HHW SPORTS

Table Tennis Project File

[Your Name] [Your Class/Grade] [Your Roll Number] [Your School Name] [Date]

INDEX

1. Acknowledgement

2. History of Table Tennis

o Origins and Early Development

o Evolution and International Recognition

3. Rules & Regulations

o The Table

o The Net Assembly

o The Ball

o The Racket

o Definitions (Rally, Let, Point, Game, Match)

o The Serve (Legal Serve, Order of Serving)

o The Return

o Order of Play

o Scoring (Game, Match)

o Expedite System

o Doubles Play (Specific Rules)

4. Fundamental Skills and Technique

o Stance and Footwork

o Grip (Shakehand, Penhold)

o Basic Strokes:

 Forehand Drive

 Backhand Drive

 Forehand Push

 Backhand Push

 Serve Variations (Topspin, Backspin, Sidespin)

 Block

 Loop
  Smash

o Advanced Techniques and Strategy

5. Duties of Officials

o The Umpire

o The Assistant Umpire

o The Stroke Counter (if applicable)

6. Equipment

o Table

o Net and Post Assembly

o Balls

o Rackets (Blade, Rubbers)

o Clothing and Footwear

7. Important Tournaments

o World Table Tennis Championships

o Olympic Games

o World Cup

o ITTF World Tour/WTT Events

o Continental Championships (e.g., Asian Championships, European

Championships)

o National Championships (e.g., Senior National Table Tennis

Championships, India)

8. Name of Players and Their Achievements

o International Legends (e.g., Jan-Ove Waldner, Deng Yaping, Ma

Long, Ding Ning)

o Notable Indian Players (e.g., Sharath Kamal Achanta, Manika

Batra, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran)

o Detailed Achievements (Olympic Medals, World Championship

Titles, Major Tour Wins)

9. Diagram of the Playing Field/Court

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to [Teacher's Name], my [Subject

Name] teacher, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this
project. Their insights and encouragement were instrumental in completing
this work.
 I would also like to thank my parents for their constant support and for
providing the necessary resources to complete this project.

Finally, I extend my thanks to the authors and researchers whose works

provided me with a deeper understanding of Table Tennis, enabling me to
compile this comprehensive project.

History of Table Tennis

Origins and Early Development

Table Tennis, often referred to as "Ping-Pong," originated in England in the late

19th century. It began as a miniature version of lawn tennis, played indoors,
typically on a dining table. Early equipment was rudimentary: books were used
as nets, and cigar box lids or stretched parchment acted as paddles. The ball
was initially a golf ball or a piece of string.

The first recorded use of the name "Ping-Pong" was by English manufacturer J.
Jaques & Son in 1901, inspired by the sound of the ball hitting the paddle and
the table. Around the same time, Parker Brothers in the United States also
started selling a similar game under the name "Ping-Pong." The game quickly
gained popularity in Victorian England, especially among the upper classes, as
a parlour game.

Evolution and International Recognition

As the game evolved, more specialized equipment emerged. Celluloid balls,

introduced around 1900, significantly improved the game's consistency and
speed. Wooden paddles, often covered with cork or sandpaper, replaced the
makeshift ones. The first official rules were established in 1901 by James W.
Gibb, who also coined the term "table tennis."

The game's popularity spread globally, reaching countries like India, China,
Japan, and parts of Eastern Europe. The first unofficial World Championship
was held in 1902. However, the true international governing body, the
International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), was founded in Berlin in 1926.
This marked a significant milestone, leading to the standardization of rules and
the organization of official international competitions. The first official World
Table Tennis Championships were held in London in December 1926.

Over the decades, table tennis has seen continuous advancements in

equipment and playing techniques, transforming it from a social pastime into a
highly athletic and competitive sport. It became an Olympic sport at the Seoul
1988 Summer Olympics, further cementing its status on the global stage.

Rules & Regulations

Table tennis is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)

rules, which ensure fair play and consistency across all levels of competition.

The Table

The playing surface of the table, known as the playing court, is rectangular,
2.74 m long and 1.525 m wide, and lies in a horizontal plane 76 cm above the
floor. The table is divided into two halves by a net. For doubles, each half-court
is divided into two even courts by a white line 3 mm wide, running parallel to
the side lines, often called the center line.

The Net Assembly

The net assembly consists of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts,
including the clamps attaching them to the table. The net is 15.25 cm high and
extends 15.25 cm beyond each side of the table.

The Ball

The ball is spherical with a diameter of 40 mm. It weighs 2.7 g. It is made of

celluloid or similar plastic material and is white or orange, and matte.

The Racket

The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and
rigid. At least 85% of the blade thickness by material shall be natural wood. An
adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as
carbon fibre, glass fibre or compressed paper, but shall not be thicker than
7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35 mm, whichever is the smaller. Both sides of
the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered, either with ordinary
pimpled rubber (pimples out, 2 mm total thickness including adhesive) or
sandwich rubber (pimples in or out, 4 mm total thickness including adhesive).
One side must be bright red and the other black.

Definitions

 Rally: The period during which the ball is in play.

 Let: A rally of which the result is not scored.

 Point: A rally of which the result is scored.

 Game: A game is won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points, unless
both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by
the first player or pair thereafter gaining a lead of 2 points.

 Match: A match shall consist of the best of an odd number of games

(e.g., best of 5 or 7 games).

The Serve

The server must stand behind the end line and toss the ball vertically upwards
by hand, at least 16 cm (6.3 inches), so that it rises from the palm of the free
hand. As the ball is falling, the server must strike it so that it first touches
their own court and then, after passing over or around the net assembly,
touches the receiver's court. In doubles, the ball must touch the server's right
half-court and then the receiver's right half-court. The server must not hide the
ball during the serve.

The Return

After a legal serve, the receiver must strike the ball so that it passes directly
over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court.

Order of Play
 In a single game, the server makes a legal serve, the receiver makes a legal
return, and thereafter, the server and receiver alternately make legal returns.
In doubles, the server serves, the receiver returns, then the server's partner
returns, then the receiver's partner returns, and thereafter, each player in turn
in that sequence.

Scoring

A point is scored when:

 An opponent fails to make a legal serve.

 An opponent fails to make a legal return.

 The ball touches anything other than the net assembly after being
served or returned, before touching the opponent's court.

 A player obstructs the ball (touches it before it has passed over the
playing surface or beyond the end line).

 A player moves the playing surface or touches the net assembly.

 A player's free hand touches the playing surface.

Expedite System

The expedite system comes into operation if a game is unfinished after 10

minutes' play, or at any time at the request of both players or pairs. If the
expedite system is in operation, each player serves one point in turn, and if
the receiving player or pair makes 13 returns in a rally, the receiving player or
pair scores a point.

Doubles Play

In doubles, the serving order rotates between partners. The service must be
delivered diagonally, from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right
half-court. After the service and return, partners must strike the ball
alternately.

Fundamental Skills and Technique

Mastering table tennis requires dedication to developing a range of

fundamental skills and techniques.

Stance and Footwork

 Ready Stance: Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart,
knees bent, body leaning slightly forward, and racket held in front of the
body. This allows for quick movement in any direction.

 Footwork: Small, quick steps are crucial for positioning. Common

footwork patterns include:

o Shuffle Step: Sideways movement to cover short distances.

o Cross-over Step: Used for longer lateral movements.

 o In-and-out Step: To approach the table for short balls or move
back for deep balls.

Grip

The way you hold the racket significantly impacts your control, power, and
spin.

 Shakehand Grip: The most common grip, similar to shaking hands. Offers
excellent versatility for both forehand and backhand strokes.

o Forehand: Thumb rests on the blade, index finger extended along

the bottom edge of the rubber.

o Backhand: Fingers wrapped around the handle, thumb on top of

the rubber.

 Penhold Grip: Popular in Asia, resembles holding a pen. Offers superior

forehand power and wrist flexibility, but can make backhand difficult
without specialized techniques.

o Chinese Penhold: Fingers curled on the back of the blade.

o Japanese/Korean Penhold: Fingers extended on the back of the

blade.

Basic Strokes

These are the foundational strokes upon which all advanced techniques are
built.

 Forehand Drive: A powerful offensive stroke used to generate topspin

and speed.

o Execution: Backswing with the racket low, open face. Strike the
ball at the peak of the bounce, brushing upwards and forwards to
impart topspin. Follow through across the body.

 Backhand Drive: The backhand counterpart to the forehand drive, also

used for offense.

o Execution: Backswing with the racket high, closed face. Strike the
ball at the peak of the bounce, brushing upwards and forwards.
Follow through away from the body.

 Forehand Push: A defensive stroke used to keep the ball low and with
backspin, often as a service return or to set up an attack.

o Execution: Racket open, move forward and slightly down through

the ball, imparting backspin.

 Backhand Push: Similar to the forehand push, used defensively on the

backhand side.

o Execution: Racket open, move forward and slightly down through

the ball.

 Serve Variations: The serve is crucial for gaining an advantage.

Variations include:
 o Topspin Serve: Ball is brushed upwards to create forward rotation,
causing it to dip sharply after bouncing.

o Backspin Serve: Ball is brushed downwards to create backward

rotation, causing it to float or slow down.

o Sidespin Serve: Ball is brushed to the side to create lateral

rotation, causing it to curve.

o No-Spin Serve: Mimics a spin serve but with minimal or no spin,

designed to deceive the opponent.

 Block: A defensive stroke used to return fast attacks with minimal effort,
often imparting some backspin or no spin.

o Execution: Racket held firm, slightly closed, meeting the ball at

the bounce and absorbing its pace.

 Loop: An advanced topspin stroke, often with a large swing, designed to

generate extreme topspin and curve, making it difficult to return.

o Execution: Exaggerated upward and forward brush of the ball,

often involving significant leg and body rotation.

 Smash: The most powerful offensive stroke, used to hit high balls with
maximum speed and no spin, aiming for a direct winner.

o Execution: Full swing, hitting through the ball with a flat racket
face.

Advanced Techniques and Strategy

 Flip/Flick: A quick, aggressive topspin stroke used on short balls close to

the net.

 Chop: A heavily backspin stroke, usually played defensively from a

distance, designed to make the ball drop sharply.

 Lob: A high, defensive shot used to gain time and retrieve difficult balls.

 Serve and Attack: A common strategy where the server uses a deceptive
serve to set up an immediate attack.

 Placement: Hitting the ball to specific areas of the opponent's court to

exploit weaknesses or create openings.

 Spin Variation: The ability to disguise different types and amounts of

spin on serves and strokes to confuse opponents.

 Aggressive Receiving: Attacking the opponent's serve with a flick or

loop.

Duties of Officials

Officials play a vital role in ensuring fair play and adherence to the rules of
table tennis.

The Umpire
The umpire is the chief official for a match and has overall control of the game.
Their duties include:

 Pre-match:

o Checking the equipment (table, net, ball, rackets) for compliance

with regulations.

o Ensuring players are ready and have appropriate attire.

o Conducting the toss for choice of serve or end.

 During the Match:

o Calling the score: Announcing the score clearly after each point,
typically server's score first.

o Calling lets and points: Determining when a let or point should be

awarded according to the rules.

o Monitoring serves: Ensuring illegal serves (e.g., hidden serve,

insufficient toss) are called.

o Monitoring touches: Observing if a player touches the table or net

assembly with their free hand or body.

o Enforcing rules: Applying penalties for rule violations (e.g.,

obstruction, unsporting conduct).

o Managing time-outs and intervals: Keeping track of time-outs

requested by players and the intervals between games.

o Applying the expedite system: Initiating the expedite system

when necessary and explaining it to players.

o Resolving disputes: Making decisions on any issues that arise

during the match.

 Post-match:

o Recording the final score.

o Signing the score sheet.

The Assistant Umpire

The assistant umpire supports the umpire and primarily focuses on certain
aspects of the game. Their duties include:

 Checking validity of service: Paying close attention to the legality of the

serve, especially concerning the height of the toss and whether the ball
is hidden.

 Monitoring touches: Assisting the umpire in observing if a player

touches the playing surface or net assembly.

 Calling "lets" for net serves: Indicating when a serve touches the net
assembly and is otherwise good.
  Observing edge balls: Helping to determine if a ball hit the edge of the
table (a legal shot) or the side (an illegal shot).

 Providing advice to the umpire: Offering their opinion when requested

by the umpire, particularly on close calls.

The Stroke Counter (if applicable)

In matches under the expedite system, a stroke counter may be used. Their
duty is to:

 Count the returns: To accurately count the 13 returns made by the

receiving player or pair in a rally under the expedite system, to
determine if a point is scored by the receiver.

Equipment

The right equipment is essential for playing table tennis effectively and safely.

Table

 Dimensions: 2.74 m (9 ft) long, 1.525 m (5 ft) wide, and 76 cm

(30 inches) high.

 Colour: Usually dark green or blue, with a white sideline (2 cm wide)

along all edges and a white centreline (3 mm wide) for doubles.

 Material: Typically made of particle board or medium-density fiberboard

(MDF) with a smooth, low-friction coating.

Net and Post Assembly

 Net Height: 15.25 cm (6 inches) high.

 Net Length: Extends 15.25 cm beyond each side of the table.

 Material: Usually made of cotton or synthetic mesh.

 Posts: Clamped to the table, holding the net taut.

Balls

 Size: 40 mm in diameter (older balls were 38 mm).

 Weight: 2.7 grams.

 Colour: White or orange, chosen for contrast against the playing surface
and background.

 Material: Celluloid or non-celluloid plastic. Often rated by stars (e.g., 3-

star for competition).

Rackets (Paddles/Bats)

 Blade: The wooden part of the racket, which can be made of various
layers of wood (plywood) and sometimes composite materials like
carbon fiber. Blades are categorized by their speed and control
characteristics.
  Rubbers: The covering on both sides of the blade, which can be:

o Inverted (Pimples-in): The most common type, with the smooth

surface facing outwards. Provides excellent grip for spin and
speed.

o Pimpled (Pimples-out): Small pimples facing outwards. Offers less

spin but can produce disruptive effects and good hitting speed.

o Anti-spin: A very slick, low-friction rubber designed to negate spin

and produce unpredictable returns.

o Long Pimples: Long, thin pimples that reverse incoming spin,

making it difficult for opponents.

 Sponge: The layer between the rubber and the blade, which adds
elasticity and controls speed and feel. Thickness varies.

 Colour: One side must be bright red and the other black, to allow
opponents to distinguish between the sides and anticipate spin.

Clothing and Footwear

 Clothing: Comfortable, non-restrictive sportswear. Colors contrasting

with the ball are preferred.

 Footwear: Lightweight indoor sports shoes with good grip and ankle
support, designed for quick lateral movements.

Important Tournaments

Table tennis has a rich calendar of international tournaments that showcase

the sport's top talent.

World Table Tennis Championships

 History: The pinnacle of international table tennis, first held in 1926.

 Frequency: Held every two years (biannually) since 1957, with individual
and team events alternating.

 Events:

o Individual Championships (Worlds): Men's Singles, Women's

Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles.

o Team Championships (World Team Cup): Men's Team, Women's

Team.

 Significance: Considered the most prestigious title in table tennis,

attracting the best players from around the globe.

Olympic Games

 History: Table tennis debuted as an Olympic sport at the 1988 Seoul

Summer Olympics.

 Frequency: Held every four years as part of the Summer Olympics.

  Events: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Team, Women's Team,
Mixed Doubles (introduced in Tokyo 2020).

 Significance: A global platform that brings immense recognition and

prestige to the sport and its athletes.

World Cup

 History: The ITTF Men's World Cup started in 1980, and the Women's
World Cup in 1996.

 Frequency: Held annually (except for Olympic years sometimes).

 Events: Men's Singles, Women's Singles (invitational tournament for top

players).

 Significance: Features a smaller, elite field of players, including

continental champions and highly-ranked individuals.

ITTF World Tour / WTT Events

 History: Evolved from the ITTF Pro Tour, now branded as World Table
Tennis (WTT) events.

 Frequency: A series of tournaments held throughout the year globally.

 Events: Various tiers of events (e.g., WTT Grand Smashes, WTT

Champions, WTT Contender series) with varying prize money and
ranking points.

 Significance: Provides regular competition opportunities for professional

players, allowing them to earn ranking points and qualify for major
championships. The year-end WTT Finals (formerly World Tour Grand
Finals) brings together the top performers of the year.

Continental Championships

 Examples: Asian Championships, European Championships, Pan

American Championships, African Championships, Oceania
Championships.

 Frequency: Typically held annually or biannually.

 Events: Similar to World Championships, with individual and team events

within their respective continents.

 Significance: Determine continental champions and often serve as

qualification events for World Championships and Olympic Games.

National Championships

 Example (India): Senior National Table Tennis Championships, National

Ranking Tournaments.

 Frequency: Annually.

 Events: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Doubles, Team events.

 Significance: Identify national champions and top-ranked players,

serving as a pathway to represent the country internationally.
 Name of Players and Their Achievements

Table tennis has produced numerous legendary players whose achievements

have inspired generations.

International Legends

1. Jan-Ove Waldner (Sweden)

 Era: 1980s - 2000s

 Achievements:

o Olympic Gold Medalist (Men's Singles, 1992 Barcelona)

o Olympic Silver Medalist (Men's Singles, 2000 Sydney)

o World Champion (Men's Singles, 1989 & 1997)

o Known for his exceptional touch, tactical brilliance, and ability to

win against different generations of players. Often referred to as
"The Mozart of Table Tennis."

2. Deng Yaping (China)

 Era: 1990s

 Achievements:

o 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist:

 (Women's Singles & Women's Doubles, 1992 Barcelona)

 (Women's Singles & Women's Doubles, 1996 Atlanta)

o 6-time World Champion (Singles, Doubles, Team)

o Dominated women's table tennis throughout the 1990s.

3. Ma Long (China)

 Era: 2000s - Present

 Achievements:

o 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist (Men's Singles, 2016 Rio & 2020
Tokyo) - The first and only male player to achieve this.

o 5-time World Champion (Men's Singles, 2015, 2017, 2019)

o Multiple World Team Championship and World Cup titles.

o Considered by many to be the greatest male table tennis player of

all time ("The Dragon").

4. Ding Ning (China)

 Era: 2010s

 Achievements:
 o Olympic Gold Medalist (Women's Singles, 2016 Rio)

o Olympic Silver Medalist (Women's Singles, 2012 London)

o 3-time World Champion (Women's Singles, 2011, 2015, 2017)

o Multiple World Team Championship and World Cup titles.

o Known for her powerful forehand and strong mental game.

Notable Indian Players

1. Sharath Kamal Achanta

 Era: 2000s - Present

 Achievements:

o Multiple Commonwealth Games Gold Medals (Singles, Doubles,

Team)

o First Indian to win a singles gold at the Commonwealth Games

(2006).

o Recipient of the Padma Shri (India's fourth-highest civilian award).

o Multiple national titles.

o One of India's most decorated table tennis players, known for his
longevity and powerful game.

2. Manika Batra

 Era: 2010s - Present

 Achievements:

o Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (Women's Singles, 2018 Gold

Coast) - First Indian woman to achieve this.

o Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (Women's Team, 2018 Gold

Coast)

o Recipient of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (India's

highest sporting honour).

o Broke into the world's top 50.

o Known for her long pimple rubber and deceptive style of play.

3. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

 Era: 2010s - Present

 Achievements:

o Commonwealth Games Medals (including Team Gold)

o Consistent top performer on the international circuit.

o Has achieved a career-high ranking inside the world's top 25.

 o Known for his aggressive attacking style and strong backhand.

Diagram of the Playing Field/Court

(You will need to draw this accurately by hand or use a digital drawing tool.)

[Insert your detailed diagram here]

Key elements to include in your diagram:

 Overall Table Dimensions: Length (2.74 m), Width (1.525 m), Height
(76 cm from floor).

 Net Height: 15.25 cm.

 White Sidelines: 2 cm wide.

 White Endlines: 2 cm wide.

 White Center Line: 3 mm wide, dividing each half-court for doubles play.
This line only extends across the length of the table for doubles.

 Net Assembly: Clearly show the net and the posts holding it.

 Playing Surface: Indicate the top surface of the table.

 Service Courts: For doubles, clearly mark the right half-courts on both
sides of the net, where serves must land.

 Labels: Label all parts clearly (e.g., "Endline," "Sideline," "Net," "Net
Post," "Center Line for Doubles").

 Dimensions: Add all relevant dimensions as specified above.

 Perspective: A clear top-down view is usually best for showing

dimensions and lines, possibly with a side view to show height.

Example Sketch Idea (You should draw a cleaner, more precise version):

2.74 m (Length)

-------------------------------------------------

| |

| |

| Net |

|-------------------- -----------------------|

| || |

| || |

| || |

| || |

| Receiver's || Server's |
 | Right Half-Court | | Right Half-Court |

| (Doubles) || (Doubles) |

|-------------------- -----------------------|

| | 1.525 m (Width)

| |

| |

| |

|-----------------------------------------------|

(Endline) (Endline)

Side View (for height reference)

-----------------------------------

| (Playing Surface) 76 cm from floor

|-----------------------------------|

| Net (15.25 cm height)

-----------------------------------