From Greg Letts,
Your Guide to Table Tennis / Ping-Pong.
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Welcome to the sport of table tennis (or ping-pong, as it is known in recreational circles)! As a new player, you are no doubt looking for some helpful advice to get you playing good table tennis as soon as possible, and to avoid making those mistakes that can slow down your progress. This Beginner's Guide to Table Tennis/Ping-Pong will help you get started on the right foot.

Objective of the Sport

Apart from having a lot of fun, the basic objective of the sport of ping-pong is to win matches made up of an odd number of games, by being the first to win 11 points in each game.

• Objective of the Sport of Table Tennis/Ping-Pong

A Brief History of Table Tennis/Ping-Pong

From it's humble beginning as a Victorian England parlour game, through to the controversy of finger-spin serves, the heady days of ping-pong diplomacy, and the recent speed glue developments, the sport of table tennis has had an interesting and often checkered past. Learn a little more about the origins and development of the sport, right up to the latest important events.

• Origins and History of the Sport of Table Tennis/Ping-Pong

Why Play Table Tennis?

You mean, other than the fact that ping-pong is a lot of fun and good for your health? If you need more convincing then that, I've got 10 top reasons why table tennis is the sport for you! Plus a number of other fun articles about the perks (and pet peeves) of ping-pong.

• Ten Top Reasons Why Table Tennis is the Sport for You
• Ten Things I Love Most About Table Tennis
• My Pet Peeves About Ping-Pong
• Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Table Tennis
• Table Tennis Instant Excuse Generator

Ping-Pong Equipment for Beginners

A couple of ping-pong paddles, a ball or two and a table tennis table and you're all set. Or are you?

• Equipment Needed to Play Table Tennis

Ping-Pong vs Table Tennis

You say ping-pong, I say table tennis. Who is right? Does it really matter?

• Ping-Pong or Table Tennis - Which is the Correct Name?

Basic Concepts

OK, so now you are off and swinging, and no doubt having a great time battling it out with your friends and family. But before you develop any bad habits, start browsing my Basic Concepts section. With information on

• The Magic of Spin
• How to Play the Basic Strokes
• How to Put Your Strokes Together
• Important Rules for Beginners
• How to Keep Score
• Grip Types
• Playing Styles
• Training Guides
• Matchplay Advice
• and more,

you'll be sure to improve your table tennis as fast as possible!

Common Myths About Table Tennis/Ping-Pong

There are a number of myths and misconceptions out there about the sport of table tennis. I've listed the most common ones and given my take on each.

• Common Myths About Table Tennis/Ping-Pong

Finding Places to Play

As you continue to improve, you'll want to broaden your horizons beyond beating the same old opponents. Look here to find new places to play ping-pong, and new opponents to conquer! (and make friends with, of course)

• Places to Play Ping-Pong

Becoming an Advanced Player

Finally, once you have mastered the basics, you'll be ready to take the next step and work towards becoming an advanced player. I've got that covered for you as well, with a whole section devoted to advanced players.

• Becoming an Advanced Player

Welcome to table tennis - may your stay be a long one!