how long a match lasts and what pros play RulesWhat is a let in table tennis (and when the point is replayed)What is a let in table tennis? The let serve that clips the net, a receiver who was not ready, outside interference, and when hitting the net is not a let RulesTable tennis doubles rules: who serves, who receives and who hitsTable tennis doubles rules explained: alternating hits, the diagonal serve, the serving rotation, switching order in the last game and common mistakes RulesTable tennis racket rules: colors, rubbers and the bladeOfficial table tennis racket rules: any size or shape, an 85% wood blade, ITTF-approved rubbers, one black side and one bright color, and what is banned RulesPing pong rules for beginners: the quick summaryA quick summary of ping pong rules for beginners, PE classes and family games: scoring, serving, bounces, doubles and the house rules that are not real RulesTable tennis (ping pong) rules: the complete guideAll the official table tennis rules in plain English: scoring, games, the serve, returns, doubles, lets, the racket and the official table size RulesTable tennis scoring explained: points, games and who servesHow table tennis scoring works: games to 11, win by 2 at 10-10, the serving order, calling the score and why ping pong is no longer played to 21 RulesOfficial table tennis table dimensions (plus net and ball size)Official ping pong table dimensions: 9 ft by 5 ft (2.74 m by 1.525 m), 30 in high, a 6 in net, a 40 mm ball, and how much room you need at home RulesTable tennis umpire: duties and hand signalsWhat a table tennis umpire does: umpire, assistant and referee roles, the hand signals, how the score is called and how to become an umpire RulesYellow and red cards in table tennisWhat a yellow card means in table tennis, when yellow and red cards cost points, disqualification, cards for coaches and the white card used for time-outs

Serve

ServeBackhand serve: how to do it and when to use itHow to do a backhand serve in table tennis and ping pong: stance, grip, step by step, backspin, sidespin and no-spin variations and when to use it ServeHow to do a backspin serve in table tennisHow to do a backspin serve in table tennis: open paddle, contact under the ball, the short backspin serve, common mistakes and the no-spin pair ServeHow to serve in doubles: the rule, positioning and tacticsHow to serve in doubles table tennis: the diagonal right-to-right rule, the rotation, where your partner stands, hand signals and the best doubles serves ServeGhost serve: the backspin serve that comes backWhat the ghost serve is in table tennis and ping pong, why the ball comes back toward the net, whether it is legal, how to do it and how to return it ServeHow to practice your serveHow to practice your table tennis serve with a bucket of balls: targets, control, spin and disguise, how to test spin, a weekly routine and drills ServeHow to return a serve in table tennis: read the spin, return it betterHow to return a serve in table tennis: ready position, reading the server's paddle, and the right return against backspin, topspin and sidespin ServeHow to serve in table tennis: a step-by-step guide for beginnersLearn how to serve in ping pong legally: stance, toss, contact, the first bounce, and the mistakes that send your table tennis serve into the net ServeThe pendulum serve in table tennis: a step-by-step tutorialHow to do the pendulum serve in table tennis: grip, stance, swing path, side-backspin and side-topspin variations, and where the return tends to go ServeHow to do the reverse pendulum serve in table tennisHow to do the reverse pendulum serve in table tennis: grip, the left-to-right swing, variations and why it pairs so well with the regular pendulum serve ServeShort vs long serves: when to use each in table tennisShort, half-long and long serves in table tennis: what each one is, how to do them, when to use them and how to set up your third ball attack ServeHow to do a sidespin serve in table tennisHow to do a sidespin serve in table tennis: which side to brush, which way the return kicks, side-backspin and side-topspin combos and common mistakes ServeHow to do a spin serve in table tennisHow to do a spin serve in ping pong: brush the ball, where to make contact for each spin, combining spins and how to disguise your serve legally ServeTable tennis (ping pong) serve rules, explainedDoes a ping pong serve have to go diagonal? The official table tennis serve rules for singles and doubles, the toss height, lets and common faults ServeThe tomahawk serve: how to do it and how to return itWhat the tomahawk serve is in table tennis, how to hold the racket upright, step by step, spin variations, the reverse tomahawk and how to return it

Strokes

StrokesThe backhand loop in table tennis: technique, step by stepBackhand loop technique in table tennis: stance, backswing, where to contact the ball, looping against backspin and topspin, mistakes and drills StrokesThe banana flick (backhand banana)What the banana flick is in table tennis, why it has that name, how to do it step by step, how to use it against short serves and how to return it StrokesThe chiquita: the flick with extra sidespinWhat the chiquita is in table tennis, where the name comes from, how it differs from the banana flick, how to play it and how to practice it StrokesThe counter-loop: attacking topspin with topspinWhat a counter-loop is in table tennis, when to use it instead of a block, how to counter loop on the forehand and backhand, mistakes and drills StrokesThe forehand loop in table tennis: technique, step by stepForehand loop technique step by step: backswing, contact, how to loop against backspin and against topspin, common mistakes and drills to practice StrokesThe penhold grip in table tennis: how to do it and its typesThe penhold grip in ping pong: how to hold the paddle, Chinese vs Japanese penhold, the reverse penhold backhand, pros, cons and common mistakes StrokesShakehand vs penhold: which table tennis grip should you choose?Shakehand vs penhold grip compared: strengths, weaknesses, playing style and which one to pick if you are starting out in table tennis or ping pong StrokesHow to hit a table tennis backhand, step by stepTable tennis backhand technique step by step: foot position, elbow, backswing, contact point, follow-through, common mistakes and a backhand drive drill StrokesHow to block in table tennis, step by stepTable tennis blocking technique: paddle angle against topspin, contact point, passive and active block, common mistakes and a simple blocking drill StrokesThe chop in table tennis: how to defend with backspinWhat a chop is in table tennis and how to do it step by step: stance away from the table, swing, paddle angle, spin variation, common mistakes and a drill StrokesThe drop shot in table tennisWhat a drop shot is in table tennis and ping pong, when to use it against players far from the table, how to play it and how to disguise it StrokesThe flick in table tennis: how to attack short ballsHow to do a table tennis flick: backhand and forehand flick, footwork, wrist, contact point, flicking against backspin, common mistakes and a drill StrokesTable tennis footwork: how to move and drills to practiceTable tennis footwork explained: ready position, side shuffle, crossover step, pivot, common mistakes and table tennis footwork drills you can practice StrokesHow to hit a table tennis forehand, step by stepTable tennis forehand technique step by step: stance, grip, backswing, contact point, follow-through, common mistakes and a simple forehand drive drill StrokesTable tennis grips: shakehand, penhold and which to chooseThe main table tennis grips explained: how to hold a ping pong paddle with the shakehand and penhold grips, common mistakes and which grip to choose StrokesThe lob: defending far from the tableWhat a lob is in table tennis and ping pong, when to use it, how to hit a high, deep, spinning lob, how to get back on the attack and how to smash a lob StrokesThe push in table tennis: technique, step by stepTable tennis push shot technique step by step: paddle angle, contact point, short and long push, forehand and backhand push, mistakes and a drill StrokesHow to smash in table tennis (ping pong), step by stepHow to smash in table tennis and ping pong: when to smash, stance, contact point, paddle angle, forehand and backhand smash, common mistakes and a drill

Spin

SpinHow to put spin on a ping pong ballHow to put spin on a ping pong ball: thin contact, paddle speed, angle, how to put topspin, backspin and sidespin on the ball, mistakes and drills SpinHow to read your opponent's spin in table tennisHow to read spin in table tennis: what to watch on your opponent's paddle, the flight and the bounce, how to read serves and what to do when unsure SpinThe physics of spin: the Magnus effect in table tennisThe Magnus effect explained simply: why a spinning ping pong ball curves, what happens with topspin, backspin and sidespin, and how it shapes table tennis SpinThe no-spin ball in table tennis: what it is, how to do it and return itWhat a no-spin ball (float) is in table tennis, why it fools players, how to make a no-spin serve, how to tell it from backspin and how to return it SpinSpin in table tennis: topspin, backspin and sidespin explainedTable tennis spin explained: what topspin, backspin and sidespin do, how to put spin on a ping pong ball and how to read your opponent's spin SpinWhat is backspin in table tennis (ping pong)?What is backspin in table tennis: how the ball rotates, why it goes into the net, how to do backspin on serves and pushes and how to return it in ping pong SpinWhat is sidespin in table tennis (ping pong)?What is sidespin in table tennis: how the ball rotates, why it curves and jumps off your paddle, how to make a sidespin serve and how to return sidespin SpinWhat is topspin in table tennis?What is topspin in table tennis: how the ball rotates, why it dips, what happens on the bounce and on the paddle, how to hit topspin and how to return it

Equipment

EquipmentAnti-spin rubber: what it is and how it worksAnti-spin rubber in table tennis: what it is, why the ball comes back with reversed spin, anti vs long pips, who uses it and how to play against it EquipmentThe best type of ping pong paddle for beginnersWhat makes the best ping pong paddle for beginners: the right blade, rubber and sponge, common mistakes and when to upgrade your first racket EquipmentBest paddle for spin: what to look forThe best ping pong paddle for spin: which rubber, sponge and blade help you spin the ball, why worn rubber kills spin, and what the rules ban EquipmentFoldable ping pong table: how it works and how to choose oneHow a foldable ping pong table works: the folding system, playback mode for solo practice, wheels, safety latches and what to check before you buy one EquipmentHow much does a ping pong paddle weigh?How much a ping pong paddle weighs: blade and rubber weights, the usual 150 to 200 g (5.3 to 7 oz) range, light vs heavy paddles and balance EquipmentHow much space do you need for a ping pong table?How much space you need for a ping pong table: the bare minimum, a comfortable room size, space behind and around the table, ceiling, floor and lighting EquipmentHow to assemble a ping pong tableHow to assemble a ping pong table step by step: tools, the base and wheels, the two halves, leveling the legs, safety latches and how to set up the net EquipmentHow to build a DIY ping pong tableHow to build a DIY ping pong table from MDF or plywood: regulation sizes, top thickness, a frame underneath, legs, paint, lines and a simple bounce test EquipmentHow to choose a table tennis paddleHow to choose a ping pong paddle: blade, rubber, sponge, handle and weight explained, with a table showing what to pick at each level EquipmentHow to choose a ping pong tableHow to choose a ping pong table: tabletop thickness, indoor vs outdoor, folding tables, official ping pong table size and how much room you need EquipmentHow to clean and care for your table tennis rubberHow to clean a ping pong paddle without ruining the rubber: what to use, what to avoid, protective film, cases and storage tips that make it last EquipmentHow to glue table tennis rubberHow to glue table tennis rubber to a blade step by step: the right glue, how many coats, drying time, trimming, and how to remove old rubber safely EquipmentHow to make a ping pong paddle at homeHow to make a homemade ping pong paddle from wood or cardboard: a template with typical sizes, materials, handle, rubber and tournament rules EquipmentHow to paint a ping pong tableHow to paint a ping pong table step by step: prepping the top, what kind of paint to use, a dark matt color, white 2 cm and 3 mm lines and drying time EquipmentHow to store and protect your ping pong paddleHow to store a ping pong paddle: types of paddle case, protective film for rubber, edge tape, heat, sun and damp, and a simple routine after every session EquipmentHow to store and care for a ping pong tableHow to store a ping pong table: folded and covered, the best spot in a garage, damp and sun, cleaning the top, wheels and latches, and avoiding warping EquipmentOutdoor ping pong tables: can you leave one outside?Outdoor ping pong tables: what they are made of, whether they can stay out in sun and rain, indoor vs outdoor, concrete tables, wind and covers EquipmentChoosing a ping pong paddle for intermediate playersIntermediate ping pong paddle guide: when to move on from a beginner paddle, which blade, rubber and sponge to pick, and common upgrade mistakes EquipmentPing pong paddle handles and grip tapePing pong paddle handles explained: straight, flared, anatomic and penhold, choosing the size, how to wrap grip tape and what the rules allow EquipmentPing pong balls: stars, plastic and 40+ explainedPing pong balls explained: official 40 mm size and weight, what 1, 2 and 3 stars mean, celluloid vs 40+ plastic, and which table tennis balls to buy EquipmentPing pong net: height, types and setupPing pong net guide: the official 6 in (15.25 cm) height, posts outside the table, screw, spring clip and retractable clamps, setup and net rules EquipmentPing pong conversion top for a pool tablePing pong table top for a pool table: how conversion tops work, which size fits a 7, 8 or 9 ft pool table, protecting the cloth and rails, and final height EquipmentPre-made vs custom ping pong paddle: which is worth it?Pre-made vs custom ping pong paddle: the differences, pros and cons, and how to build a custom table tennis paddle from blade and rubber EquipmentRubber sponge thickness explainedTable tennis sponge thickness explained: what changes between 1.5 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm and max, and the best sponge thickness for each playing style EquipmentTable tennis blades: plies, carbon and speedHow table tennis blades work: 5-ply vs 7-ply, inner vs outer carbon, speed ratings, blade thickness, weight and FL vs ST handles for shakehand and penhold EquipmentTable tennis brands: where they come fromTable tennis brands explained: where Butterfly, Stiga, DHS, Joola, Nittaku, Donic, Tibhar and others come from, their styles and how to compare EquipmentTable tennis rubber: inverted, short pips and long pipsTable tennis rubber types explained: inverted, short pips, long pips and anti-spin, plus hardness, sponge, approved colors and how to choose yours EquipmentTable tennis shoes and clothingHow to choose table tennis shoes and what to wear for ping pong: sole, cushioning, side support, ITTF clothing rules and what to avoid EquipmentWhat do the stars on a ping pong paddle mean?What the stars on a ping pong paddle mean: why every brand uses its own star rating, how it differs from ITTF approval, and what to compare instead EquipmentWhat is a ping pong table made of?What a ping pong table is made of: particleboard or MDF tops, matt paint, steel frames, resin or aluminum outdoor tops, concrete tables and the rules EquipmentWhen to replace your table tennis rubberWhen to replace table tennis rubber: signs of wear, simple tests, how often you should change table tennis rubber and how to make it last longer

Training and tactics

Training and tacticsTable tennis training plan for beginnersAn 8-week table tennis training plan for beginners: 60-minute sessions, drills with reps, weekly goals and simple ways to track your progress Training and tacticsDoubles strategy: movement and communicationTable tennis and ping pong doubles strategy: how to move without colliding, the best pairing, where to place the ball, serving and communication Training and tacticsThe Falkenberg drill in table tennis: step by step, sets and variationsThe Falkenberg drill explained: backhand, pivot forehand and wide forehand, the footwork for each ball, sets, variations and common mistakes Training and tacticsHow to play against a chopper in table tennisHow to beat a chopper in table tennis: vary your loop spin, attack the middle, use short drops and pick the right ball to kill, plus drills to train it Training and tacticsHow to beat a pusherHow to beat a pusher in table tennis and ping pong: why pushers win, the slow spinny loop plan, the right serve, patience and drills to practice Training and tacticsHow to get better at ping pong faster: what actually makes a differenceHow to get better at ping pong fast: focused practice, serve and return, your weakest stroke, different opponents, video, the right paddle and rest Training and tacticsHow to improve your reflexes for ping pong (and why anticipation matters more)How to improve reflexes for ping pong: ready position, reading your opponent, reaction drills with and without a table, and what slows you down Training and tacticsHow to play against a hard hitterHow to beat a hard hitter in table tennis and ping pong: deny high balls, block firm, use heavy backspin, change the pace and keep a cool head Training and tacticsHow to play against a left-handed playerHow to play against a left-handed table tennis player: why lefties feel awkward, the mirrored angles, where to attack, which serves to use Training and tacticsHow to play against long pipsHow to play against long pips in table tennis: why spin comes back reversed, how to read the ball, where to attack, and drills to practice against pimples Training and tacticsHow to practice table tennis alone (with or without a table)How to practice ping pong alone: serve practice, playback mode, wall drills, shadow strokes and footwork, with times, reps and a weekly solo plan Training and tacticsHow to prepare for a table tennis tournament: weeks before, night before and match dayHow to prepare for a table tennis tournament: training in the weeks before, a legal paddle, what to pack, warm-up, food and mindset on the day Training and tacticsIntermediate table tennis drills: 8 drills to get past the plateauIntermediate table tennis drills: semi-random patterns, forehand to backhand transition, short and long, counter-looping and third ball attack Training and tacticsHow to learn by watching table tennis matches: what to look forHow to learn by watching table tennis matches: what to look for in serves, returns, footwork and tactics, how to take notes and where to watch Training and tacticsMultiball training: how it works and drills to tryWhat multiball training is in table tennis, how to feed balls well, and 6 multiball drills with sets, timing and goals for beginners and club players Training and tacticsBasic tactics: serve and third-ball attackWhat the third ball attack in table tennis is and how to use your serve to set it up: 4 tactical patterns, diagrams and drills with reps and goals Training and tacticsTable tennis drills at home: space, gear and a 30-minute workoutTable tennis drills at home with a full table, a folding table in playback mode, a portable net or no table at all, plus safety tips and a 30-minute plan Training and tacticsTable tennis drills with a partner: 8 ping pong drills for two playersTable tennis drills with a partner: crosscourt, down the line, one-to-two, push, loop against block, serve and return, plus a 60-minute session Training and tacticsTable tennis drills without a table: 7 exercises you can do anywhereTable tennis drills without a table: shadow play in match patterns, floor marks for footwork, spin on the floor, ball control, wall drills and fitness Training and tacticsTable tennis injuries: where they show up and how to prevent themCommon table tennis injuries: why the shoulder, elbow, wrist, lower back, knees and ankles get overloaded, how to prevent it and when to see a professional Training and tacticsThe mental game in table tennisThe table tennis mental game: a between-point routine, breathing, handling nerves, mistakes and deuce at 10-10, and how to do mental training at practice Training and tacticsTable tennis playing stylesThe main table tennis playing styles: looper, counter-hitter, blocker, all-rounder and chopper, with strengths, weaknesses and the equipment each one uses Training and tacticsTable tennis robots: are they worth it?Is a ping pong robot worth it? Types of table tennis robots, what to check before buying, pros and limits, and drills to practice with one Training and tacticsStretches for table tennis: what to do before and after you playTable tennis stretches: moving mobility drills before you play and 10 gentle stretches after, for shoulders, forearms, trunk, hips and legs Training and tacticsTable tennis training log: how to track your practice and progressTable tennis training log: what to write after each session and match, a template to copy, simple numbers to track progress and how to review them Training and tactics12 table tennis tips to win more pointsPing pong tips and tricks to win more points: serve, return, placement on the three targets, spin variation and how to find your opponent's weak spot Training and tacticsTable tennis warm-up and fitnessA 15-minute table tennis warm-up routine plus fitness exercises for legs, core and shoulders, with sets, times and a sample weekly plan

History

HistoryBruna Takahashi: the career of Brazil's top female playerBruna Takahashi's table tennis career: her Olympic debut at 15, Pan American medals, ranking records for Brazil and her title with Hugo Calderano HistoryEuropean table tennis: Hungary, Germany and beyondThe history of European table tennis: Hungary's early dominance, Czechoslovakia, England, Romania, Sweden, Germany and France's Lebrun brothers HistoryThe greatest table tennis players of all timeThe greatest table tennis players of all time: Ma Long, Jan-Ove Waldner, Deng Yaping, Zhang Yining, Viktor Barna, Angelica Rozeanu and more legends HistoryThe hidden serve rule: history and controversyWhat a hidden serve is in table tennis and ping pong, why the ITTF banned hiding the ball in 2002, how umpires judge it and why it is still debated HistoryThe history of table tennis: from parlour game to Olympic sportThe history of table tennis in a timeline: its origin in Victorian England, the Ping-Pong trademark, the ITTF in 1926, China's rise and rule changes HistoryHistory of the ping pong ball: from celluloid to plasticHistory of the ping pong ball: early cork and rubber balls, the 1901 celluloid ball, the move from 38 mm to 40 mm in 2000 and plastic in 2014 HistoryHistory of the ping pong paddle: from vellum to sponge rubberHistory of the ping pong paddle: vellum battledores, 1901 pimpled rubber, the 1950s sponge revolution, the red and black rule and 2021 colors HistoryHugo Calderano: the career of the Americas' greatest playerHugo Calderano's table tennis career: from Rio to Europe, 4th at Paris 2024, the 2025 World Cup title, world silver in Doha and his playing style HistoryJapan in table tennis: from sponge to todayThe history of Japan in table tennis and ping pong: the 1952 sponge racket, 1950s dominance, great women players, the Tokyo 2020 gold and today's stars HistoryThe major table tennis tournamentsThe major table tennis tournaments: the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup, WTT Grand Smash, WTT Finals, continental events and leagues explained HistoryPara table tennis: classes and rulesHow para table tennis works: the 11 classification classes, the adapted rules for wheelchair players, its Paralympic history since 1960 and how to start HistoryPing pong diplomacy: how table tennis brought the US and China togetherWhat ping pong diplomacy was: Glenn Cowan and Zhuang Zedong in Nagoya in 1971, the US team's trip to China and the road to Nixon's 1972 visit to Beijing HistorySpeed glue: what it was and why table tennis banned itWhat speed glue was in table tennis, how it made rubber faster and spinnier, why the ITTF banned VOC glues in 2008 and what players use instead today HistorySweden's golden era in table tennisHow Sweden became a table tennis power: Bengtsson, Waldner, Persson, the world team titles from 1989 to 2000 and the new generation led by Möregårdh HistoryTable tennis at the Olympics: history, events and winnersTable tennis at the Olympics: when it became an Olympic sport, the events, how the competition works, every singles winner and what changes for LA 2028 HistoryTable tennis in Brazil: history and top playersThe history of table tennis in Brazil: its arrival in the early 1900s, the CBTM, Hugo Hoyama, Hugo Calderano, Bruna Takahashi and Paralympic stars HistoryTable tennis records and milestonesTable tennis and ping pong records: most world and Olympic titles, a point that lasted over two hours, the Guinness longest rally and age records HistoryHow the table tennis world ranking worksHow the ITTF table tennis world rankings work: which events count, how many points each round is worth, how long points last and where to check them HistoryWheelchair table tennis: rules and adaptationsHow wheelchair table tennis works: serve rules, staying in contact with the seat, doubles, table setup, technique and tips to start playing HistoryWhy China dominates table tennisWhy is China so good at table tennis? The history, the huge player base, the training system, internal competition and the numbers behind the dominance HistoryWhy table tennis changed from 21 to 11 pointsWhen and why table tennis went from 21 to 11 points, what changed with serves and match length, and the old 21-point rules if you still play them HistoryHistory of women's table tennisThe history of women's table tennis: the first world champions, the Corbillon Cup, Rozeanu, Japan's era, China's dominance and the Olympics

RealTT guides

RealTT guidesHow to build your racket in RealTTHow to build your racket in RealTT: the 7 rubber types, the 6 blades, tiers, colors and how to pick a forehand and backhand combo for your ping pong style RealTT guidesHow to climb Ranked in RealTTHow to climb ranked in RealTT: how LP, divisions, promotion series and seasons work, plus practical tips to win more online ping pong matches RealTT guidesHow to play RealTT: controls, serving and first stepsLearn how to play RealTT, the table tennis game for mobile: the three game modes, how to hit, serve, time the ball and where to start RealTT guidesHow to play ping pong online with friends in RealTTPlay ping pong online with friends in RealTT: create a room, share the link in your group chat, add friends by code and challenge whoever is online RealTT guidesRealTT physics: spin, speed and timingHow RealTT physics works: gravity, air drag, the Magnus effect, bounce friction and the timing window that decides whether your ping pong shot is PERFECT RealTT guidesRealTT Story mode guideRealTT Story mode guide: the 30 rivals in three circuits, how energy, rubber and blade drops and the Rival Prize work, plus tips for every play style RealTT guidesTable tennis game for mobile: what makes one realisticWhat makes a table tennis game for mobile realistic: ball physics, spin, timing, controls, official rules and real opponents, and how RealTT does it

Curiosities

CuriositiesCan you volley in ping pong?Can you volley in ping pong or hit the ball before it bounces? The obstruction rule, what happens if the ball was going long, and volleying the serve CuriositiesPing pong or ping-pong: spelling and hyphenIs it ping pong or ping-pong? How to spell ping pong, when to use the hyphen, when Ping-Pong is capitalized as a trademark, and table tennis vs ping pong CuriositiesIs ping pong a sport?Is ping pong a sport or a game? Yes: an Olympic sport since 1988 with a world federation since 1926. Individual or team, racket sport and more CuriositiesHow to say ping pong in other languagesHow to say ping pong in Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and more, with rough pronunciation and what each name of table tennis means CuriositiesPing pong trick shots you can learnPing pong trick shots to learn at home: the comeback serve, around the net post, switching hands, between the legs and cup challenges, and which are legal CuriositiesPing pong vs pickleballPing pong vs pickleball compared: court vs table, paddle, ball, the kitchen and two-bounce rules, scoring, and which sport is harder to learn CuriositiesTable tennis vs badmintonTable tennis vs badminton compared: court, net height, shuttle vs ball, scoring, speed, calories, and which sport is harder or better for you CuriositiesTable tennis vs tennis: differences and difficultyTable tennis vs tennis compared: court and table size, ball, racket, scoring, serve and volley rules, and whether table tennis is harder than tennis CuriositiesWhat is teqball? Soccer meets ping pongWhat is teqball? How the curved table works, the main teqball rules, how it compares with ping pong, and its Brazilian cousin, futmesa CuriositiesWhich side of the ping pong paddle to useWhich side of a ping pong paddle should you use? Red or black for the forehand, whether you can hit with both sides, and how to pick a rubber for each side CuriositiesWhy are ping pong paddles red and black?Why are ping pong paddles red and black? The two-color rule, the combination bats that caused it, and the new paddle colors allowed since 2021 CuriositiesWhy do ping pong players serve like that?Why do ping pong players serve so weird? The high toss, the crouch, the hidden wrist action and the serve rules that explain every strange detail CuriositiesWhy do table tennis players say sorry?Why do table tennis players say sorry or raise a hand after a net ball or edge ball? The etiquette, whether you have to apologize, and how to do it CuriositiesWhy do table tennis players stomp when serving?Why do table tennis players stomp their feet when serving? Hiding the sound of contact, rhythm and balance, and whether the stomp serve is legal CuriositiesWhy do ping pong players touch the table?Why do ping pong players touch the table near the net between points? Sweat, the towel-every-6-points rule, routine and what the rules allow CuriositiesWhy do table tennis players say "cho"?Why do table tennis players say cho or chole? What the ping pong shout means, where it probably comes from, and when shouting crosses the line

Players

PlayersBrazilian table tennis players who shaped the sportThe best Brazilian table tennis players: Hugo Calderano, Hugo Hoyama, Claudio Kano, Bruna Takahashi, Bruna Alexandre and other names from Brazil PlayersBruna Alexandre: the player who competed at both Olympics and ParalympicsThe story of Bruna Alexandre, the Brazilian class 10 table tennis player with medals at three Paralympics who also played the Paris 2024 Olympics PlayersClaudio Kano: the player who paved the way for BrazilWho was Claudio Kano, the Brazilian table tennis player with 12 Pan American Games medals, two Olympics and a title-winning doubles pair with Hugo Hoyama PlayersDeng Yaping: the small giant of table tennisDeng Yaping's table tennis career: four Olympic golds, six world titles, eight years as world No. 1 at 4 ft 11 in and a PhD from Cambridge PlayersFan Zhendong: the Olympic champion who completed the Grand SlamFan Zhendong's table tennis career: Paris 2024 Olympic champion, two world titles, four World Cups, his playing style and his move to the German league PlayersFélix Lebrun: France's penhold prodigyFélix Lebrun's table tennis career: Olympic bronze at 17 at Paris 2024, his penhold style, doubles with brother Alexis and the 2026 European title PlayersHow much do table tennis players earn?How much do professional table tennis players earn? Club contracts, WTT prize money, sponsors, grants and coaching, and why pay varies so much PlayersHow to become a professional table tennis playerHow to become a professional table tennis player: club and coach, tournaments and rating, junior national team, youth events, pro leagues and the WTT tour PlayersHugo Hoyama: Brazil's Pan American Games record holderHugo Hoyama's table tennis career: six Olympics, ten Pan American Games golds, his doubles pair with Claudio Kano and his years as Brazil's women's coach PlayersJan-Ove Waldner: the career of the Mozart of table tennisJan-Ove Waldner's table tennis career: the first Grand Slam, Olympic gold at Barcelona 1992, two world titles and his fame as a genius in Sweden and China PlayersLily Zhang: America's leading table tennis playerLily Zhang's table tennis career: four Olympics, six U.S. national titles, Pan American medals and a historic 2021 world mixed doubles bronze in Houston PlayersMa Long: the career of table tennis's greatest playerMa Long's table tennis career: six Olympic golds, three straight world titles, the double Grand Slam, his playing style and his exit from the world tour PlayersManika Batra: the player who made history for IndiaManika Batra's table tennis career: four 2018 Commonwealth Games medals, Asian Games and Asian Cup bronze, long pips rubber and a historic Paris 2024 run PlayersMarty Reisman: the ping pong showman who inspired a movieWho was Marty Reisman, the American table tennis player with 1949 world medals, money matches and a hardbat paddle, who loosely inspired Marty Supreme PlayersAchanta Sharath Kamal: the legend who transformed Indian table tennisAchanta Sharath Kamal's table tennis career: five Olympics, seven Commonwealth Games golds, Asian Games medals, ten national titles and his 2025 farewell PlayersSun Yingsha: the two-time world champion leading women's table tennisSun Yingsha's table tennis career: two world singles titles, three straight World Cups, Olympic golds at Tokyo and Paris and her fast attacking style PlayersTimo Boll: the lefty who took Germany to the topTimo Boll's table tennis career: first German world No. 1, eight European titles, two World Cups, four Olympic medals and his famous act of fair play PlayersTomokazu Harimoto: Japan's record-breaking prodigyTomokazu Harimoto's table tennis career: youngest-ever records, Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze, Asian and WTT Finals titles, his famous shout and fast style PlayersWang Chuqin: the lefty who became world championWang Chuqin's table tennis career: 2025 world champion over Hugo Calderano, two Paris 2024 golds, his partnership with Sun Yingsha and his lefty style PlayersXu Xin: the left-handed penhold showmanXu Xin's table tennis career: left-handed penholder, world No. 1, two Olympic team golds, five world doubles titles and spectacular rallies PlayersZhang Jike: the champion who completed the Grand Slam in 15 monthsZhang Jike's table tennis career: London 2012 Olympic champion, two-time world champion, a Grand Slam in just over a year and his famous backhand

Competitions

CompetitionsBrazilian Table Tennis Championships: categories and formatHow Brazil's national table tennis championships work: the CBTM, age and rating categories, the group and knockout format, ranking points and who can enter CompetitionsHow to enter your first table tennis tournamentHow to enter a table tennis tournament: finding events near you, membership and registration, what to bring and what tournament day is like CompetitionsProfessional table tennis leagues: the biggest around the worldThe top professional table tennis leagues: China Super League, Germany's Bundesliga, Japan's T.League, France's Pro A, India's UTT and MLTT in the US CompetitionsTable tennis at the LA 2028 OlympicsTable tennis at LA 2028: the six events, the return of doubles, the new mixed team event, dates, the LA Convention Center venue and how qualifying works CompetitionsTable tennis at the Pan American GamesTable tennis at the Pan Am Games: when it started, the seven events, the all-time medal table, Team USA's results and the stars of Santiago 2023 CompetitionsTable tennis at Paris 2024: winners and highlightsParis 2024 table tennis results: podiums in all 5 events, Fan Zhendong's gold, Félix Lebrun's bronze and Hugo Calderano's historic fourth place CompetitionsTable tennis at Tokyo 2020: winners and highlightsTokyo 2020 table tennis results: podiums in all 5 events, Ma Long's second singles gold and Japan's mixed doubles upset in the event's debut CompetitionsTable tennis tournament formats: knockout, round robin and groupsTable tennis tournament formats compared: single elimination, double elimination, round robin and groups plus knockout, with tiebreak rules CompetitionsTable Tennis World Cup: how it works and who has wonHow the ITTF Table Tennis World Cup works: 48 players, groups of three and a knockout, who qualifies, recent winners and Hugo Calderano's 2025 title CompetitionsUSATT ratings explained: how your rating goes up and downHow USATT table tennis ratings work: the point exchange chart, expected wins vs upsets, how unrated players get a first rating and rating vs ranking CompetitionsWhat is the ITTF? The International Table Tennis FederationWhat the ITTF is, what ITTF stands for, when it was founded, what it does (rules, ranking, Worlds, approved equipment) and how it relates to WTT and USATT CompetitionsWhat is WTT? The World Table Tennis tour explainedWhat WTT (World Table Tennis) is, how it relates to the ITTF, and how the tour levels work: Grand Smash, Champions, Contender, Feeder and Finals CompetitionsWorld Table Tennis Championships: history, format and hostsHow the World Table Tennis Championships work: held since 1926, the events and trophies, the format, the odd/even year split and upcoming hosts CompetitionsWorld Team Championships: the Swaythling and Corbillon CupsHow the World Team Table Tennis Championships work: order of play, number of teams, the Swaythling and Corbillon Cups and who has won most CompetitionsWTT Finals: who qualifies and how the season finale worksHow the WTT Finals work in table tennis: who qualifies, how many players, the knockout format, ranking points and every host city since 2021 CompetitionsWTT Grand Smash explainedWhat a WTT Grand Smash is in table tennis, where they are held, draw sizes, ranking points and why they are called the Grand Slams of ping pong

Tools

ToolsPing pong calorie calculator: how many calories you burnPing pong calories burned calculator: enter your weight, minutes played and intensity, using MET values from the Compendium of Physical Activities ToolsPing pong rules quiz: how well do you know table tennis?Table tennis quiz with 15 questions on the official ping pong rules: serve, scoring, lets, edge balls, doubles and rackets, each answer explained ToolsOnline ping pong scoreboard: keep score and see who servesFree online ping pong scoreboard: tap to add points, see who serves, games to 11 by 2, best of 3, 5 or 7, side switches and a full screen mode ToolsPrintable ping pong rules: print or save as PDFFree printable ping pong rules on one page: scoring, serve, lets, doubles, table size and racket rules. Print it or save it as a PDF from your browser ToolsRound robin generator: schedule, results and standingsFree round robin generator: rounds built with the circle method, byes for odd numbers, a results grid and standings using the ITTF tie-break rules ToolsTournament bracket generator: make a single elimination bracketFree online tournament bracket generator: enter names, seed them or draw at random, get automatic byes and click winners all the way to the final ToolsWho serves first in ping pong? Toss for serve onlineWho serves first in ping pong? Toss a virtual coin or guess the hidden ball, then see the official rule on choosing to serve, receive or pick an end