Begginers "why should i play"

[DaveR]

Why should anyone start to play Table Tennis ?

Well many reasons are in the suitcase but here a re a few i have come up with.........

The Thinking Person's Game

In fact, one of the reasons table tennis is so challenging and fun is that athleticism is just a part of it, pure self indulgence is another. Fitness helps at every level including the elderly but much more crucial is understanding what’s going on in the sport. The sport is sport of cleverness with competition in the mix and the person who reads, learns and deals with situations under sporting pressure (which is mentally good for anyone) is usually the person who wins. You can’t just hit a Table Tennis ball as hard as you possibly can. You’ve got to figure out what’s happening and try to do the right thing for the situation you may in at the time........reading the game with intelligence.

Sports scientists who have studied table tennis recognize it as one of the most difficult sports to master because of the many demands on the player. To reach the highest level, an athlete must be able to move reflex quick, have the stamina to play matches all day, hit perfect strokes, be able to concentrate intensely and the most difficult part, he must be able to adjust in a nano second to the ever-changing spin, speed and direction of the ball. This alone is great for the mind and body with humans growing ever lazy in our comfortable ways.

It’s a combination of skills that humbles awesome athletes. They’re fast enough, strong enough, coordinated enough and aerobic enough to get to the ball and hit it hard. But only the rarest ones can develop the touch and focus needed to adjust to and lift a ball over the net that’s as heavy as a rock because your opponent set it spinning at 1,500 rpm with a vicious slice.

Everyone's Sport
One of the most appealing things about table tennis is that it’s a game for everyone with the only limitations being your own mind and body plus the effort you contribute to the sport. Many elderly people are re-joining the sport with incredible results, the joints are improving along with mental stimulation. The young can gain sharpness and attitude strength to carry them into the adult world with amazing results.

http://www.jimlangley.net/aboutjim/Cat-ping-pong.jpg

You don’t have to enter tournaments to face varied opponents. That’s the way it is when you play at table tennis clubs too. There, everyone plays everyone else with competition following if you would like it to, which many do when they become confident in their own level and ability.

Table Tennis can also be played at very high levels by those in wheelchairs or other disabled members of the public.........with some amazing results.

How can i get involved?
Well easy, contact anyone on this site for a starter as members are on Table Tennis Talk site because they play and participate at every level possible including coaching, playing, administration and just about any involvement possible so contact us.........or contact me (http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/sendmessage.php) directly and i will certainly put you in touch with the correct organisations in your particular area.

The sport is truly a Global one for old and new alike so get started now !

[DaveR]

Table tennis is a very popular sport in Britain, both competitively and informally and there are plenty of clubs across the country which accommodate players of all abilities or none. Table tennis is a relatively easy game to pick up but it is worth getting to grips with the basics to avoid getting into bad habits from the outset:

Learn how to grip the racket - there are various ways to grip a racket (see Strokes, Tips and Tactics) and different grips suit different players. It is worth experimenting with the three main grips to find the one which allows most comfort and flexibility.
Wear appropriate footwear - table tennis requires quick agile movements so footwear should have just enough grip to stop the player from slipping around but not so much grip that a player can’t move quickly to one side when returning a shot.
Start off with a larger ball - whilst international standards require a 40mm ball to be used in most competitive events, it is easier to begin learning the game with a larger ball which slows the game down.
Practise forehand and backhand - if a player has a strong forehand or weak backhand (or vice versa) the opponent will play to that weakness so it is worth practicing with both hands to enable returns on more shots.
Use the centre of the racket - the centre of the racket (or sweet spot) allows for the most bounce, so aim to hit the ball with the centre rather than the edge of the racket.
Footwork - having a strong hand is not the only skill required in table tennis; good footwork is just as important. New players should practise moving in the direction of the ball, rather than standing in one place and stretching for every shot.
Practise different strokes - different strokes are more or less effective depending on the position and speed of the ball when it travels over the net. Perfecting various strokes allows the player to become less predictable and to be more effective in making difficult shots and returns.
Get fit - contrary to popular opinion, table tennis is an extremely energetic sport when played properly, so it is worth getting fit in order to improve agility and stamina during lengthy rallies.All very simple but learning Table Tennis can be fun with amazing results if the work is put in.:happy:

[FantasyCheeseBasin]

:rocker:Its Intense:rocker: