Table Tennis Skills, Equipment, Rules and Safety for Primary 4

Table Tennis

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. perform basic skills in table tennis correctly.

What is Table Tennis?

Table tennis is a fun sport played by two or four players. It is also known as “ping-pong.” Players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets.

The game is played on a special table divided by a net. The goal is to hit the ball in such a way that the opponent cannot return it legally.

Table Tennis Equipment

To play table tennis, certain equipment is needed. These items help players enjoy the game safely and correctly.

The main equipment used in table tennis includes:

1. Table tennis table: This is a rectangular table, usually green or blue, divided into two halves by a net.
2. Table tennis balls: These are very light, small, hollow balls, usually white or orange. Sometimes, for practice, eggs can be used as a substitute for table tennis balls.
3. Racket (Bat): This is a small paddle used to hit the ball. It has a wooden blade covered with rubber on both sides.
4. Sports wear: Players wear comfortable clothes and shoes that allow them to move freely during the game.

Table Tennis Skills

Playing table tennis well requires learning some basic skills. These skills help players control the ball and play the game correctly.

The Grip

The grip is how a player holds the table tennis racket. A good grip allows for better control of the ball and more powerful shots.

How to Hold the Racket (Shakehand Grip)

The most common way to hold a table tennis racket is called the shakehand grip, because it is similar to shaking someone’s hand.

The procedure for holding the racket correctly is:

1. Hold the racket handle as if shaking hands with it.
2. Wrap the fingers around the handle comfortably.
3. The thumb should rest on the rubber surface near the handle, pointing upwards.
4. The index finger should rest on the bottom edge of the rubber surface, pointing towards the racket head.
5. Ensure the grip is firm but not too tight, allowing the wrist to move freely.

Service

Service is how a point begins in table tennis. A player serves the ball by hitting it over the net so it bounces once on their side and then once on the opponent’s side.

How to Perform a Basic Service

Performing a basic service involves these steps:

1. Stand behind the end line of the table.
2. Hold the ball in the open palm of the free hand, above the table level.
3. Toss the ball upwards at least 16 centimetres (about the height of a small ruler).
4. As the ball falls, hit it with the racket so it bounces once on your side of the table.
5. The ball must then travel over the net and bounce once on the opponent’s side of the table.
6. The ball must be hit behind the end line and above the table.

Forehand Drive

The forehand drive is a powerful stroke used to hit the ball when it comes to the player’s dominant side (e.g., right side for a right-handed player).

How to Perform a Forehand Drive

To perform a forehand drive correctly, follow these steps:

1. Stand with the body slightly turned to the side, facing the net.
2. Bend the knees slightly and keep the body balanced.
3. Bring the racket back and down, preparing to swing forward.
4. As the ball approaches, swing the racket forward and slightly upwards.
5. Hit the ball in front of the body, aiming to send it over the net with good speed.
6. Follow through with the racket, pointing it towards the direction the ball was hit.

Backhand Drive

The backhand drive is a stroke used to hit the ball when it comes to the player’s non-dominant side (e.g., left side for a right-handed player).

How to Perform a Backhand Drive

To perform a backhand drive correctly, follow these steps:

1. Stand with the body facing the net, but turn the shoulders slightly.
2. Bend the knees slightly and keep the body balanced.
3. Bring the racket across the body, preparing to swing forward.
4. As the ball approaches, swing the racket forward and slightly upwards, using the wrist and forearm.
5. Hit the ball in front of the body, aiming to send it over the net.
6. Follow through with the racket, pointing it towards the direction the ball was hit.

Playing Table Tennis Correctly

Playing table tennis correctly means using the right grip, serving properly, and being able to hit the ball with both forehand and backhand drives. Practising these skills regularly helps players improve their game.

When playing, always remember to:

1. Hold the racket with a firm but relaxed grip.
2. Watch the ball carefully as it comes towards you.
3. Move your feet to get into the best position to hit the ball.
4. Use the correct stroke (forehand or backhand) depending on where the ball lands.
5. Aim to hit the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the table.