Table of Contents Getting Started Equipment Pre-Play Preparation Guide to Grips The Ready Position/The Importance of Footwork Basic Strokes The Drive The Push The Block The Smash Basic Service Techniques Advanced Strokes The Loop The Chop The Flip The Lob Advanced Service Techniques Getting Started In order to start playing the real sport of table tennis, one requires the proper equipment and techniques. Although experimentation forms a large portion of one's advancement later on, in the beginning most everyone needs to learn the basics. Remember, even a wanderer had to find out how to walk one time or another. Equipment For a more detailed discussion of table tennis equipment, visit the equipment page. If you are just starting out, take stock of your equipment(if any): Does the equipment meet legal requirements(in table tennis)? Is the equipment in a good enough condition as to not hamper performance(very important when starting out)? The paddle can be of any size and weight, from a l...
