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DFW Table Tennis -- Newsletter |
Spectator's Guide to Table Tennis Table Tennis Ping-pong vs. Table Tennis? Where to play? General Rules Rules & Regulations Table Tennis Balls Are there rules on what equipment I may use? Scoring What is the format for the various events? Is there a dress code? How to win a point?
Tournament Etiquette… …Warming up …Before the match If it's a round robin event, then you'll be playing several other players. There should be a playing schedule on the round robin sheet – make sure to play in order, unless a player is missing. If a player is missing, let the control desk know, and then play the next match that can be played. After about 15 minutes, if a player doesn't show, the referee might default him. Before the match begins, you are allowed to examine your opponent's racket to see what type of equipment he is using. Do not start a match without knowing what your opponent is using – inverted, short pips, long pips, antispin, hardbat, and all the possible combinations (since a racket has two surfaces). (If you do not know what these surfaces are, you need to ask an experienced player or coach about them. It's best to ask about it before you find out the hard way in a tournament match!) Once you are at the table, you and your opponent are allowed to warm up for two minutes. It is customary during this time to hit “forehand to forehand” and “backhand to backhand,” corner to corner, to warm up and groove these two strokes. More advanced players may also warm up their “loop” (a heavy topspin shot). Once either players are ready (or two minutes has passed), you have to figure out who serves first. By the rules, you flip a coin. In the great majority of matches, it is customary for one player to simply hide the ball in one hand under the table, and the other chooses which hand it is in. The winner gets choice of serving or sides, or may choose to let the other choose first. Then the other player gets to choice whatever is left (service order or sides). …During the match During a match, some players become somewhat …animated. There's nothing wrong with being a bit high spirited, but do not go overboard and start screaming or (worse) swearing. Remember, it's only a game! If you or your opponent has a coach during the match, note that coaching is only allowed between games and (in an umpired match) during a legal timeout. Also, only one person may coach a player during a match. If, by some chance, you and your opponent have a dispute of any sort, you need to call for the referee, who can make a ruling and/or assign an umpire for the match. Go to the control desk and ask for a referee if you need one! …After the match Check to make sure the scores were written properly in the match slip, and then the winner returns it (along with the ball and pencil/pen) to the control desk. If it's just one match in the middle of a round robin, then you have to wait until all matches are played before the group's winner returns it to the control desk. …Spectating Common Terms Blade - A paddle or racquet without any covering. Block - Used to return an attack shot. The racquet is held in front of the ball with little movement before contact. Chop - Used to create underspin. The shot is executed by slicing underneath and grazing the bottom or back of the ball. Defender - This player pushes, chops, blocks, and tries to force his/her opponent into making a mistake. Defenders rely on their ability to return every ball and wearing down an opponent. Third Ball Attack - Begins with a serve, an opponent's return, and an attack of the opponent's return. Fifth Ball Attack - Begins with a serve, an opponent's return, a loop or strategically placed drive, an opponent's return, and ends with a point-winning put away. Hardbat - Also called "Classic Table Tennis"; players are required to use paddles covered only with short-pimpled rubber, without sponge. Proponents claim that the reduced spin produces longer rallies balancing offense and defense. Hit - A slower version of a smash. Let - A rally in which play stops and the point is not scored. Let Serve - When the serve hits the net and lands on the opponent's side. Players serve again. It is often incorrectly called a net serve. Loop - A long sweeping upward stroke that just grazes the top half of the ball to create tremendous topspin. A good loop goes nearly straight up if it strikes a vertical paddle, and is used as a rallying shot, to set up a smash, or as a put away shot itself. Penhold - This grip generally gives the player the best forehand, but a weaker backhand. Popular in Asia, the racquet is held as if you were holding a pen, with the racquet tip pointing mostly downward. Pips In - A smooth rubber surface on the racquet face. Pips Out - A rubber surface on the racquet covered with bumps or dimples. Rally - When the ball is in play. Smash - The fastest shot in table tennis and almost impossible to return, a smash averages 60 mph and reaches upwards of 100 mph. Serve - Used to put the ball into play. Each player alternately serves two points until a player scores 11 points. If the score reaches 10-10, then the game shall be won by the first player to take a two-point lead. Shakehands - The most popular grip in the world, it is held by basically shaking hands with the racquet. This grip generally gives the best balance of forehand and backhand shots. Table - Nine feet in length and five feet in width. It is supported so that the upper surface, termed the playing surface, is lying on a horizontal plane two feet, six inches above the floor.
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