How to Make a Ping Pong Table For Less Than $100!

Having a table tennis table can be extreme fun, but purchasing one can be incredibly expensive. The best thing you can do is look at how to make a ping pong table and try and save yourself literally hundreds of dollars.

ping pong table cover

The first thing you need to focus on is the materials. Trying to save a few dollars here and there is not what you want to do, because you want a table that is going to last and therefore give you great value for money. You will need some high quality wood or board, paint and electrical tape.

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Once you have all the materials together, you need to ensure that you have all the tools that are required for the build. Learning how to make a table for less than 0 is not easy, but if you can find most of the tools and not purchase them, it will make it a lot cheaper.

Some people prefer to go it alone and build their table with any outside help, this is certainly not recommended. You need to search for a quality set of ping pong table plans, which will enable you to ensure that you are constructing the table correctly.

Once you have gone through the plans from cover to cover, the finishing touches are up to you. It is wise to ensure that all metal parts are protected adequately, as rust will decrease the life expectancy of the table, which is definitely not what you want.

So there you have it; if you are looking to learn how to make a ping pong table for less than 0, make sure you gather all the tools together, and use a set of ping pong table plans to ensure you build it correctly!

How to Make a Ping Pong Table For Less Than 0!

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Cabbage Patch Kids Fun Party Games

The Cabbage Patch Kids Party should be a great way for little fans of the cabbage patch dolls to get together and bring their dolls together.

ping pong net

The first game we suggest for this game is a nice way to break the ice amongst kids who may not know each other very well at your Cabbage Patch party. It's called 'First Impression'. As the kids and adults arrive at the party stick an index card on their back and give them a pencil or pen for writing. Then through out the party are just for the first half hour or so tell the kids to go around writing their first impressions of the each other on the cards on each person's back. They can use words like, happy, funny, nice, helpful, good, small, short, tall, and silly. To ensure that the first impressions remain positive be sure to tell the kids to say something positive about each other on their cards. Then at the end of the time each gets to read what others wrote about them on their card. This makes a great start for your great Cabbage Patch party.

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The second game is just a simple game of skill and something of a race called, 'Cabbage Patch Party Roll Along'. Have the kids pair up into teams and give each team two long strings and be sure to have plenty of numbered ping pong balls on hand. Tell the kids to hold each end of their strings in each hand and to hold them parallel and taut. Then when everyone has their strings ready place one ping pong ball on each groups strings. The strings should be close enough that they serve to hold the ping pong ball up.

Then when you say 'go' the kids have to lift up the strings on one end so the ping pong ball rolls along it to the other end. They must roll the ping pong ball back and forth three times without dropping the ball or having it roll off the end of the string. This is harder than it looks! The first group to complete the task wins and gets a prize. Try and give them a prize that fits the Cabbage Patch Party theme.

Cabbage Patch Kids Fun Party Games

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How the Right Ping Pong Racket Can Improve Your Game

During the London Victorian era, table tennis, also known as "Wiff-Waff", was an upper-class game played on a table surface using propped up books used as a net. Enthusiastic players served and returned golf balls by using a book as a racket. With the game's increased popularity, many attempts were made to improve the design of the Wiff-Waff paddle. One popular paddle version consisted of a frame with parchment paper pulled taut end to end. When the golf ball used to play Wiff-Waff was exchanged for a ball manufactured from celluloid, rackets were redesigned and made lighter, more efficient, and more effective.

ping pong tables for sale

Today, the greatly improved ping-pong rackets are manufactured using layers of wood called laminate and measure 6 inches across and 10 inches from the top of the racket to the end of the handle. This part of the racket, called a blade, is then covered with rubbers, a thin sheet of pliable material with thickness ranging from 1.0mm to 2.5mm. Rubbers come in a variety of colors but, in order to fall within the legal guidelines set forth by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), paddle rubbers must be black on one side and red on the other.

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With many rackets to choose from and even more unique choices for rubbers, deciding which racket will help improve your ping-pong game can be a rather complicated process. However, by following this simple guide the process will be easier. Of course, there are "ready-made" rackets available, but it is unwise to purchase a packaged ping-pong racket if your intention is to increase your skill. You are better suited to purchase a custom-made ping-pong racket that will compliment your style, not take away from it.

When choosing a blade, the ping-pong racket to choose is the one that feels the most comfortable in your hand since weight of the blade will determine how you control the racket. If the blade is too cumbersome to hold, you will lose control of your paddle and will not return the ball effectively.

Grips are as important as blade weight. To increase game success, choose one that is not only comfortable, but also one that follows along with your playing style. Do not try to adjust your style to the grip! Instead, think about what type of player you are and then choose accordingly. If you are more of an offensive player, choose a rubber with a thickness between 2-2.5mm. If you are more of a defensive player, choose a rubber with the pimples outwards. The most popular and all-purpose rubbers are those with the pimples facing inwards. When playing skills increase, you may have to change your rubbers to adjust to that skill level and one that allows more adaptability in returns.

If you start out with a ping-pong racket incompatible with your style and mode of attack, you will quickly become frustrated with your game skills. It is wise to start out with what is most comfortable for your style, your handgrip, and your mode of attack. If you rely on those three specifics when choosing a racket, you will be able to practice returns that are more advanced, learn better serving tricks, increase the speed of your ball and improve your ball spinning skills.

How the Right Ping Pong Racket Can Improve Your Game

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Don't Build That Beer Pong Table!

There are many disadvantages to building a homemade beer pong table. Beer pong tables are essential to playing the game, and many impromptu tables are pulled together from scrap pieces of 'stuff' or they can be made from a piece of commandeered furniture. That is a really bad idea.

ping pong paddles

Beer pong tables are made to the same specifications of ping pong tables, and they are very sturdy. Built expressly for the game of beer pong, they are impervious to spilled liquids, tough, and easy to set up. They don't wobble, tilt or slide like many other homemade tables can.

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A homemade table is not always made to stand on its own for long, and measurements can be off, causing a wobbly table. Wobbly table plus drunken player plus bad toss or loss of balance... That's a lot of spilled beer and possibly even a broken table! The hospitals don't much like loud, drunken players in their emergency rooms, either. It tends to upset the other patients, not to mention try the patience of the receptionist. Before long, here come the blue lights!

Another consideration is pure cost. It may sound like it would be cheaper to simply build one, but the construction would almost certainly be inferior to the design of a professionally made table. Once you count in the cost and the time of having to gather all of the needed materials, like wood, mysterious looking metal doo-dads, screws or nails, tools, and a friend or two, your cost has just surpassed that of a professionally made table. Please remember, wood doesn't like beer like we do. It tends to buckle, warp, and pucker at the mere contact from an alcoholic beverage.

Professional tables can be folded and stored. A homemade table is not likely to fit in anywhere, and storage is nearly impossible when you have no solutions. Landlords and school officials tend to frown on substandard furniture blocking the hallway. Most homemade tables are not pretty to look at either. Some people go and pick out construction grade lumber thinking it will make a fine table, and after construction find out the only thing that can save their table's looks is a drop cloth and possibly dismantling.

A professional beer pong table saves you time, and yes, even money. It's prettier. It's made to withstand the punishment you put it under and folds up to store like a dream. Did we mention that it is prettier? It withstands abuse and keeps looking good. There are lots of tables to choose from. Our tables are the highest quality, professionally made tables you can find anywhere. And they're awesome to look at! You can't go wrong with a professionally built beer pong table. And our shipping is fast and free. Forget the tools and metal bits and splinters in fingers. You can keep the friends. Take a look at what we have to offer. You are going to love our well-built, sleek and sturdy foldable beer pong tables, and still have money left to buy the beer.

Don't Build That Beer Pong Table!

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La Quinceanera Party Games

La Quinceanera Party Games are almost as important as that first boy/girl slow dance for your young daughter's big 15th birthday party. So here are a couple of La Quinceanera party games that out to keep the guests laughing.

ping pong

The first game is called 'Rhyme Round'. It's a good La Quinceanera party game to play with the adults who may be tired out after a long day of celebrations. It's a rhyming round of conversation to keep the small talk at the party fun. Have everyone sitting at a table play.

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You can start this La Quinceanera game by turning to the person to your left and asking them a silly question. Then this person turns to the person to their left and asks another silly question, but the first word of their silly question must rhyme with the last word of your silly question and so on. For example; you ask 'How's the duck dance going pal?' and that person says 'Sal, we duck's don't dance, haven't they got two left feet?" to the person to their left. This style of rhyming continues around the party table. If anyone falters or messes up a rhyme they have to drop out of the game. Be sure to give a La Quinceanera party prize to the last person talking.

The second game is called, 'Ping Pong Blow' and it's a test of everyone's lungs at the La Quinceanera party. For it you'll need two ping pong balls, a couple of baskets and a long table. The players will start with their balls set on one end of the table and try to get them to the other side of the table and into the baskets on the floor by only using their breath. This can be a crazy game because the ping pong balls tend to go any which way they want. The first to get their ping pong ball into the basket is the winner. If the ping pong ball falls off the table at any time and not into the basket you will place at the end of the table, the player owning the ball has to start from the beginning of the table again.

La Quinceanera Party Games

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Ping Pong Is The Number Two Sport

Did you know that the number two sport in the world is ping pong? Everyone knows soccer is the most popular but few know that table tennis is right behind.

ping pong table top

When played in your basement or garage, ping pong is the everyday game for the everyday man. It is a great source of exercise and helps your hand - eye coordination. But when the world's great ping pong players do battle at the tournaments, it is one of the quickest and most entertaining sports you will ever see.

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At the very top level of table tennis, the players are extremely fit. They do various drills and practice at the table for most of the day. They are dedicated and besides weight training and stamina training, they do footwork and visualization drills designed to help them make those split second decisions that are necessary in this arena.

Ping pong is a thinking man's game. Not only is there the physical component, but there is a very important mental component as well. The top players are all very well trained in disguising their shots as to confuse their competition. The speed and spin of the ball is the weapon that the truly good players excel at. As you move up in levels, you learn the importance of varying and disguising the speed and spin of your shots. This makes ping pong a game that is truly exciting.

The nice thing about ping pong is that it is everyone's sport. Any level person can have fun playing ping pong and you don't have to learn all the nuances of the sport to still have fun. All you need is a paddle, ball, and table and you will be in for a rapid paced game that not only is entertaining but is good exercise as well.

Ping Pong Is The Number Two Sport

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What is the Purpose of Teaching Children With Autism How to Play Ping Pong Ball? Find Out

Autistic children do play ping pong ball. Yes, it is true, autistic children do and are able to play the game of ping pong ball. But, what is the purpose? Most children with autism have a passion for playing some kind of a sport game, which helps them to be on common ground and connect with their peers.

ping pong tables for sale

The main purpose for teaching ping pong ball to children with autism, is that it develops coordination in the arms, wrist, and improves leg movement, motor skills, helps to focus to have a better attention span, and it gives an excellent work out of exercise and does not require expensive equipment.

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Introduce your child to the game, by allowing them to see a ping pong table, the net that goes across the table, the paddles and the white balls. Let your child hold the ping pong balls, the paddles to get the feel of them, until he or she feels comfortable holding these items. Start to bounce the balls slowly back and forth with the paddles. The paddles are light weight and so are the white balls for easy wrist action and for bouncing the balls back and forth.

Teach the individual with autism to hit the ping pong ball back and forth to the other side of the table with the paddle so it will be a back and forth hit touch, hit touch, over to the next side, across from the net on the table. By doing this, the person will have a better understanding of how to play. You may want to play a game or two at first with another person and have the child watch what you do, to give them an idea of what to expect.

Playing the game with children who have autism, creates a purpose of not only exercise, but it helps one to learn, discover how to have fun, laugh, be a team, have a challenge to gain self-confidence, it helps the individual from being isolated, full of anxiety, and depression. Develops coordination in foot and arm work, eye contact on the ball, and build up of the muscles.

In addition, children with autism that play ping pong ball, have slowly overcome some of their negative stress levels, that have brought on the positive purpose for them to become more calm and relaxed, with less anger outbursts, and tantrums. It creates emotional health, by building the child who has autism, to gain their self-confidence and enables them to communicate to have better relationships with other children and adults. One important thing to recognize, is, when playing the game with autistic children, it will bring about fun and laughter, which also builds stronger relationships and improves communication skills which is sometimes difficult for people with autism.

When you are playing ping pong ball, the purpose is not to stress winning, but just to have fun and a joyous time. Try not to take the game too seriously, because if the child loses or makes a mistake he or she will go away in tears. Instruct the child that is okay to lose. One does not have to be a winner to enjoy the game.

It is imperative that the game is not controlled by rules or goals, which could confuse the child with autism and cause, he or she, not to participate, in playing the game and walk away in tantrums or anger outbursts. Instruct the child to play the game, out of love and encouragement with patience.

There becomes a sense of peace and a positive detachment from every day reality, by playing the game of ping pong ball. This decreases the amount of tantrums and anger outbursts the child of autism might have with their disorder.

Purchase an inexpensive ping pong ball table. Play the game with your autistic child, to have fun and enjoyment and there will be positive purposes that will enrich both you and your child.

What is the Purpose of Teaching Children With Autism How to Play Ping Pong Ball? Find Out

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How to Measure a Table Tennis Table Dimensions

Although when people think of ping pong they have the image of the universal table tennis table dimensions in mind, the variety of the tables that you can find on the market nowadays is wider.
Whether you need to purchase a tennis table cover, you build a ping pong table and are making the last adjustments or you are starting to take the game more seriously and want to participate in competitions, you need to know the table dimensions. In order to measure the tennis table all you need is the actual ping pong table and a measurement tape.

ping pong tables for sale

Here is how you can measure the size of your tennis table:

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1. When you are measuring the height of the table, simply extend the measurement tape from the floor where you placed the table to its corner. You need to repeat this for all four corners of the table and it is very important that the ping pong table is placed on a flat surface so that you do not get any interference when you want to find out your table tennis table dimensions.

2. If you are trying to find out if you have the correct width for your table, start from a corner and reach for the other one.

3. In order to measure the length you need to hook the end of the measuring tape at a corner and then extend it in a straight line to the parallel corner.

4. Besides the height, length and width another important aspect that you should check out is whether the playing surface is divided in two perfect halves. You can check if these table tennis table dimensions if you attach the measuring tape at one corner and afterwards run it down till the middle of the playing surface, which should be separated by the net.

However, if you consider that the classical tennis table dimensions are too big to be placed in any of the rooms you have in mind, you can opt for a smaller table. You can either order a table with the right dimensions for the room, build it yourself or make the adjustments on an already made table. What is important is that you have some space left around the table so you can move and take your shots properly.

When you choose the dimension of the tennis table, try to play a little on it before you buy it to check if you are feeling comfortable playing on that ping pong table.

If you are preparing for a competition, then you will also have to make sure that the space around the tennis table is large enough to allow you to take your shots properly without anything interfering.

How to Measure a Table Tennis Table Dimensions

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Hot Tips For Beating Any Opponent At Ping Pong

Do you enjoy playing ping pong? Want to be nigh unbeatable? Here are 6 tips to help you beat any opponent.

ping pong table

1- Know what to serve and when. If you've missed a serve because of high tension, it is more likely that you will not have the regular control and fluidity to execute your master serves. This is the worst possible time to launch an offensive using your tough and tricky serves as the chances are quite high that you may miss again. Stick to the safe short or medium, neutral serve.

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2- When you aren't playing, use that time to watch your opponents. Take a good look at how they play and what openings you can exploit in their game. Studying how they serve, how they return a serve and what are their strong and weak points will give you the winning edge, no matter how highly ranked they are.

3- Keep on attacking right till the end. Just because you are leading, don't make the mistake of playing passive and hoping for your opponent to miss a shot so that you could win. If you do, the tables could turn very quickly and you could find yourself at the losing end.

4- Develop various styles of serving with differing lengths and spins. Mix them up when you play. Some of the more complex serves include pure spin, medium-long, short , deep, pure speed, down-the-line.

5- Returning serves with your forehand keeps your opponent on their toes as they find it harder to predict the placement of your shot. Don't try too hard to make a perfect serve return. The important thing is to keep the ball in play and anticipate the next move.

6- You cannot take a long hiatus from the game and expect to win. The key to beating your opponent is practice, practice and practice some more. Better to practice for about an hour daily, then to have one marathon 4-5 hour session and then skip training for the next few days.

Hot Tips For Beating Any Opponent At Ping Pong

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Table Tennis - Something About Table

Table Tennis resembles the game of tennis. The game, also known as Ping Pong, is a fast paced racket and ball game usually played indoors. The game, which can be played by two or four persons, has gained popularity as a recreational as well as competitive sport.

ping pong balls

The game, as the name imply, is played on a table having a length of nine feet (2.74 meters) and breadth of five feet (1.52 meters). A six inch high net placed breadth wise divides the table into two equal opposing halves. A white colored stripe runs length wise down the center. But this line is used only for doubles game. The surface of the table is usually made of a two inch thick particle board or ply board. The height of the table can be adjusted as per requirements.

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You must have seen the ball bouncing along with each shot delivered by the player. This is due to the high resilience of the board. In olden days, a simple table with a net at the middle was standard. But with the demands of the changing times, table tennis tables have also undergone many changes. Tables with differing designs have flooded the market. Search the market and you are sure to come across one which meets all your requirements.

Manufacturers have come up with tables with different features. Some tables come in two equal parts with a lateral coupling hole on one side and a lateral bar on the other. The bar is inserted in the coupling hole which effectively locks two pieces together. Packing and shipping is made easier by employing this method. Most high end models available are collapsible and portable.

Much care needs to be given to the base on which the table stands. A rickety and unstable table is a sure no-no. Manufacturers give much importance to strengthening the base or legs of the table. Addition of reinforcing bars and beams cuts out all possibilities of instability. Wood or aluminum is usually used to manufacture the bases. Arch shaped bases lend a level of novelty and also increase stability. However, the most preferred are the wheeled tables which can be moved away as per convenience. Locking devices prevent the table from moving while a game is on.

Tables with height adjustment features help children and disabled to play the game. Wheel chair ridden players can take heart as some models have been provided with specially designed leg assembly where legs are attached about forty centimeters underneath the table making entry and exit of wheelchairs easy, as per the requirement of the game. In standard tables, such maneuver is difficult. Colors of table tops also vary. However, blue is the most accepted one. High density chipboard lends high playability to the surface of the table. Reinforcement strips along the sides of the table surface increases its durability.

Along with functionality, killer looks and portability are the most sought after features in a table tennis table. Aesthetically designed tables add to the attractiveness of the game. If you are a table tennis enthusiast and is planning to buy a table, checking up the Internet sites of various manufacturers would provide you an insight into the features and prices of models available. This will make choosing easy.

Table Tennis - Something About Table

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Safe Practices For Table Tennis

One look at a ping-pong paddle and a lightweight table tennis ball may have you wondering just how anyone could sustain an injury while playing table tennis. Believe it or not, table tennis is a pretty intense game that requires a great deal of movement and coordination. It is not unheard of for people to experience strained muscles, or even impact injuries. You should fully understand all of the safety requirements before you attempt to play a full game of table tennis, and there are books and ping pong DVDs that can introduce you to several tips that will prepare you.

ping pong table top

First of all, you should warm up. As with any sport, you should stretch your muscles a bit to prepare for the movement that is ahead of you. It is also important that you get our heart rate elevated a bit and get the blood flowing, because an immediate jump into a fast-paced game could shock your system just a bit. There is not any contact, and the sport is low impact, so your warm up may seem minimal when compared to that of other sports, but you should never disregard the importance.

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If you find that you must sit out a game or two after your warm up, then it is important that you wear clothes that will keep you warm. If you have ever seen a cold rubber band snap when stretched, then you can better understand the things that can happen to your muscles if you allow them to become cold between periods of exertion. Ping pong DVDs can outline the muscles that you will use and the best way to keep them warm.

Once you have discovered the best ways to prepare, then you must consider the other elements of the game. However lightweight you think the ping-pong ball is, getting hit with one can still sting. It is a good idea to avoid walking through areas where games are in play. Keep your eyes on the arms holding paddles, too, because a smack in the face can leave a nasty bruise. Other safety measures, such as avoiding the corners of tables, leaving your water bottles safely away from the courts, and keeping an eye on your double partner, may seem like common sense. There are other things that you should always keep at the forefront of your mind, though, and ping pong DVDs will outline all of them, from rules for beginners all the way to the safest practices for tournament play.

Safe Practices For Table Tennis

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A Guide To Outdoor Table Tennis Cornilleau Equipment

Finding the right ping pong equipment for your needs is not easy. The various types of products use a lot of technical jargon to describe how they work, and the prices also vary quite greatly. Luckily, the information in this article on outdoor table tennis Cornilleau equipment may be able to help you find the right products for your needs.

ping pong table

Some of the equipment from this brand has been designed to be used outside. For example, the items in the Sport Outdoor series have all been designed for this purpose and should be able to satisfy the needs of the most demanding players. There are several products in this series, including the Sport Outdoor 200, 300M, and the 500M.

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The 200 retails at about 0, while the 300M is priced between 0 and 00. The 500M is the most expensive and is priced at around 00. All of these items are weather resistant and feature corrosion resistant steel. They also have a playback feature and a matte, anti-glare finish that should make it easier to play on bright days.

For people who can't afford to spend a lot of money, the Sport 100 may be worth considering. It typically retails at around 0 and features many of the qualities that demanding ping pong players require. For example, it is very durable and has a weather resistant surface. The steel should also last for quite some time and it is wheelchair friendly. The net's tension can be adjusted according to your needs.

If you are a very serious player or are planning on going pro, you may want to consider a more expensive item, like the Cornilleau Pro 510. This product usually sells for about 00 and is sturdy enough to be installed in parks and camps. It can be bolted down, has been made with galvanized steel, and the surface meets ITTF bounce standards. Additionally, the net is constructed from steel, so it will last.

In order to protect your investment, you should consider buying a Cornilleau table tennis cover. The prices of these covers range from around to 0, and they are constructed from high quality materials and coated with polyethylene, which should help protect your equipment from damage. Using a cover regularly will help prevent rusting, dirt buildup, and other types of damage.

Choosing the right outdoor table tennis Cornilleau equipment for your needs will help ensure that you have the best possible playing experience. Be sure to consider the different options before committing to a purchase and always keep your table covered when it is not in use.

A Guide To Outdoor Table Tennis Cornilleau Equipment

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Table Tennis History - The Evolution of Table Tennis in Europe

Needs to be General PA'd for KW stuffing in the RB - these are the exact same terms the author uses in the KW box.
The sport of table tennis has a long and storied history. It was most likely derived from a game known as "Royal Tennis" that was played in Europe during medieval times around the 12th century AD. In the 1880's a form of the game was frequently played by members of England's upper class as an after dinner social activity. Dinner tables would be turned into playing surfaces, with piles of books being used as the "net" and household items acting as rackets. In 1890, an indoor gaming set was created by David Foster and patented in England. It included table versions of tennis, cricket, and football. In 1891, John Jacques of London released a game called "Gossima", a game that included paddles, a web-wrapped cork ball, and a net.

ping pong paddles

The discovery of hollow celluloid balls in England in 1900 by James Gibb ushered in a new era in the tabletop sport's history. This new type of ball was reported to be the catalyst for the name "Ping Pong" because of the sound it made when it came into contact with the drum paddles in use at the time. In 1901 the name "Ping Pong" was registered as a trade name in England. Popularity of the game was high during this time. The Table Tennis Association and the Ping Pong Association were both formed in England in December of 1901.

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As game competition increased, players began to experiment with materials and equipment trying to make the game faster and more entertaining. E.C. Goode from England is credited with placing pebbled rubber on his blade in 1902, the result was more spin on the ball. This small change had the consequence of speeding game-play dramatically. This discovery was the inspiration for the pimpled rubber racket, which was the primary type of table tennis racket used until 1952.

After a few years of intense popularity, the game began to fade away in the vast majority of Europe. A few clusters of die-hard fans remained intact in Eastern Europe. After more than a decade long decline a revival took place in the early 1920's. During this time the first set of standardized laws for the game were established in England. The International Table Tennis Federation was formed in Berlin in1926 with representatives from Germany, Hungary, England, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, India, Sweden, and Wales as founding members. The ITTF adopted England's standardized laws for international play. The first international tournament was held in 1926 in Berlin. The ITTF continues to be the governing body of the sport today.

The 1920's through the 1950's are known as the Classic Hard Bat Era. This was a time of European Dominance. From 1926 through 1931 Maria Mednyanszky from Hungary was the World Champion for five consecutive years. From 1930 through 1935 Victor Barna of Hungary was the World Champion five times, losing only once, in 1931 to his countryman Miklos Szabadoz. European players dominated the field until 1952 when Jiroji Satoh of Japan, with his sponge-covered racket, became the first non-European player to win a championship. In 1958 the first European Championships were held in Budapest Hungary. The USSR made their first appearance at an international tournament during this time.

The year 1971 started a decade-long reign for Swedish players and the beginning of the end of European Dominance. This era produced such Swedish greats as Stellan Bengtsson, Jan-Ove Waldner, Jörgen Persson, and Peter Karlsson, to name a few. In 1977, the ITTF received official recognition by the International Olympic Committee, enabling them to pursue adding the tabletop sport to the Olympic Program. The ITTF chose not to do so at the time. It would be another eleven years before the game debuted as an Olympic Sport. As it continued to gain popularity around the globe, China began to dominate international competitions and stole the championship reigns from their European counterparts. Their reign at the top of the world rankings has remained consistent to this day.

Table Tennis History - The Evolution of Table Tennis in Europe

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The Basics of Playing Ping Pong

Ping pong / table tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world. Two or four people can play the game. Learning how to play table tennis is incredibly easy as it is a simple sport to pick up without lots of complicated rules. As straightforward as it is, though, it still offers plenty of opportunity to develop and master a variety of skills.

ping pong table top

Before you learn how to play, you have to know the basics of the game. The game involves hitting a small, lightweight ball across a large table with a table tennis racket. Two (or four, in case of a doubles game) players are positioned across each other at opposite ends of the table. A small net divides the table into two halves.

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Normally the players will toss a coin, and the winner will serve the first game. Each serve lasts for two consecutive points, after which the players switch serves.

To serve, the player stands at their end of the table, holding the ball in the palm of their hand. The ball is then thrown upwards and hit as it falls. On the service shot the ball must bounce once in the server's half of the table before bouncing on their opponent's side. If the ball hits the net and falls onto the opponent's side, the serve is taken again. If the ball hits the net and does not go over then the point goes to the player receiving serve.

Assuming a good serve, the player receiving then hits the ball back over the net with the intention of bouncing on the server's side. Play continues in this manner until the ball bounces twice on a side, a player misses the ball, a player hits their own side with the ball or racket, the ball does not land in the opponent's side, or it is caught in the net. The opponent of the player at fault wins a point.

The first person to reach 11 points in this manner wins the set, provided there is a difference of at least 2 points between the players. Each game consists of 5 or 7 sets (though one can technically have any odd number of sets).

Table tennis is very flexible in terms of its equipment requirements, though it is recommended that you practice on the best quality table you can afford. The better your equipment the better you can play, although table tennis is a sport that does not require an enormous financial outlay, as all manufacturers produce ranges of affordable tables.

Ping pong is a suitable game for people of all ages. For casual players, it is easy to pick up and a good form of exercise. For more committed players it is a competitive and physically demanding sport that tests one's reflexes and agility. Skill and speed rather than power are the physical characteristics required for table tennis, and mastery of these crafts is the first step to becoming an expert player.

Best of all, it works wonderfully well as an indoor as well as an outdoor sport. Moreover, it can be played even in a confined space, making it one of the most versatile sports one can play.

The Basics of Playing Ping Pong

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The Origin and Evolution of Table Tennis

Much like its bigger version, table tennis is played with the same basic rules as Tennis. If you are a sports buff and has devoted quite a number of hours in front of the boob tube watching sports channels, its highly likely that you have watched a couple of games of table tennis.

ping pong balls

Played in a wooden table, usually green like lawn tennis, table tennis or ping pong as what some people refer to it based on the sound the ball makes as it bounces, utilizes wooden paddles with rubber surfaces and a plastic ball instead of the big rackets and the furry green ball used in Tennis.

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Table tennis has become very popular, not only because it is easy to learn how to play it and it is extremely fun, but also because it can easily be played even with just enough space to handle the table. It doesn't require big courts like tennis and most garages can be setup with a table for ping pong.

Also, you don't need to buy very fancy and expensive equipment just to have a table tennis set. It is only the table that requires some high cost but compared to other sports, the cost is not much. Then, all you would need is the paddle, a set of balls and you're good to go.

The History of Table Tennis

Table Tennis first started out in the 1880's when affluent Victorians in England where looking for a sport that they can play indoors. Taking the cue from the popular Tennis, this young men utilized a table and used make shift paddles from the box lids of cigarette boxes and an improvised ball made out of strings or a cork.

Enter the 1900's. With the game's popularity growing, manufacturers of table tennis equipment have made vast improvements out of the crude ones first used and started the manufacture of these new equipments for sale. The paddles known made use of custom shaped wood and rubbers where attached to make the game slower. The balls were known manufactured from celluloid making them rounder and bounce better.

With the commerciality of the game and its equipments, more and more people where able to discover and enjoy the game. In 1902, table tennis enthusiasts were able to compete in the first ever tournament, and by 1921, the Table Tennis Association was inaugurated in England and barely ten years after the first ever World Championships was played in England as well.

With the competitions, the commercialization and the legitimacy brought about by the establishment of an official organization, table tennis has become a worldwide phenomenon that is being enjoyed by all countries.

With many innovations and developments in the equipment used and the affordability of the game, many homes have their own table tennis sets were many people can enjoy the game. Plus, with its surging popularity and the great number of people playing table tennis, the game was recognized by the Olympic committee and was soon included in the world wide competition in 1988.

Over the years, many rules have been added, changed and removed to make the game more exciting. This changes has made table tennis very competitive and a favorite for many people today and probably in the years to come as well.

The Origin and Evolution of Table Tennis

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Is it Not Classy to Play Beer Pong With Sterling Silver and Pewter Goblets?

Beer Pong has been known to of been played on a variety of tables and in different settings. Primarily for college students around the world this game has stayed with young professionals after college. Most college students drink of choice would be to find the cheapest beer that your local community party store would sell. It only makes sense to go this route because beer does get spilt from time to time and a lot of your friends want to play too. With the game not costing a lot to play and the materials needed can be used again if needed it really is the perfect social drinking game.

ping pong paddles

What happens after you graduate from college and you start to make some money? Are you going to give up on this game that was probably a mainstay somewhere during your weekend for the last two years of college life? Probably not. All that is going to change is the ingredients and the materials. Everything else stays the same. Its a game that once you play your going to be hooked. It builds teamwork and challenges a part of your athletic talent.

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Since you have a little extra money in your pocket you can at least be able to afford a beer that everybody will like and one that will not mess up your stomach the next day. You might even have kept the custom table that you and your roommates spent hours making to let all competitors know that this is your home table. But what about the cups? The classic keg cups will always work, but what about if you don't have those around and all you can find is those sterling silver and pewter goblets you were given to as a christmas or wedding present. If by using these are you not keeping it classy by using a very nice piece of drinking pieces or are you taking this game to the next level of your life?

The answer is that it all depends. Using sterling silver or pewter goblets to play beer pong might make it a hard game. The goblets are just too strong and the ping pong ball will be bouncing all over the place. You will have to have a perfect shot because your not going to get any lucky bounces. It would be funny to see people using those goblets as a replacement for the plastic cups. If anything your also protecting the environment since you would not have to be buying a dozen new plastic cups every time you want to play.

Is it Not Classy to Play Beer Pong With Sterling Silver and Pewter Goblets?

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Learning Spin With Table Tennis Videos

If you want to pick up new skills to improve your ping pong game, there are many resources available. From instructional DVDs, to websites featuring basic instructions, to table tennis videos teaching ways to be better than ever, you can easily find ways to improve your game. Whether you want to learn a drop shot, improve your serve, or learn how to hit with topspin, it's easy to pick up a variety of new skills that will make your opponent scramble for the ball. With videos available all over the internet, you can gain easy access to tips, techniques, and the best of the pros in the game. When it comes to learning how to add spin to the ball, it's easy enough to find tips. Spin is a great way to enhance your game and throw off your opponent. Table tennis videos can show anyone the best way to learn the various types of spin that will enhance your game.

ping pong table top

Backspin will add subtle lift to the ball and let it drop more suddenly, making it more difficult for the opponent to predict the trajectory of the ball. This type of spin is regarded as a defensive alternative and is an effective way to change the strategy of the game. Picking up this skill isn't difficult and can be important to your success in the game. Topspin is a crucial type of spin that is important to any phase of the game and all skill sets. It's harder to learn than some other strokes, but can be useful in creating a winning strategy. Table tennis videos often feature how-to instructions to help you perform this stroke.

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Sidespin is another common stroke and it's usually used during service. This spin causes the ball to spin on a vertical axis, rather than horizontal like other types of spin. Cork spin is also used in service, but can be added to a lob at the professional level. Also referred to as the drill-spin, it causes the ball to dart to the right or left after bouncing. This can be a useful strategy in confusing the opponent. Table tennis videos are great ways to pick up on the cork spin. No matter what you might want to learn, it's easy enough to gain access to any information when it comes to this fun and fast-paced sport. Because it's played throughout the world, players of all skill levels and ages enjoy ping pong.

Learning Spin With Table Tennis Videos

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Cheap Table Tennis Table: Price Is Relative and Durability Is Key

How do you define a cheap table tennis table? Is it based solely on the price range among brand names? A cheap table for you may not be cheap to somebody else. A branded professional table which you bought for ,600, inclusive of a 30% discount and free shipping may be cheap from your perspective. For an ordinary table tennis sport enthusiast, that amount will be quite expensive for him. It is difficult to define in specifics the meaning of cheap equipment because the subject is relative.

ping pong

It is safe to say that a cheap table tennis table is one which is durable, sturdy, safe, enjoyable, and always ready to serve and be with you for many years. In your journey to become an excellent ping pong hobbyist, player or motivator to yourself, your family and friends in promoting the sport, your table tennis table is always there at your side. In this case, you can rightfully and truthfully claim that it is cheap because the short and long term tangible and intangible benefits you get far outweigh your investment. On the other hand, how can you claim honestly that you got a good deal when you were able to bargain a used professional model worth 00 for only 0 when you use it only occasionally? If you will just store it in your garage and basement and allow it to warp, it is not a cheap buy.

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From a simple point of view, one example of a good deal is when you are able to buy a branded model of a table tennis table at the lowest price and with some extras after canvassing several stores selling the same brand and model, you can say that you bought it cheaply. Another example is when you participate in an online auction for a table tennis table owned by a former world champion, you can still claim that it is cheap compared to its future worth as a collector's item even if you paid several thousand dollars for it. Another example from a collector's item perspective is if you were able to buy one which was used to be owned by a popular Hollywood celebrity. Based on the premise of relativity, there are lots of illustrations to validate this point.

However, from an average person's point of view, a cheap buy is always based on your budget and what type of equipment it is going to be. Would you prefer an outdoor or indoor table for recreation or for training? Are you planning to buy a beginner's recreational model or a professional brand? Would you be open to a used one or a conversion table top to start with? The motive, taste, goals, preferences and budget play the key roles in your project. How often do you intend to use the ping pong table? One thing for sure is that it is not only the price or acquisition cost which determines whether or not the table tennis table you bought is relatively cheap.

In making a major decision to invest in a durable but reasonably priced ping pong table and its accessories, plan it out carefully. Have a conference with your family and get their input and support behind you. The web is still the most convenient place to go where you can source out a branded but reasonably priced ping pong table model which suits your budget and requirements. Remember that cheap is relative and price is not the whole issue. Look instead for durability, style and performance track record. On your part, don't overlook the importance of TLC (tender loving care) if you want your cheap table tennis table to last a long time!

Cheap Table Tennis Table: Price Is Relative and Durability Is Key

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Make Your Party a Success With a Game of Beer Pong

If you are ever bored at a party because all your friends are sitting without having any fun then getting a Beer Pong table is the perfect way to make the party fun and interesting. The game is amazing since it requires a good amount of skill and concentration. It is a very famous game and quite a few people play it everywhere around the globe. All you need to enjoy a perfect game is the perfect portable table.

ping pong table

The game requires a player to throw a ping pong ball across the table with the intention of making it land in the cup or mug of beer. The mugs should be arranged in a triangle on both the ends of the table. There should be two to four players. The cups which are arranged in a triangle shape must be filled with a certain amount of beer. If you have more than two people then you need to separate people into teams. Each team gets a chance to make a shot in the glasses and if the team gets a ball in one of the glasses the other team must finish the beer in that glass. Each team gets alternate chances and the team to make the opponent team finish all the glasses first wins. It's a simple but interesting game which is best played on an original beer pong table.

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While having a game of beer pong it is best not to pour too much beer into each glass to ensure that no one gets too intoxicated. It is better to have a safe game rather than spoiling the game with too many drinks. You don't even need alcoholic drinks to play a game since it is an interesting game in itself. If you want a professional game of beer pong make sure you get a professional table with proper markings. You can find a number of different types of tables online. Going online to shop for a table is a lot better since you can find good deals and discounts on a number of websites that sell these tables.

If you plan a party with the intention of having a game of Beer Pong, your party will surely be a success and everyone will have an awesome time. With your new table you will surely have more guests at your parties and surely have a lot of fun. Just make sure you have a safe party without anyone breaking your brand new table.

Make Your Party a Success With a Game of Beer Pong

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Get Better at Ping Pong With Training and Table Tennis Videos

If you want to improve your table tennis skills, it takes more than just wishing for it to happen. Even playing the way that you are right now might not be enough. If you have dreams of beating every opponent that you find, perhaps even a dream of playing in the Olympics or playing as a pro, you need to make sure that your training is up to par. How dedicated are you to learning the sport, and how much time are you willing to spend?

ping pong rackets

Those who want to get better need to make sure that they have the time to play the game just about every day. Watch table tennis videos that have the pros playing their best games. You might be surprised at how much you can pick up from these game videos.

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Of course, it takes more than just playing the game to improve significantly. The following training tips can help you bring your game to a new level.

Tip #1 - Exercise

Most people do not think that you need to be athletic to play table tennis. However, you are going to want to get in some cardio to improve your stamina. When you start getting into some fast-paced games, having a body that is able to keep up with the action is very important.

Tip #2 - Videos

One of the best ways to learn more skills is to see them performed by professionals. A great way to see the pros in action is to watch table tennis videos. You can find videos that can teach you all of the important skills that you need to learn.

Tip #3 - Losing

How can losing help anyone learn? You need to learn to lose for a couple of reasons. The first is for sportsmanship. If you have been playing against your friends, and if you are better than they are, you probably do not lose very often. You need to play against better opponents who are able to beat you. This will help you to learn the fact of life that someone out there is always better than you are and everyone needs this humbling experience.

You should consider losing a learning experience. When you lose, you should go over the game in your head and see why you lost. This will give you a list of skills that you need to improve.

Get Better at Ping Pong With Training and Table Tennis Videos

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How to Play Ping-Pong

Ping-pong, also known as Table Tennis, is, just as the name suggests, to put it simply a table version of tennis. It can be played either by yourself or with a partner. This game is, in my opinion, very addicting if you play with people either at or above your level. This article will go over all the basic rules of playing ping-pong as well as go over some techniques you can use in actual competition. This version of ping-pong is for non competition use so the rules won't be as strict.

ping pong table

1) Either play by yourself or get a partner to play either 1vs1 or 2vs2. The rules won't differ, just the rotation of the serves. To make it simple, we will go with 1vs1.

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2)You can use any method to figure out who's going to go first. After you choose someone to go first, that person will serve. Serve by tossing the ball a little and hitting it. The ball must bounce once on your side and then go over and hit the opponent's side at least once for it to be considered a legal serve. If it hits the net but still makes it across, that serve is considered a "let" and you will have to redo the serve. You can have as many lets as you want in the game.

3) After the server hits the ball, the opponent will return it. For it to be considered a legal return, you will have to hit the ball over the net without it touching your side of the court. This continues to go on until one person can't get the ball over the net or hits it off the court. The point is then awarded to the opposing player.

4) Usually, games are held until someone reaches 11 points. If both players reach 10 points, then you can only win by a "win-by-2" rule. For example, if both of you had 10 points, then you would need to score 2 more points before your opponent scores one, making it 12 to 10.

5) There are many ways to get points. From a hitting standpoint, after the serve, as long as the ball ends up on the other side's court without touching your side of the court, it is considered a point. As for serves, you can either hit the ball with a top spin or a slice to make the ball go in different directions with different bounces after the ball hits the court.

This is a game enjoyed by many people because it is a game that is very easy to learn but will take years to master. Learn how to play this game and teach it to your friends so that you guys can have fun.

How to Play Ping-Pong

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Used Table Tennis Table: Nothing Wrong If You Know How to Buy a Good One

If you want to introduce your family to the exciting and fun world of ping pong, there is nothing wrong if you decide to purchase a used table tennis table. Your priority is to look for good quality, pre-owned equipment, preferably, a professional type if your funds can support it.

ping pong table cover

The best places to look for it are your local sports stores, table tennis clubs and ping pong associations. There you can ask for anyone selling their table or for any leads. Another way is to let your circle of family and friends know that you are in the market for it. Word of mouth news will circulate around and who knows, there may be a neighbor who plans to move out and dispose of their old ping pong table to buy a new one. The other sources are newspaper classified ads, the yellow pages and online manufacturer's websites such as Amazon.com, eBay.com, Craigslist and Nextag. You just search for used table tennis tables under this category and you will be having many options.

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In buying a used one, it is important that you are in a position to know if the price of the ping pong table being offered is reasonable in the condition that it is in. Usually, the deal is on an "As Is, Where Is" basis. First of all, you do not know the wear and tear background of the item. You just have to believe or rely on the information given to you when you inspect and ask some questions. In online auctions, this may not be possible. It is only the price and the photo or video that you have to base your interest in making a counter-offer.

A sample used table being sold online is a Butterfly T2625SU Centrefold 25 Sky Rollaway Table Tennis Table (Tournament Used) for $ 2000-35% discount or 00 free shipping.

Another sample online ad: "Stiga Elite Roller Ping Pong table for sale. New, these tables sell for around 0. A used one in good shape, which this one is, sells for 0-0. We're asking 0 for ours. I've attached a picture of the table in the flat play position. It also folds up for practicing alone. If you're interested in purchasing, you will need to come to our house with a truck."

How can you know if the price being offered is fair? To that question, if would be easy if you are aware of the year model and brand. If you get info from the manufacturer the brand new price of such model, it would be easy to calculate the depreciation percentage. Typically, a seller who bought his ping pong table two years ago for ,000 will ran an ad and sells it for $ 500. If you make a counter offer for let's say $ 300 and it is accepted, you can conclude that you have a good deal. For the discount of $ 200, you can budget it for enhancement or improvement of the table.

In cases where it is possible for you to inspect the item, it would be better if you can bring along someone who has the technical expertise to examine and assess the table. Part of the evaluation process is to the test the table by playing with your friend. You can do some ball bounce checks. Find out if the ping pong ball bounces according to the international standard. Try a variety of spin shots.

Check the smoothness of the surface quality and watch out for any warping or damage. Inspect the levelers if any and the condition of the wheels and the brake mechanism. See how it folds and check for other features such as playback. Have some tool and measuring tape handy to check the measurements and level. Feel also how stable and secure it is. This is the advantage of a visual inspection. If the price is negotiable, then you can go ahead and negotiate if you discern that the table can still be useful for many years. Be fair with your vendor. Don't haggle too much if the price and table's condition are okay.

Used Table Tennis Table: Nothing Wrong If You Know How to Buy a Good One

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Top Table Tennis Players - Mark Hazinski and Michael Landers

Mark Hazinski has been playing table tennis since he was nine years old. He was introduced to the sport when his elementary school principal offered an after school program. Mark's aptitude for the sport was quickly apparent and his love of the game was instantaneous. On a whim he decided to attend a tournament he heard about in passing. At the tournament he heard about an offer for a free lesson with Coach Viktor Tolkachev. He signed up, and the rest is history. He began training at the South Bend Table Tennis Club under Coach Viktor Tolkachev. Mark progressed steadily under his direction until Tolkachev left the club to return to his homeland when Mark was eleven. Dan Seemiller, a 5-time U.S. Men's Singles Champion, took over coaching duties at the club and Mark flourished. He was having a great time, but he wasn't simply training to be training. Mark had a goal. He wanted to make it to the 2004 Olympic games in Athens. His parents had faith in his abilities and removed Mark from school and began a home-school program so that Mark could devote more time to training. He began training five days each week.

ping pong table tops for pool tables

At the age of fifteen he earned a spot on the U.S. Men's National Team and was the youngest player to ever do so. He has trained in Sweden, Germany, China, and Japan. His dedication and efforts have resulted in eight Junior Olympian Gold medals, five under-22 U.S. Singles Championships, two Men's U.S. Doubles Championships, a U.S. Mixed Doubles Championship, and numerous collegiate national championships. In 2003 he was named as the USATT player of the year and in 2004 he achieved his dream of competing in the Olympic Games. He was also a member of the 2007 U.S. Pan American Games team.

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Although he narrowly missed a spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, Mark has not given up on becoming a two-time Olympian. Earning a spot on the 2010 U.S. National Team, his fourth national team, is another step towards making it to the 2012 Olympic Games.

In another part of the country, fifteen-year-old Michael Landers is following a path similar to that of Mark Hazinski. Like Hazinski, Michael has been playing table tennis since he was a young boy. Born in Mineola, New York on August 16, 1994, Michael first played the game as a toddler. His family has photographs of Michael at the age of two, paddle in hand, standing on a couch to reach the table, ready to play. The game was a hobby for the young Michael until a twist of fate, in the form of a broken arm, prevented him from participating in other sports such as tennis, baseball, and soccer. Unable to attend a summer sports camp due to the injury, his family searched for activities to help their nine year old son stay active. They found a table tennis club in Queens and Michael began taking lessons from Hui Yuan Liu, a National Coach. He was playing in tournaments in four months. Before a year had passed he earned first place in under-12 doubles and second place in singles at the 2005 Junior Olympics. His natural abilities apparent, he chose to stop participating in other sports and began to focus on training for table tennis competitions.

Michael racked up wins including the 2008 Canada Cup Open Doubles Championship, 2008 Eastern Open U-16 Boys Championship, and 2009 Chinatown U-2400 Champion. In 2009, Michael became the youngest athlete to win the U.S. National Men's Singles Championship. His success to date has earned him a spot on the 2010 U.S. Nationals Team and has aroused talk of the possibility that he could make the U.S. Team for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. With all the attention, Michael stays humble and focused on making table tennis more popular in the United States. When he is not training or attending school, he spends time writing letters to athletic companies, asking them to support the game. He knows that marketing departments might show more interest in promoting the sport since he is a young kid competing against grown men. He is wise enough to use what works to achieve success for himself and for the sport.

Top Table Tennis Players - Mark Hazinski and Michael Landers

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Table Tennis Boards: Learn About the Features of Outdoor and Indoor Models

Table tennis, otherwise known as ping pong, is a favorite household sport all over the world. It is already an Olympic sport since 1988 and the best players come mostly from Sweden and China. Its popularity keeps on growing because the sport is easy to learn, fun and exciting. What is nice about with this game is it can be played b the entire family during weekend or as often as they can. It becomes an alternative form of competitive and recreational exercise and an opportunity for the family to bond together in leisure and enjoyment.

ping pong net

If you are planning to purchase a table tennis for your family, you need to consider whether you will use it for indoor or outdoor. Table tennis boards come in many different styles and designs. There are outdoor and indoor tennis tables. Their price ranges vary depending on the brand, quality of the table and features.

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Choosing the right one will depend on your purpose. If it is for outdoor use, the board needs to be more durable and easy to transport and store. Outdoor ping pong tables are made usually of aluminum as outer layer and a wooden inner core. They are UV and moisture resistant for longevity. You can find a model which has a crafted steel body and a melanine laminated top for strong heat, light and rain resistance. It has a latch system that has a safe security triangle aid mechanism, usually a dual kind. When it comes to the undercarriage, you can opt for a rollaway type possibly with a playback feature so that you can even practice and play by yourself. To protect the table board, you have to purchase a durable nylon cover.

There are also many versions of indoor table with unique and innovative designs. You can select an indoor favorite model with a 19mm special chipboard top and gray non-glare playing surface. It has a stable fixed net which is adjustable. You can easily fold it for safe handling and storage. It can also be transported with its four (4) double rotatable and rubber cushioned wheels

The usual dimension of the table board is 2.74 cm (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide and 76 cm (30 inch) high. It can be 19mm thick up to the official 25 mm thickness. There are tables with a playing surface divided into halves for easy storage. The acceptable table surface approved by the ITTF is either green or blue. The middle net used is 15.25 cm (6 inch) high and is sometimes permanently fixed to the table even if you fold it.

There are some ping pong table models with an innovative electronic scoring feature. Its automatic serve indicators monitor scoring of points and identify the turn of the server. It has a smooth painted top coating to create pro style ball spin. Its steel table aprons provide stability to the flat surface. For safety and storage features, it has a thick tubular steel frame with auto folding legs. This model also has a playback fold up and comes complete with the electronic scorer, net, post set and official game rules.

Popular brands are Stiga, Butterfly, Kettler, Prince, Cormilleau, Harvard, Joola and many others. Depending on your desired model and allocated price range, which can be as low as $ 300 up to ,000 upwards, you have many options to choose from a variety of brands of table tennis boards. With sufficient knowledge and information about the ping pong game, if you have the resources, you will most likely decide to invest in a longer lasting professional type if you want to fully enjoy the sport.

Table Tennis Boards: Learn About the Features of Outdoor and Indoor Models

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Did You Know? Interesting Facts About the History of Table Tennis

With humble roots beginning in the 12th century, table tennis has gone through tremendous changes, in both equipment and in official rule guidelines, evolving into one of the most popular competitive sporting games played in several different countries.

ping pong net

Around 1880, British soldiers stationed abroad would often play "Royal Tennis", using cigar lids as paddles, and corks or webbed wrapped devices as a table tennis ball. The exciting game became very popular with the soldiers since the game was a quick and highly mobile entertainment vehicle to pass idle time.

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In the Victorian Era, upper class women and men enthusiastically played table tennis, better known as "Wiff-Waff" or "Gossima", as an indoor recreational game. Using a large surface as a table, the opponents would hit rounded objects, sometimes a golf ball or ball made from string, with another book, passing the "ball" over a net erected out of additional propped up books. "Wiff-Waff" became extremely popular and newly manufactured materials allowed for the reengineering of the first official paddle made out simple framing material with parchment paper stretched end to end. Soon after, a celluloid ball was introduced to the game and, and a creative J. Jaques & Sons officially deemed the game "Ping Pong". Around 1901, Jaques & Sons sold the copyrighted the "Ping Pong" game name to the ever so popular United States game manufacturer, Parker Brothers. Hoping to increase popularity in the United States, Parker Brothers began marketing Ping Pong sets complete with paddles, balls, and nets.

Searching for a way to add spin to the ping-pong ball, Englishman E.C. Goode redesigned the ping-pong paddle in 1902. His designed the paddle out of thin wood and he covered the wood with a pebbled rubber. Until 1952, his ingenious design dominated Ping Pong paddle sales around the world.

With the game becoming popular and increase demand for regulations and serious competition, two organizations, "The Ping Pong Association" in the United States and "The Table Tennis Association" in England, were formed in 1903. Popularity and desire to compete on an international level called for the creation of a new organization to regulate international Ping Pong rules and competition. In 1926, a meeting between several countries interested in participating took place in Berlin and The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) officially formed, holding the first official World Championship competition in London in 1927. Over the years, the ITTF has changed the table tennis surface many times, lowered the net, and introduced standardized paddle rules for competition.

Players from Hungary began fiercely competing in ITTF competitions and held the World Championship Women's Singles championship from 1926-1931 and help the Men's Singles Championship from 1930-1935.

Today, many countries compete in Championship Table Tennis games around the world. Although the equipment has changed over the years, the enthusiasm, popularity, and serious competition have never truly wavered. For a game to start so humbly as a simply way to pass time, to a highly competitive Olympic Sport game, Table Tennis has truly arose from little to become a passionate game played on the International level.

Did You Know? Interesting Facts About the History of Table Tennis

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How to Play Table Tennis

It's cold, and it's snowing, and you can't get outside to do any of the things you enjoy. What's a sport that you can play all year round, regardless of rain, shine, or snow? Table tennis! It's easy to learn and incredibly fun. Here are the basic facts about this exciting and engaging game.

ping pong tables for sale

First off, you should know the point scale. To win a game, you have to score eleven points before your opponent does. If the game is tied at 10 points each, that's called a deuce and the first person who snags the lead by two points wins.

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Now that you know what to do, you can get started! Although in a big-time table tennis match, players often toss a coin to decide who will serve first. If you're just hitting around in the den, it can be less formal.

When you're just learning how to play table tennis, serving can be difficult. Don't worry, it gets easier with practice. Simply remain standing behind your side of the table, hold the ball in the hand without the racquet, and toss it in the air. When it falls, tap it with the paddle, just enough so that it gets over net. If it bounces more than once before the other player hits it, you'll get a point. Don't let it touch the net and then hit your opponent's side because then you'll have to serve it again. If it hits the net and then bounces back to your side, the other player gets the point. While you're playing, remember not to let the ball hit your side more than once because that's a point in favor of your opponent.

Serving duties will alternate back and between players. Once someone scores a point, the person who did not serve last time will serve. You'll keep getting points as long as you hit the ball longer than the other player does. They'll score if they hit it longer than you do, if you make a poor serve, or if you let it bounce more than once on your side of the net.

A game ends when someone's point total reaches eleven. After each game, players switch sides and the person who did not serve first at the beginning of the last game will serve. To turn these little games into a match, simply play three to seven games. Ready, play!

How to Play Table Tennis

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Table Tennis Secrets - The Forehand - Be a Ping Pong Hero

In this article, you'll discover that developing a consistent forehand is one of the secrets to separating yourself from your opponent.

ping pong balls

Although there are various methods to hitting forehands, a common technique is to hold the racket with your palm behind the ping pong paddle and on the grip. Some players place their index finger behind the table tennis racket head for added stability and to assist in racket head speed when creating spin.

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Although many players are tempted to hit big and go for winners, the best plan when developing your ping pong skills is to develop a game and strategy based on consistency. Like other racket sports, the best foundation is one based on control and consistency rather than a killer shot. Once you have established a strong foundation based on consistent and solid table tennis technique, you can then move on to developing a killer weapon. The most common ping pong weapon is the forehand.

The following are 3 keys to unleashing the full potential of a killer table tennis forehand:

1. It's all in the feet. Believe it or not, the first secret has nothing to do with your arm, upper body, or racket holding technique. Good footwork is often overlooked and underestimated. Watch any good player, and you'll see active feet, short sidesteps for recovery after a wide shot so that you continually face your opponent, and a ready position which allows the player to wait on their toes which aids in quick reaction time.

2. Learn Spin. Without spin, it won't go in. Although this may not always hold true, you'll find that shots without spin have less control. It is to your advantage to learn how to hit topspin on your strokes. Hitting topspin on your shots allows you to go for your shots more. Why? When you hit with topspin, the ping pong ball dips towards the end of its flight decreasing long and wide shots. The result is more control. To hit a topspin shot, you'll need to hit the ball from low to high and brush up on the back side of the ball with your ping pong paddle. With practice, you'll soon see dramatic results from adding topspin to your shot.

3. Do Not Recover to the middle of the table. What strange advice you say! Most players have better forehands than backhands. Additionally, most players move better to their forehand side. What can we do with this information? How 'bout using it to our advantage. Instead of recovering to the middle of the ping pong table after hitting a forehand or backhand, try recovering slightly left of center table (lefties try recovering slightly right of center table). By recovering off center, you'll be protecting your backhand and you should see more balls come to your right side which is your stronger forehand shot.

With these great tips in mind and a determined spirit, you're sure to improve. Although these tips may not be for everyone, give them a try. You may find a secret to help you develop that killer table tennis forehand!

Table Tennis Secrets - The Forehand - Be a Ping Pong Hero

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Free Homeschooling Physics Experiments You Can Do With Your Kids

In an animated series, the characters and objects are capable of moving at high speeds and stopping abruptly in their tracks. In real life this is not possible, because everything on earth follows certain laws of motion. Free homeschooling can teach you how to use objects of daily use to learn the laws of motion. Today we will learn why a ping pong ball behaves the way it does, and I will also teach you how to build a cool accelerometer.

ping pong table tops for pool tables

Animation is fun, but we also need to know objects behave in reality. I am personally no longer confused about why certain objects in motion behave in a particular way. Therefore I want you to know it too. As I create the curriculum for free homeschooling and other programs, I always make it a point to include some cool activities that will teach you about how moving objects behave.

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Lessons from a Ping Pong ball

Place a ping pong ball on a ping pong table. You will notice that it remains stationary. Now hit it gently with a ping pong bat. It will move. Once it hits the net, it will stop.

Why does the ball behave in this way? Let me use the Laws of Motion framed by an Italian scientist, Isaac Newton, to explain why this happens. The first law of motion tells us that any object that is at rest or in motion, will continue in that state till an external force acts on it. The stationary ping pong ball will continue to remain in the state of rest unless some external force such as a breeze or a bat hits it. Once it gets rolling, it will have the tendency to continue in the state of motion unless an external force such as friction with the table or the net stops it.

This is a very simple free homeschooling idea that uses a humble ping pong ball to give you the foundation for learning Physics.

Let's do another experiment with a ping pong ball...

Glue the bottom of a transparent plastic cup to the end of a dowel of about an arm's length. You should be able to hold a ping pong ball in it just like you hold a marble in a spoon. Now insert the ping pong ball in the cup and hold the free end. Start moving in a circle with the mouth of the cup facing forward. Does the ping pong ball fall?

Now suddenly stop moving! The ping pong ball pops out of the cup in a direction that is tangential to its circular path. Why does the ball not stay in the cup?

Answer: This is because, according to the first law of motion, the ball continues in its state of motion in a straight line even after the cup stops. After a while, it falls to the ground due to the downward force of gravity.

Why then did the ball not pop out when you were moving the cup in circles? The ball always wanted to move in a straight line, but it was obstructed by the side of the cup and made to change its direction (The same reason why your body hits the side of your car during sharp turns).

Another thing you must have noticed about motion is that when you are travelling in a car, you tend to move forwards and backwards whenever the car frequently changes its speed. In other words, you can say that your car is accelerating.

If your car was moving with a constant speed in the same direction, you would be able to stand on its roof and not fall off. The very reason you need a seatbelt your car is to prevent you from getting hurt when the car undergoes huge acceleration.

So, acceleration is the rate at which the speed (velocity, to be precise) of an object changes in a particular direction. Acceleration is another daily life topic that can be taught during free homeschooling sessions.

Homemade Accelerometer: Your accelerometer is an inverted soda bottle filled with water (no bubbles), with a wine cork floating halfway in the bottle. The wine cork is attached to the inside of the bottle cap by a string (hot-glued at both ends). Construct it yourself!

When you travel in your car the next time, hold this homemade accelerometer in your hand and watch the wind cork move to and fro, showing you that your car is accelerating.

Check out the free "Homeschool Parent's Guide to Teaching Science", for great science experiments and activities, click the link below.

Free Homeschooling Physics Experiments You Can Do With Your Kids

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Buying a Ping Pong Table

As the great saying goes, practice makes perfect...

ping pong

So you want to get good at ping pong, but you don't have a table, but stop right there and don't buy the first one you see, as there is more than meets the eye. Don't read manufacturers slogans, claiming they have the best ping pong table on offer, and if you're a beginner enter the lower end of the market, pros need professional tables, beginners need beginner's tables; learn to walk before you can run. The first decision you need to make before embarking on a ping pong table purchase, is whether you want a stand alone table, which will be a permanent fixture, or a fold away table, to clear some space when it's not being used. Obviously this has a big affect on which table will suit you, and of course, the initial purchasing cost. There are two portable options which are foldaway ping pong tables, and of course, tables on wheels, which allows them to be moved out the way fairly easily.  The next thing you need to consider is the thickness. Each player has their own preference, and unless you're a professional, it probably won't make to much difference to you, but it's still important.

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Professional level tables tend to be around 25mm thick, although you'll be able to gather the same affect while you're learning from anything 19mm and thicker. The 25mm will feel slightly thicker, and tends to have a cleaner bounce than a table top that's just 19mm thick, so choose carefully, but don't spend too much!  Go for quality, get a table with a high quality top and make sure it has sturdy supports, ping pong tables don't hold much weight at any one time, but if your serious, you'll hopefully still be using the same table over the next few years. Get a good stable table around the 30 inch mark, which is professional standard. If you're buying a secondhand table, bear in mind the most important factor is the table top, so if this is past its sell by date, then so is the table. But how do you assess the quality of the table top? Well the ping pong rule of thumb is, hold a ball 30cm above the surface and let go. The ball should bounce roughly 23cm above the surface. Check across different sections of the table, and if it differs greatly, the table top and that particular table is a goner! If your struggling to find something within budget, check out my sig link and just build your own sturdy, quality table for less than .00. Of course, don't expect it to build itself, but a bit of patience will get you the table you've been looking for!

Buying a Ping Pong Table

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American Table Tennis - How "Ping Pong Diplomacy" Put American Table Tennis on the World Map

Although not as celebrated or quite as popular as other pro-sports in the world today, American Table Tennis has been around for longer than you think. For those who were lucky enough to have been around at the time, a curious but important cultural event transpired almost four decades ago in the land where table tennis is perhaps more revered and respected than any other sport: Japan. Most people who know about this part in America's rich history refer to it as "Ping Pong Diplomacy" when relations between the two world superpowers were not as open as they are today. 

ping pong table tops for pool tables

It was during a visit to Japan in 1971 by the United States Table Tennis team where Glenn Cowan, a flamboyant but beautifully gifted player trained a little too long and just happened to miss the team bus. A Japanese official had come by and informed Cowan and his Japanese sparring partner that their time was up; the training facility was to be closed for the evening.

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While trying frantically to locate the rest of his team members in a sea of unfamiliar faces, a player aboard the Chinese team bus waived Cowan over and told him to get on their bus instead.   As the bus travelled along, the players from opposite sides of the world struck up a conversation with the aid of a translator. Zhuang Zedong, a member of the Chinese squad realized the opportunity for relationship building and chose diplomacy over heavily ingrained cultural responsibilities. 

Coming forward towards Cowan, Zhuang Zedong tapped him lightly upon the shoulders and proceeded to present him with a beautiful silk-screen portrait of the Huangshan Mountains. Cowan immediately understood and read the situation correctly by trying to find something of equal value in return, all he could muster up after rifling desperately through his entire gym bag's worth of belongings was an old comb definitely unworthy of the magnitude of the situation.

Instead of offering a sub-par gift, Cowan left the Chinese team bus and was immediately greeted by the press and hoards of photographers because it's not everyday you see an American born table tennis player exiting a Team China bus with a smile on his face and a gift firmly in hand. He would have to wait for another opportune time to return the favour. 

Glen Cowan would get his chance eventually and presented Zhuang Zedong with a patriotic American t-shirt with the words "Let it Be" emblazoned on the front in clear red, white, and blue lettering. Suffice it to say that the cultural tensions experienced during the 1960's and throughout the 1970's between these two countries were well chronicled in history books, but instead of going with the flow, these two particular athletes saw past the restrictions and limitations that society has a tendency of placing upon our humble shoulders and took the opportunity to see what cooperation and camaraderie can really look like. This might not have been possible with any other sport. 

So the next time anyone happens to ask you what American Table Tennis is really about, let them know about this "Ping Pong Diplomacy" between the U.S. and Japan.

American Table Tennis - How "Ping Pong Diplomacy" Put American Table Tennis on the World Map

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Ping Pong Paddles - Things to Consider Before Buying One

Ping Pong or Table Tennis as it is otherwise known is a popular sport amongst different age groups. If you have decided to take up the sport, be it for recreational purposes or as a professional decision, the first step in your journey will be to purchase a Ping Pong paddle. A trip to any sports goods store will turn up a number of Ping Pong paddles but in order to be satisfied with your purchase you need to make the right decision. A good paddle is essential to the game and most beginners tend to get confused about which brand to opt for and what make will suit their skills better. While buying a ping pong paddle you need to decide upon the kind of blade you want your paddle to have, the rubber covering the blade, the grip of the paddle and much more. In this article we share some tips with you on how to make the right choice while purchasing your very own Ping Pong paddle.

ping pong table top

Before purchasing a paddle you must decide what kind of blade you want to use. Since there is a wide range of blade types available in the market it can be a challenge choosing one. Instead of picking out something fanciful or immediately closing in on the most advertised brand, we advise you to pick a reliable model from a sports company that is known for quality. When you are just starting out it is important to be careful that you don't buy a blade that is either too fast or too slow for you to control. Being able to control you game should be your first prerogative. Manufacturers such as Donic and Butterfly are known to provide good blades for starters.

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The next thing you need to consider is the type of handle the paddle should have. One can choose between straight, flared, conic or anatomic handles. While different kinds of handles are designed specifically for different kinds of serves and shots, when you are starting out the focus should be on finding one that feels good in your hand and allows you a comfortable grip.

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is to invest in a ready made paddle. Ready made paddles already have the rubber covers slipped onto the blade. As rubber degrades rather quickly, if the paddle you purchase is not one of the recent stock, your paddle will become faulty very soon after you buy it. Since you will not be able to discern between new and old stock so early into the game, our advice is that you have the paddle outfitted with a brand new rubber cover in front of you.

Ping Pong Paddles - Things to Consider Before Buying One

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Beer Pong Tables

There are people who like their beer more than anything else in this world. Beer Pong Tables just makes the whole beer drinking experience a lot more fun. There are so many types of beer pong tables available that it becomes a lot more interesting to play the famous beer pong games on them. This is a drinking game that basically requires 2 teams, a flat table, 6 or then beer glasses on each side of the table and of course the beer. The game has 2 teams of a maximum of 6 players with multiple cups arranged in a triangular fashion on each side of the table.

ping pong tables for sale

You are required to throw the ping pong balls into the glassed and the losing team needs to consume all the beer remaining in the winning teams mugs. It has been made famous in the United States and it is played all over the world nowadays and is becoming increasingly famous. There are tournaments organised for the same. It is a fun game and the use of different tables makes it all the more interesting to play. There are so many different and innovative tables available nowadays. You have the snow tables, which is made by hand and also has cup holders so that your beer remains nice and cold while you play.

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I have also seen the surfboard tables which is a surfboard that has been converted into a beer pong table and makes a very interesting play. This game can also be enjoyed while in the pool and you can get a floating tables for this. It has an attachment to glue it down to the pool base so that it does not move and you can continue your play on that. It makes the entire party a lot more fun. Another innovative table is the hanging table which is suspended from the ceiling and has the two sides clearly marked for the cups. You can also try the separated these pong table, which makes the entire gaming experience even more difficult and exciting.

You can also have the store away pong table, which can be folded and kept away while not in use. This is something that is commonly seen in hostel dormitories where space is a concern. You also have the massive triangle table, which can accommodate about 150 cups on each side. This is for the people who really enjoy their parties and really notches up the fun. Another interesting one is the aluminum table, which just has a skeleton aluminum frame around it and again makes the game a little more difficult to play.

Foosball tables have also been converted into beer pong tables, with a glass cover on the top so that you could use it for both Foosball and well as beer pong. There are so many varieties available in the market and so much choice that the process of buying a beer pong table can be a lot of fun!

Beer Pong Tables

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Beginner's Tips for Ping Pong

Ping Pong is a simple and fun game that isn't quite as demanding as some other types of sports. You can play it indoors, in any weather, and with minimal space, equipment and training. You don't need to be incredibly fast, strong, or capable of running for hours on end to do it either, you just need a decent amount of stamina, good reflexes, and a fast mind. These factors add to the overall appeal of ping pong, and is a reason why a lot of personal gyms in people's houses will either have a ping pong table or a billiards table (billiards sharing much the same factors as ping pong).

ping pong table top

The first thing you'll need to know about ping pong is the equipment. A ping pong table, net, a ball, and two paddles are all you need. Period. For keeping score, a simple notebook and pen will do, unless you want to buy a chalk scoreboard or something. Aside from those basic essentials, there's nothing else for you to invest in initially.

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The second thing to think about is clothing - almost anything will do as long as you can move about freely in it. Most people wear simple sneakers, shorts, and a tee shirt. Jogging pants will do too. Unlike more active sports like basketball and running, where shoes are designed to be high impact with special soles and other fancy features, you just need shoes that are comfy. Same goes with the shorts/jogging pants and tee shirt. No special materials needed, no anti-rip extended wear and tear ultra-mesh-fiber-super-high-tech stuff needed. Pick anything out of your closet and you're done!

Now we get to the basic physical requirements. As long as you jog a bit from time to time and can walk up and down several flights of stairs without being reduced to a wheezing bag of blubber, you'll be fine. The average person can get into ping pong quickly. The most important physical factors for ping pong are quick reflexes, agile wrists, and good balance. Of course, if you've got two left feet that's a different story... Otherwise, if your balance and reflexes are decent you'll do.

The main reason for the need for reflexes is obvious - the basic objective of ping pong is to thwack a little ball repeatedly between you and your opponent until one of you fumbles and misses swatting the ball. Poor reflexes means you'll probably miss a shot. The need for quick wrists is because a majority of the action of hitting the ball in ping pong is controlled by the paddle's angle - which is, of course, adjusted by your wrists. As for the balance factor, you'll need to be moderately fast on your feet to hop from one side of the tennis table to the other. This doesn't really require any running around, just minor modifications to your stance and shifts in body weight to make you lean more to one side or the other.

Aside from the physical requirements, there's a simple mental requirement for ping pong - be calm, and be a planner. Like a good fencing game, ping pong requires a fast mind to go with the fast reflexes. It isn't enough to be able to block every shot your opponent makes; you have to be able to plan the angles you send the ball back, and to plan a step or two ahead every time to know where your opponent's return shot is going to be heading. This mental factor is actually why some people with slower reflexes can actually win against physically superior players - they can send one shot to a certain angle, force their opponent into a certain physical position, then when the ball heads their way again, return it at an angle that their opponent can't get to in time because they're out of position to counter.

These are all you need to get started on ping pong. Simple equipment, simple clothing, and decently fast reflexes and wits. Everything else follows as you practice and get more experience. Above all, just relax and have fun!

Beginner's Tips for Ping Pong

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