Table tennis

PE4
Table tennis, a recreational activity and an Olympic sport since 1988, is also known by
the term ‘ping-pong’. Though it is excluded from official terminology, this name is very
popular today. It notably originates from the onomatopoeic sound of the ball that
appeared in the Far East in 1884: ‘ping’ is imitative of the sound of a bat striking a ball
and ‘pong’ equates to the sound of the bounce on the table. Does the history of table
tennis intrigue you? Settle in comfortably then and let yourself be guided through the
beginning of time.
 History of table tennis
It was in England, in the late 19th century, that table tennis made its appearance.
Taking inspiration from lawn tennis, the first players belonged to middle-class
Victorian society. The first game would have been played using a champagne cork as
a ball, cigar boxes as bats, and books for the net. At that point, table tennis was seen
as a mere distraction for the wealthy classes. In 1890, Englishman David Foster,
attracted by its wide appeal, introduced the first game of tennis on a table. In 1897,
the first national championships were organized in Hungary. Following a trip to In
the United States, in 1901 James Gibb brought back the first celluloid ball, which
was much lighter than the rubber balls. A year later, in 1902, E.C. Gould, a British
enthusiast
of the game, introduced the first bats covered in rubber and rubberized pimples. It
was game on for the history of table tennis! tennis originated in the monastic
cloisters in northern France in the 12th century
 THE FIRST TABLE TENNIS
TOURNAMENT
Following on from the success of the first public tournaments at Queen’s Hall in
London, it was in 1902 that the first official World Championship took place. The sport
enjoyed increased growth and the British Table Tennis Federation was created. The first
European Championships were subsequently organized in 1907. Everything stepped up
a gear in the 1920s. The Table Tennis Association was created in England in 1921,
followed by the International Federation in 1926. The World Championships between
the different countries were held in London in 1926 and the French Table Tennis
Federation saw the light of day in 1927. The French would participate for the first time
in Budapest in 1929. The history of table tennis is colored by a great many champions,
including the Austro-Briton Richard Bergmann, Franco-Polish player Aloizy Ehrilich and
the Romanian Angelica Rozeanu.
Up until 2001 a table tennis game was played up to 21 points. But in order to make
the game more exciting, have more "crucial" points, and to make it more appealing
to television viewers, the rules of table tennis were changed. A game of table tennis
is now played up to 11 points.
 The early origins of Table tennis
It is a brief overview of the generally acknowledged important highlights of the game’s
development
12th Century AD- the Game of table tennis probably descended from the game of “royal
tennis (also known as Real tennis or court tennis), which was played in the medieval era.
1880s- Some authorities claim that the sport was once known as indoor tennis, and was
played in the early 1880s by British army officers stationed in India and South Africa.
These officers were said to have used improvised equipment - paddles were cigar box
lids, balls used were rounded wine bottle corks, and nets were books. Eventually, the
game became a trend among the upper classes in England.
1890- David Foster patented in England a set of games that included table versions of
Lawn Tennis Cricket and Football. He is considered by ITTF the inventor of the game
1891- John Jacques of London introduced the "Gossima game, which used a 50mm web-
covered cork ball drum-type paddles, and a 30cm high net
1901- John Jacques registered "Ping Pong" as a trade name in England. Later on,
American rights to the name were sold to Parker Brothers
1903- On December 12, "The Table Tennis Association" was formed in England. Four
days later, "The Ping Pong Association" was also formed in England.
- Table tennis was first brought to China via Western settlements
1903- On May 1, 1903, "The Table Tennis Association" and "The Ping Pong
Association" merged, forming "The United Table Tennis and Ping Pong Association".
This association changed its name to "The Table Tennis Association", before becoming
defunct in 1904
THE HARD BAT PERIOD AND EUROPEAN DOMINANCE

1922- “The Table Tennis Association" was reconstituted, but was renamed "English
Table Tennis Association" in 1927
1926- The International Table Tennis Federation was initialized and later on became the
sport's international governing body.
1926-1931- Maria Mednyanszky (Hungary) dominated and won the women's singles at
the World Championships
1935- The US Amateur Table Tennis Association, National Table Tennis Association, and
American Ping Pong Association merged to form the US Table Tennis Association, but
was renamed USA Table Tennis in 1994
1936- Repainted tables (which made the playing surface very slow) and a high net (64
inches high) combined to make attacking play very difficult at the World Championships
in Prague, Czechoslovakia
1938- The ITTF lowers the net from 64 inches to 6 inches
1950-1955- Angelica Rozeanu-Adelstein (Romania) won six women's singles titles in a
row at the World Championships. Since then, every World Champion in women's
singles has been an Asian player
1952- Hiroji Satoh (Japan) became feared for his use of a wooden paddle covered in thick
foam sponge rubber, which produced much more speed and spin than conventional
pimpled rubbers. He won the 1952 World Championships over Jozsef Koczian of Hungary
and began a period of Asian male domination in the sport which lasted until Sweden rose
to supremacy from 1989 to the early 1990’s .
Sen. Sergio Osmeňa, TATAP's first president invited several world-class players to play in
the 1st Philippine Invitational of Champions.
1953- China joined the World Championships for the first time
1957- The World Championships became a biennial event due to the problems of hosting
an event of such size, and difficulty in finding fitting venues.
1959- Rong Guotuan became the first Chinese world champion in any sport.
1960- The ITTF standardized the thickness of ordinary pimpled rubber and sponge
rubber.
1971- . Jean-Paul Weber (France) used the first anti-spin rubber in the World
Championships in Nagoya, Japan, and had some success with its use.
 The age of speed glue and technology
1970s- Dragutin Surbek (Yugoslavia), and Tibor Klampar (Hungary) discovered that using
bicycle tire repair glue to set rubber on a blade significantly increases the speed and spin
that can be produced, hence the start of the use of speed glue
1970s-1989- China was the biggest force in both men's and women's events on the
international scene, bagging gold medals in multiple events at all world championships.
1977- ITTF got the formal declaration of its recognition by the International Olympic
Committee (IOC).
1980- The first World Cup event was held in Hong Kong.
1985- The two-color rule was adopted to reduce the effectiveness of combination rackets.
1988- Table Tennis became part of the Seoul Olympics.
1989-1993- Sweden broke the Chinese dominance in Men's World Championships, winning
the 1989, 1991, and 1993 Team Events, and producing Jan-Ove Waldner (1989) and Jorgen
Persson (1991) as Men's World Champions. China continued its dominance in the female
ranks.
1992- Jan-Ove Waldner (Sweden) became Olympic singles champion and reputedly, the first
table tennis millionaire.
1995-present- China reasserted its command and dominance in the Men's Team and Men's
Singles events at the World Championships.
1996- Commencement of the ITTF Pro Tour, held all around the world.
1997- Swede Jan-Ove Waldner won the Men's Singles title at the World Championships for
the second time without losing a single game.
2000s- Frictionless long pimples became popular among many players, in an attempt to
counteract the power and spin produced by technology and speed glue.
2000- China lost to the aging Swedish trio of Jan-Ove Waldner, Jorgen Persson and Peter
Karlsson in the Men's Team event.
- After the Sydney Olympics, the ball size was increased to 40mm.
2001- The ITTF changed the scoring system, moving to 11 point games, and using a best of 5
or 7 games match. World Championships was held in Osaka, Japan. Total victory for team
China for the third time, bagging all of the seven gold medals.
2003- Werner Schlager (Austria) broke the Chinese dominance on the Men's Singles World Championship
title. In the finals, he defeated Joo Se Hyuk (South Korea) - the first defensive player finalist in the men's
singles since Eberhard Scholer (Germany) in 1969. Scholer also lost to Shigeo Itoh (Japan).
2004- Table Tennis ranked 5th for television viewing audience among all sports during the Athens
Olympics.
2005- World Championships were held in Shanghai, China. Total triumph again for China, winning five gold
medals.
2006- ITTF announced its intention of banning frictionless long pips and speed glues with toxic organic
solvents. World Championships was held in Bremen, Germany wherein China bagged the gold medals in
the team events.
2007- The ITTF banned all speed glues due to health hazards it gives. The World Championships was
conducted in Zagreb, Croatia. Victory number five for China, winning five gold medals.
2008- China won all the gold medals at the Beijing Olympics, with the team events replacing the men's
doubles and women's doubles.
-The Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) held the 1st Philippine National Table Tennis
Championships.
2010- Table tennis was part of the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore
2011- Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV was formally elected as President of the Table Tennis
Association of the Philippines (TATAP), the national governing body for the sport.
2012- China's domination has inspired another rule- change. In London 2012, only two
athletes per country will participate in singles for men and women. This guarantees that
only two of the three medals may go to China.
 Facilities and Equipment
The Table, Net Paddle or racket, and Playing Area
The table, which may be made of any material that produces a uniform bounce, is 9 feet
long and 5 feet wide. The playing surface is 2.5 feet above the floor. The table surface
may be dark green or blue. A white line runs along each edge, forming two end lines and
two sidelines. The playing surface includes the top edges only, not including the sides
below the edge. In doubles, a line at the center divides each end in two equal parts; this
center line is regarded as part of the right half of each end.
The net is 6 feet long and the net's complete length stands 6 inches high across the
playing surface. It is attached to the net posts which are positioned at the middle of the
sides of the table.
In-playing area The minimum playing area is 40 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 11.5 feet
high. The floor should be made of hard materials such as wood, concrete, or hard rubber
with a non-slippery surface.
The paddle/racket and the ball- The paddle has only two parts - the blade or wood and
the face which is the part that is covered with rubber. The paddle may be of any shape,
size and weight. The blade must be smooth, rigid, and continuously of even thickness.
The sides of the blade used to strike the ball must be covered with rubber. If the blade is
already with the rubbers, it may already be called a paddle. It should be black on one
side and bright red on the other. The rubber may be smooth or pimpled depending on
the player's playing style. The matte ball is spherical, weighs 2.7 grams, and has a
diameter of 40 mm. It is made of celluloid or similar plastic and may be white or orange.
Different types of balls are for different purposes. Fun/ Novelty balls are available in
many different colors and sizes and are particularly suitable for children and for
recreational play. Practice/Training balls are generally softer ball and are best suited for a
beginner. One-Star balls are suitable for use at schools and youth clubs. Two-star balls
are suitable for use by improvers or in a robot or for multi-ball practice. The highest
quality balls are the three-star balls, the only type authorized by the International Table
Tennis Federation for use in tournaments
DIMENSION OF THE TABLE
 MECHANICS AND RULES OF THE GAME
Mechanics and Rules of the Game Table tennis is played in singles or in doubles. The
players alternately hit a small plastic ball back and forth across the net with a rubber-
faced wooden paddle. A player serves the ball by tossing it with the free hand and
hitting it with the paddle to propel the ball to the other side of the table. If the serve is
returned so that the ball strikes the table once on the far side of the net, the rally
continues until one side is unable to make a good return. A match shall be played in
best of 3, 5, or 7 games, and each game shall be played until a player or team scores 11,
or a player or team leads by two points if the score becomes 10-10. Play is continuous,
however a player may ask for a one-minute timeout once in the entire match. Other
than this timeout, a one-minute break is given in between the games. Brief pauses after
a cumulative six points may also be incurred to hydrate, to towel off, or to do similar
things.
 SCORING
A player gains a point when his opponent:
1. fails to hit the ball;
2. fails to toss the ball for at least 6 inches high;
3. tosses the ball with a cupped hand;
4. tosses the ball starting from below the level of the playing surface;
5. catches the ball that is tossed;
6. hides the ball during service;
7. moves the table during rally;
8. fails to let the ball go across the net;
9. does not let the ball hit the playing surface;
10. volleys the ball;
11. allows the ball to bounce twice in his end
12. strikes the ball twice in hitting a return;
13. strikes the ball out of turn in doubles; or;
14. fails to return the serve.
 THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM
Except if 18 points have been scored, the expedite system shall come into operation
after 10 minutes of play in a game or at any time when requested by both players or
pairs. If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached, play shall be interrupted
by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player who served in the rally
that was interrupted. If the ball is not in play when the expedite system comes into
operation, play shall resume with service by the player who received in the
immediately preceding rally. Thereafter, each player shall serve for one point in turn
until the end of the game, and if the receiving player or pair makes 13 returns in a
rally, the receiver shall score a point. Introduction of the expedite system shall not
alter the order of serving and receiving in the match. Once introduced, the expedite
system shall remain in operation until the end of the match
 SERVING
At the initial part of the service, the ball shall be motionless, resting freely on the flat,
open palm of the free hand of the server, behind the end line and above the height of
the playing surface. He shall then toss the ball close to vertically upwards, without
putting spin, so that it is at least 6 inches high after leaving the palm of the free hand
and then descends without touching anything before being hit. As the ball descends,
the server shall hit it so that it touches his end of the table first and then, after going
over or around the net assembly, hits directly the receiver's end. In doubles, the ball
shall hit successively the right half-court of the server's and receiver's ends. The paddle
and ball shall be above the height of the playing surface from the last time that the ball
is motionless before being tossed until it is hit. The ball shall be hit behind the server's
end line but not beyond his body. It is the duty of the player to serve so that the
umpire or the assistant umpire can observe that he is complying with the requirements
for a legal service. If the umpire is uncertain of the legality of the service but neither he
nor the assistant umpire is certain that it is illegal, he may, on the first occurrence in
the match, caution the server without a point. If later on in the match, a service by
same player or his partner is still of dubious legality, for the same reason or another,
the receiver shall score a point.
 Every time there is a clear failure to fulfill the requirements for a legal service, no
caution shall be given and the receiver shall gain a point, on the first and any other
occasion.
 RETURNING
A return is good when the ball passes over or around the net or its supports and
strikes the opponent's end. A return may touch the net or its supports as long as it
lands in the opponent's end. A ball ceases to be in play if it touches any foreign
objects.
 LETS/LET
The rally shall be a let if:
1. during service, the ball touches the net assembly as it passes over it, provided
that the service is legal;
2. the service is given when the receiving player/team is not ready, provided that
neither of the opponents tries to return the ball;
3. failure to make legal service or a legal return or otherwise to conform with the
laws is due to an control of the player; and interruption outside the control of the
player
4. play is interrupted by the game officials.
 The Order of Play
In singles, the server first makes a good service, the receiver then makes a good
return and thereafter, server and receiver alternately shall each make a good
return. In doubles, the server makes a good service first, the receiver then makes a
good return, the partner of the server then makes a good return, the partner of the
receiver then makes a good return, and thereafter, each player in turn in that
sequence shall make a good return.
 The Order of Serving, Receiving and Changing of Ends

1. The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and end shall be via a toss of
coin. The winner of the coin toss shall choose first
2. When one player or pair has made a choice, the other player or pair shall have the
other choice.
3. After two points have been scored, the receiver shall become the new server and the
process is repeated until the end of the game, except if both players or pairs gain ten
points, or when the expedite system is in process, of which the sequences of serving and
receiving shall stay the same but a player shall serve for only one point per service
round.
4. In doubles, the pair having the right to serve first shall also decide which of them will
receive first. In the next games of the match, the first server having been chosen, the
player who served to him in the preceding game shall be the first receiver.
5. In doubles, the player who received previously shall become the server and the
partner of the player who served previously shall become the receiver after each service
round.
6. The first server in a game shall be the first receiver in the next game of the match. In
the deciding game of a doubles match, the pair that is to receive next shall change their
order of receiving when first team gains five points.
7. The player or pair who started at one end shall start at the other end in the next
game. In the deciding game, the players or pairs shall change ends when first player or
pair gains five points.
 Fundamental Skills
Grip- In table tennis, you may hold the paddle with either the shakehand grip or the
penhold grip. The table tennis grip is important because it controls the paddle angle. The
angle of the paddle controls the height, depth, speed, and direction of the ball and the
type and amount of spin that can be imparted to the ball
The shakehand grip is appropriately named because you grasp the paddle as if you
were shaking hands with somebody. Your pointing finger extends over the bottom part of
the rubber on the backhand side and your thumb slightly touches the rubber on the
forehand side. Actually, only three fingers and the palm grasp t handle of the paddle. the
Penhold Grip- The penhold grip is also appropriately named because you hold the
paddle just like a pen. Only your thumb and forefinger grasp the paddle at the top of
the handle. The three other fingers are placed on one side of the paddle.
 Spin

A good player uses spin while attempting to hit the ball onto the opponent's side. Spin
makes returning more difficult. The three spins used are topspin, backspin and sidespin.
To impart topspin to the ball, you must angle your paddle to closed position. Swing
through the ball with a forward motion. Slightly brush the top of the ball. A topspin
ball is predisposed to drop downward.
To impart backspin to the ball, you must angle your paddle to open position. Swing
through the ball, but don't use as much speed
as you would use in producing topspin. Slightly brush the bottom of the ball. A
backspin ball is predisposed to rise. A ball hit with a strong backspin is most
commonly called a chop.
Almost no players use pure sidespin in their strokes, but many use it in their serve.
To impart a pure sidespin, angle the paddle sideways and swing sideways; however,
athletes mainly combine topspin and sidespin, or backspin and sidespin in their
strokes and serves.
 Paddle Angles
Neutral Position - With the paddle held in a vertical position, the angle is described as
neutral. This is the "ready" position and is used when you are waiting for your
opponent to serve.

Closed Position- When the striking side is angled downwards at around 45 degrees,
the angle is described as closed. This is the position used to play a topspin shot or a
block against a topspin.
Open Position- When the striking side is angled upwards at around 45 degrees, the
angle is described as open. This is the position used to play a backspin shot like
push or chop.
 The Basic Shots
We have to learn things from the easiest to the most difficult Following this
principle, start with the backhand push, and then to the forehand drive, next is the
backhand drive, and finally the forehand push.

The Backhand Push- To play this shot, stand close to the table and take a stance
facing the line of play. Using a short stroke, your racket arm should move forward
from the elbow in a horizontal plane to the incoming ball. With a backhand stroke,
brush the bottom of the ball with your paddle in open position so that you impart a
slight backspin as you step your right foot forward placing it slightly under the table.
The Forehand Drive- Stand close to the table in
sideward manner direction of play. facing the
Using a medium stroke, your racket arm should
progress forward and a little upwards in the
course that the ball is directed, while your free
arm should point towards the ball to assist your
body in turning and in maintaining balance. In
executing the shot, your upper body should
swivel approximately 45 degrees to the right then
return to face the ball, while your body weight is
displaced from your right foot to your left. The
paddle should be slightly closed to impart a slight
topspin.
The Backhand Drive- Stand close to the table and
take a stance facing the direction of play. Using a
medium stroke, your racket arm should progress
forward and a little upward in the course that the
ball is directed. The paddle should be slightly
closed, and by keeping a loose wrist, you can
produce a slight topspin as your arm is moved
forward. Hit the ball with a backhand stroke at
the top of the bounce using half of your stroke
action before hitting the ball and the second half
after hitting the ball
The Forehand Push - Stand close to the table
facing the direction of play. Using a short stroke,
your racket arm should move forward from the
elbow in a horizontal plane to the incoming ball.
With forehand stroke, brush the bottom of the
ball with your paddle in open position to impart a
slight backspin as you step your right foot forward
placing it slightly under the table.
 Strategies
The basic strategy is to keep the ball in play for longer than your opponent could.
Strategies generally rely on three main abilities:
1. the ability to keep the ball alive on your end;
2. the ability to create openings by directing the ball to different areas and/or applying
pressure by using varied spins and speed;
3. the ability to let the ball die on your opponent's end. Having those abilities as
foundation, use the following strategies to improve your match results:
Utilize your opponent's limitations To play on your opponent's weaknesses, you will first
need to find out what they are. Two ways to do this are to observe him while he plays or
simply to play with him, Direct the ball to different areas of the table, using diverse strokes,
spins and speed, until you find a weakness.
Maybe, your opponent is weaker with short balls; or on the backhand side than the
forehand side; or maybe he is weak against high returns or against heavy backspin or
heavy topspin. Once discovered, try to exploit his weakness. The weakness may not
always be where you expect it, therefore, do not be presumptuous.

Play consistently- Keep the ball in play for longer than your opponent could. By being
consistent on your strokes, you can often gain points as your opponent will commit
errors. This doesn't mean that you have to be a defensive player, but by executing
consistently good shots, you lessen your unforced errors. This may make your opponent
impatient, making him commit the unforced errors.
Check your opponent's mobility- Test the level of mobility of your opponent. By
directing your shots to different areas of the table, you can check out the most
advantageous areas where you can place the ball to move your opponent or take him
by surprise. Move your opponent to the sides by directing the ball to the wide forehand
and wide backhand or move him forward and backward by hitting short and long balls.
Use your own strengths- In the first four strategies, we focused on your opponent and
his style of play. It is just wise to consider your opponent's style of play but equally
important are your own strengths. Always try to dictate the match by imposing your
style of play on your opponent. For example, if you are an offensive player, try to give
your best shots early in the rally. Since you have complete control of the ball during
service, serve in such a way that your opponent is forced to give a return that is
favorable for a third ball attack. This will prevent your opponent from dictating the
course of the point. Certainly, every player has his own style of playing. Here are three
general styles of play and their relevant strengths and weaknesses.
 Table Tennis Glossary
Ace-A serve that the receiver is not able to reach
Anti (Anti-loop/ Anti-spin- A smooth rubber with very low surface friction is used to
defend against shots with excessive spin. This rubber deactivates spin and speed,
returning a "dead" ball
Backhand- A shot executed where the back of your racket hand is pointing towards the
opponent, or a shot that is executed at the non-racket side of the player

Ball- A hollow sphere of celluloid or similar plastic, 40 mm in diameter and 2.7 grams in
mass
Blade- The wooden part of the paddle
Block- A shot played close to the table with no or little arm swing with the paddle
making contact with the ball just after it bounces returning the ball with no or little spin
Center Line- A white line down the middle of the table, parallel with the sidelines, that
divides the table into half-courts
Chop- A defensive return of a topspin shot played with a strong backspin, usually well
away from the table.
Chop Block- A stroke played close to the table where the paddle makes contact with the
ball, immediately after it bounces, with a fast downward vertical motion of the paddle to
create backspin
Closed Position- The striking surface of the paddle being angled downwards, e.g. a
topspin shot or a block against a topspin
Counter- A stroke played in response to a similar stroke from your opponent, e.g.
counter-loop and counter-smash
Cross-court- A stroke that is hit diagonally from corner to the opposite corner.
Cup- To close the palm on the ball when tossing it up for a serve. Cupping is against the
rules, since it can be used to put spin on the ball.
Deep- Playing any shot which causes the ball to bounce very near your opponent's end
of the table.
Double Bounce- When the ball bounces twice on one side of the table before a return is
made, causing that player to lose the point.
Doubles- Two people play on each side and alternate turns at striking the ball.
Down the Line- A stroke that is played so that the ball travels Drive parallel to the side
lines of the table.
Drive- A stroke played close to the table with your racket arm moving forward and
slightly upwards in the direction that the ball is going to travel. The ball's flight may be
described as flat but fast.
Drop Shot- A shot which drops very short over the net on your opponent's side of the
Early- Playing a stroke that makes contact with the ball just after it bounces.
End Line - One of the two white lines marking an end of the table.
Expedite- A rule which comes into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes play
(or at any earlier time at the request of both players or teams). Thereafter, each player
shall serve for 1 point in turn and if the receiving player or team makes 13 returns, the
receiver shall score a point
Fifth Ball Attack- A strategy in which the server attempts to win the point on the fifth ball.
The ideal sequence is serve, return, loop, return, and kill.
Flat- A stroke with minimum topspin so that the ball travels very low over the net.
Flick- A stroke played over the table where you hit the ball on the top of its bounce flat
like a mini smash and with almost a stiff arm.
Forehand- A shot executed where the palm of your hand is facing your opponent, or a
shot that is executed at the racket side of the player.
Free Hand- The hand not holding the paddle.
Game- A game is won by the player/team first scoring 11 points unless both
players/teams score 10 points, when a game shall be won by the first player or pair
subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points.
Grip- The way in which the paddle is held.
Handcap Event- An event in a tournament where players are graded or ranked according
to ability so that they can compete equally. The weaker player will not have to score as
many points as the stronger player to win a game, or the stronger brae manage player
may be restricted to do some shots.
Heavy- Used to describe excessive spin.
High Toss Serve- A serve where the ball is thrown high into the air. This helps the server
to increase the amount of spin and speed imparted onto the ball.
ITTF- International Table Tennis Federation - the international governing body for the
sport of table tennis
Inverted Rubber- The most common paddle covering. It consists of a sheet of rubber on
top of a layer of sponge. The pimples point inward, hence making the playing surface
smooth
Kill- An aggressive shot, often in response to a high bouncing return, hit with so much
speed for the opponent to fail to give a return
Late- A stroke that makes contact with the ball when the ball is falling rather than rising
Let- If play is interrupted for any reason during a rally, a let is called and the point does
not count
Let Serve- If the ball passing over the net touches it, provided that the service is good,
the serve is replayed - or - if your opponent is not ready, the serve is replayed
Loaded - Used to describe a ball with spin. Used to describe a ball with spin
Lob- A defensive shot used against high-speed shots, where the ball is returned very
high in the air
Long- Playing any shot which causes the ball to bounce very near your opponent's end
of the table
Loop- An attacking stroke where excessive topspin is imparted onto the ball. This
enables you to hit the ball harder as the topspin will help you keep the ball to bounce on
the opponent's end
Loose Return- A return shot that is either too high, too long, has insufficient spin or a
combination of these and therefore makes it easy for your opponent to attack
Match- A match consists of the best of 3, 5, or 7 games
Multi-ball- A training method that minimizes wasted time by using a continuous supply
of table tennis balls instead of just one ball
Net- The net, 6 inches high and placed at the center of the table, catches any ball with
insufficient height.
Obstruction- Touching the ball with any part of the body or clothing while it is over the
table and before it has bounced in the proper court. The offender loses the point
Open Position- The striking surface of the paddle angled upwards which results to
producing a backspin to the ball.
Paddle- The equipment used in hitting the ball
Penalty Point- A point awarded by the umpire to a player due to a rules violation by that
player's opponent. A penalty point can be awarded for a second misbehavior offense,
after the player has been cautioned with a yellow card for the first offense. A third offense
incurs two penalty points. A fourth offense would result to suspension.
Penhold- A style of grip in which the paddle handle is held between the thumb and
forefinger. Used mainly by Asian players.
Pimples/Pips- A type of paddle covering. A sheet of rubber on top of a layer of sponge.
The pimples point outwards, so the playing surface is pimpled. Depending on the length
and hardness of the pimples, unusual types of spin can be imparted
Ping Pong- . A trademarked name originally registered in 1901. Often used
interchangeably with table tennis by the general public.
Playing Surface- The upper surface of a table tennis table which lies in a horizontal plane
76cm (2ft 6in) above the floor.
Point- Rally A unit of scoring in table tennis
Push*- A backspin shot usually executed over the table.
Racket hand- The hand that is used to hold the paddle
Rally- The period during which the ball is in play
Receiver- The player due to strike the ball second in a rally.
Rubber- The paddle covering. It may refer only to the rubber on top of a sponge base
Sandwich Rubber - A paddle covering with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total
thickness including adhesive of not more than 4mm.
Server- The player due to strike the ball first in a rally
Serve/Service- The start of a point where one player strikes the ball. The server must
toss the ball up at least 6 inches and strike it on its downward motion, so that it touches
first in the server's end and then in the receiver's end without touching the net. When
struck, the ball must be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's
end line.
Shakehand- A grip in which the forefinger is positioned at one side of the paddle while
the thumb is on the other side. The other fingers are on the handle of the paddle.
Short- Playing any shot which causes the ball to bounce very near to the net and, if not
hit by your opponent, would bounce at least twice on the table
Shot- Any stroke used by a player in a game.
Sideline- One of the two white lines marking the side edges of the table.
Sidespin- A type of spin imparted onto the ball causing it to move left or right before
and after it strikes the table surface
Singles- Competition between two individuals
Smash- a fast, hard and powerful stroke that aims to force the opponent away from the
table or to win a point outright
Speed Glue- A banned type of glue used to affix table tennis rubbers to the blade.
Previously used at regular intervals in order to increase the playing speed of the rubber
Spin- The rotation of the ball. A player can impart | spin onto the ball by using a
brushing action with the paddle surface.
Sponge- A type of paddle covering used in sandwich rubbers. It is used under a sheet of
rubber with pimples.
Stroke- the forehand drive, the forehand push, the backhand drive and the backhand
push
Stroke Counter- An official who counts return strokes when the expedite system is in
effect.
Table- The table must be 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, with the surface 30 inches above
the floor. It includes the playing surface and the stands.
TATAP- shot (Table Tennis Association of the Philippines) The highest governing body of
the sport in the Philippines.
Third Ball Attack- The stroke played by the server after the opponent's return of the
serve. Because the serve can be used to make attacking difficult for the opponent, the
third ball is frequently the first strong attacking stroke in any table tennis rally.
Topspin- A spin of the ball in which the top of it moves away from the player.
Twiddle- The act of turning the paddle in your hand in order to use different sides of the
paddle to strike the ball.
Umpire- The person appointed to control a match.
Volley- Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side of the table. A player who volleys
 BASKETBALL
BRIEF HISTORY OF BASKETBALL
History of Basketball to be dislod Dr. James Naismith is known world-wide as the
inventor of basketball. He was born in 1861 in Ramsay Township, near Almonte,
Ontario, Canada. The concept of basketball was born from Naismith's school days in
the area where he played a simple child's game known as duck- on-a-rock outside his
one room schoolhouse. The game involved attempting to knock a "duck" off the top
of a large rock by tossing another rock at it. Naismith went on to attend McGill
University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Jas Marsinette After serving as McGill's
Athletic Director, James Naismith moved on to the YMCA Training School in
Springfield, Massachusetts, USA in 1891, where the sport of basketball was born.
In Springfield, Naismith was faced with the problem of finding a sport that was suitable
for play inside during the Massachusetts winter for the students at the School for
Christian Workers. Naismith wanted to create a game of skill for the students instead of
one that relied solely on strength. He needed a game that could be played indoors in a
relatively small space. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach
baskets used as goals. In addition to the creation of the basketball, James Naismith
graduated as a medical doctor, primarily interested in sports physiology and what we
would today call sports science and as Presbyterian minister, with a keen interest in
philosophy and clean living. Naismith watched his sport, basketball, introduced in many
nations by the YMCA movement as early as 1893. Basketball was introduced at the
Berlin Olympics in 1936. Today, basketball has grown to become one of the world's
most popular sports
 James Naismith Devised a Set of Thirteen Rules of Basketball
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands, but never with the fist.
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he
catches it, allowance to be made for a man running at good speed.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands. The arms or body must not be used for
holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, striking or tripping in any way of an opponent. The
first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall
disqualify him until the next goal is made or, if there was evident intent to injure the
person, for the whole of the game. No substitution shall be allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violations of Rules 3 and 4 and such as
described in Rule 5.
7. If either side make three consecutive fouls it shall count as a goal for the opponents
(consecutive means without the opponents in the meantime making a foul).
8. Goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the ground into the basket
and stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If
the ball rests on the edge and the opponents move the basket, it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the
first person touching it. In case of dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field.
The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent.
If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on them.
10. The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee
when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have the power to disqualify
men according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and decide when it is in play in bounds, to
which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been
made and keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually performed by
a referee.
12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves with five minutes' rest between. 13. The side
making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners
 Hand
Stop Clock – To stop the clock at any pointsignals
in the game, the referee will raise one
hand straight over head with his palms facing out and finger tips pointed.

Start Clock – Beginning with one hand raised above head, the start of the clock is
indicated by dropping the raised hand directly towards the floor.
Full Timeout – When an official wishes to signal for a full timeout it is indicated by
two arms spread to the sides forming a “T” shape.

Thirty Second Timeout – To indicate a thirty second timeout has been called by
one of the teams, the official will take both hands and place them on top of his
shoulders with his elbows out.
Jump Ball – When both players have control over the ball at the same time, it is indicated by both
thumbs pointing upwards with arms extended.

Substitution – If a substitute player wishes to enter the game it is indicated by having one hand facing
the time keeper, raised in a “stop” manner, and the other hand waving the substitute player into the game.
When a player commits a personal foul, the referee will give a specific signal to indicate the type of
foul and which player has committed the foul.
Player Control Foul (Charge) – One hand on the back of the head and the other pointing in the
opposite direction of the play indicates a charge call has been made.

Hand Check – When a player commits a hand check foul, it is signaled by having one arm
extended in front of the chest with the fingers up, and the other arm grabbing the wrist.
Blocking – If a defensive player commits a blocking foul, the official will have both
hands, in fists touching his hips and elbows in tight against his body.

Technical Foul – To signal a technical foul has occurred the referee will place both
his hands in front of him and put them in the formation of a letter “T
Holding – The holding signal is made by having one arm extended upwards in front
of the face, and the other hand grabbing the wrist.

Pushing – To signal a pushing foul, the official will have both hands extended
straight in front of him, with his palms facing outward.
Intentional Foul – When a player commits an intentional foul, the official will put
both arms above his head and cross them.

Double Foul – If two players have committed a foul at the same time, the referee
will put both hands, in fists, extended out towards the sides.
Illegal Hand Use – An illegal hand use foul is signaled by the official putting both
of his hands in front of him, at waist level, and grabbing one of his wrists with the
other hand.

Counting- The official must give a visual count by use of the arm to count five seconds.
 Basketball Violation Hand Signals
Traveling – When a player has committed a traveling violation, the official will signal it by placing both
of his hands in front of him and moving them in a circle.

Carrying or Palming – In order to signal a palming or carrying violation, the referee will have one hand
at the side, flipped over from palm up to palm down. It occurs when you place your hand underneath the
basketball during a dribbling motion and when you grip the ball with your dribbling hand to impede the dribbling
motion, resulting in a turnover. When this violation occurs, the official will hold his/her right hand outward with
the palm facing upward and then turn the hand towards the center of the body with the hand facing downward.
Double Dribble – The official will signal a double dribble violation has been
committed by putting both of his hands in front of him, with palms down, and
alternating them up and down, as if dribbling a basketball.

Three Seconds – The official will indicate that a player has committed a three
second violation by having three fingers raised, and the hand makes a swiping
motion back and forth at the side. an offensive player cannot be in the lane for more
than three seconds while his team has control of the ball  an offensive player cannot be
in the lane for more than three seconds while his team has control of the ball
Five Seconds – In order to signal a five second violation the official will have five
fingers raised with arm extended upward.  a team attempting to throw a ball in-
bounds has five seconds to release the ball towards the court

Ten Seconds – The ten second violation is shown when the official has ten fingers
raised with both arms extended upwards. A 10 seconds violation in basketball is a
rule that the player must cross the half court line within 10 seconds after their team
inbound the ball, if they do not cross the half-court line in 10 seconds possession is
awarded to the other team.
Kicking the Ball – When a player kicks the ball, the referee will have one foot raised in front.

Basket Does Not Count – To “wave off” a basket, or indicate it does not count
because a foul has occurred, the referee will start with both hands at the shoulders,
elbows out, and extend hands out directly towards the side.
Bonus Free Throws – When a player at the free throw line is to be awarded a
bonus free throw, the official will extend both of his arms out to his sides
completely straight and then move one up and down.

Lane Violation – If a player is shooting a free throw and a lane violation occurs, the
referee will signal it by raising one of his arms out to his side and holding it there
until the free throw is completed.
 Volleyball
BRIEF HISTORY OF VOLLEYBALL
As a sport, volleyball was initiated in Holyoke Massachusetts, USA in 1895 by Mr. William
G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director from Massachusetts. He is credited for
having created the game way back in 1895. The game has undergone numerous
refinements and changes since, and it was not until 1964 when it became part of the
regular program of the Olympic Games. In the beginning it is called "Mintonette" and
eventually changed to "Volleyball" by Dr. Halstead of Springfield, USA because the basic
idea of the game was to volley the ball back and forth over the net. Volleyball is now just
achieving the type of popularity in the U.S. that it has received on a global basis, where
it ranks behind only soccer among participation sports. Morgan borrowed the net from
tennis, and raised it 6 feet 6 inches above the floor, just above the average man's head.
During a demonstration game, someone remarked to Morgan that the players seemed
to be volleying the ball back and forth over the net, and perhaps "volleyball" would be a
more descriptive name for the sport.
On July 7, 1896 at Springfield College the first game of "volleyball" was played. In
the Philippines, volleyball became popular mainly due to the collegiate leagues. The
sport is played by two teams of six players each in rectangular court divided by a
net. Each teams tries to score by grounding the ball at the team's side of the court.
Today there are more than 46 million Americans who play volleyball. There are 800
million players worldwide who play volleyball at least once a week
 Service
A rotation occurs after every sideout, which rotation
is when the receiving team gains the right
to serve by winning a rally. So basically, if you are the receiving team, and you win the
point, or the serving team commits an unforced error, the players are required to rotate
and the serve is switched. The new serving team will rotate clockwise one spot. The
purpose of this is to rotate all the players through the serving position. 
The rotation order- The rotation order is determined by the starting lineup and must be
maintained throughout the set, per the NCAA rulebook. To break it down. six players
are on the court, three are front-row players and three are back-row players. The
positions are named by their place on the court, but these position are not to be
confused with the position they play such as setter, middle blocker, outside hitter,
opposite or libero. The locations are the positions where you stand before the ball is
served. It is left front, middle front, right front, and left back, middle back and right
back. Each player must start in one of those specific locations. Picture it just like you
think. Three in the front, three in the back. One at left front front, one at left back, etc. 
When the ball is served by your team, or the opposition, every player must be in
the correct rotational position. 

To have more ideas about the rotation kindly click the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxOvu1wgQEk
Hand signals of volleyball
COURT DIMENSION