Frequently Asked Questions

Why are the Chinese good at ping pong?

This often can be attributed to several factors:

Systematic Training Programs: China has established a highly organized and rigorous training system for table tennis. Starting at a young age, talented players are identified and provided with extensive training, coaching, and resources through specialized sports schools and academies.
Cultural Significance: Table tennis is immensely popular in China and is considered a national sport. The sport receives significant attention and investment from the government and sports authorities, leading to a large pool of talented players and a deep talent development pipeline.
Technical Expertise: Chinese players are renowned for their technical prowess, including exceptional footwork, precise strokes, and mastery of spin. They often excel in executing advanced techniques such as looping, counter-looping, and quick placement shots.
Mental Toughness and Discipline: Chinese players are known for their mental resilience, focus, and discipline on the table. They undergo rigorous mental training to handle pressure situations and maintain concentration during matches.
Competitive Environment: China boasts a highly competitive domestic table tennis scene, with numerous tournaments and leagues providing ample opportunities for players to test and improve their skills against strong opponents.
Coaching and Support Staff: Chinese players benefit from world-class coaching and support staff who provide technical guidance, physical conditioning, and strategic advice to optimize performance.
International Exposure and Success: Chinese players often compete and succeed on the international stage, gaining valuable experience and confidence. Their consistent success reinforces the reputation of Chinese table tennis and motivates aspiring players to emulate their achievements.

In conclusion, a combination of systematic training, cultural emphasis, technical expertise, mental toughness, competitive environment, and support infrastructure has contributed to China's dominance in table tennis.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of paddle grips in Table Tennis?

Credit to Kai Lam (junior olympic medalist)

Consider the difference between holding a knife (shakehand) and a pencil (penhold):

Knife -- Your palm is wrapped around the base and the object is aligned between your thumb and index finger. Your power is derived from this stable grip (ironically, it is not shaky) and you can cut consistently straight angles. But it would be tough to draw a detailed portrait with a knife gripped like this. The key is that the angle is controlled only by 2 fingers (thumb/index).

Pencil -- Your thumb and index finger are wrapped around the front of the object, while your other 3 fingers provide support on the flip side. This ratio gives you the most precise control of the angle, and having all 5 fingers involved near the racket surface provides a closer sense of touch with the point of contact. The 3 fingers on the backside can actually feel the direct vibration behind a forehand shot:

The different grips effect the flexibility and power of certain movements. Until the reverse backhand technique was invented, the penhold backhand was at a major disadvantage. It is simply hard to achieve this kind of shakehand backhand angle:

Notice that the elbow in the traditional penhold backhand is inhibited and close to the body, thereby limiting the power of being able to swing the forearm fully outward while maintaining a stable axis. Also, transitioning from a penhold forehand to a traditional backhand would require a 180 rotation of the racket surface, whereas a shakehand forehand naturally uses both sides readily. On the other hand, the penhold grip is more sensitive to angles and can generally develop more deadly ball placement. Check this fantastic racket with a great grip here

Though the reverse penhold backhand technique has largely closed the gap at the professional level, it is difficult to master and still a major deterrent for beginners. Until mastery, penholders can overcompensate for the backhand disadvantage by emphasizing a stronger forehand and as a result, are required to have exceptional footwork in order to maintain forehand coverage. Given two students with the same time committed, a shakehand player has to "diversify" as a balanced two-wing player and devote significant time to both sides, while a penhold player can concentrate on forehand and footwork. The world's best players have been comprised of both grips, with neither style being inherently better than the other. Every player must simply choose which personal strengths to maximize.

What is the best stance in table tennis?

There are several stances that can as good as they can get. It really depends on the skills of the player, as well as the situation in the game. First, there is the square stance were both feet and legs are parallel to the table. It provides good agility. Second there is the closest stains where the players body is turned towards the table with the dominant foot forward. It is good for a quick reactions defensively. Third, there is the open stance where the player is turned sideways to the table with the nondominant foot forward. It is good for aggressive, forehand shots, players rotations for greater power. last is the neutral stance, which is basically where the player stands with the nondominant foot slightly forward, and it gives power to the forehand shots.

For a good demonstation, please see this video here:

Basic stance for Table Tennis Credit goes to PingSkills

Why are there different ratings for Ping Pong balls?

The rating is usually based on their quality, durability, and performance. Common ratings include one-star, two-star, and three-star ratings.

One-star balls are usually the lowest quality and are suitable for casual play or practice sessions.
Two-star balls are of better quality and are suitable for recreational play and amateur competitions.
Three-star balls are the highest quality and are used in professional tournaments. They offer superior performance, consistency, and durability

Check here for three star Ping Pong balls

Usually the above mentioned rating helps players choose the right balls based on their skill level and the level of competition they are participating in.

Disclaimer: If you choose to buy any of the equipment or courses that any of our links lead to, we get paid a small affiliate fee at no extra cost to you.

Who Are The Greatest Ping Players?

The answer can vary depending on criteria such as career achievements, dominance during their era, technical skill, and impact on the sport. However, several players are widely regarded as among the greatest in the history of table tennis:

Ma Long (China): Ma Long is often considered one of the greatest table tennis players of all time. He has won multiple Olympic gold medals, World Championships titles, and World Cup titles, cementing his status as one of the most dominant players in the modern era.
Zhang Jike (China): Zhang Jike is another legendary player from China who has achieved remarkable success in his career. He is an Olympic and World Championships gold medalist, known for his powerful forehand loops and dynamic playing style.
Wang Liqin (China): Wang Liqin is a former Chinese table tennis player who was renowned for his versatility and tactical acumen. He is a three-time World Champion and an Olympic gold medalist, known for his powerful backhand and consistent performance on the international stage.
Jan-Ove Waldner (Sweden): Jan-Ove Waldner, also known as the "Mozart of Table Tennis," is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. He is an Olympic gold medalist and a World Champion, known for his exceptional touch, creativity, and tactical intelligence.
Deng Yaping (China): Deng Yaping is often considered one of the greatest female table tennis players of all time. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and a multiple-time World Champion, known for her incredible speed, agility, and mental toughness.
Liu Guoliang (China): Liu Guoliang is a former Chinese table tennis player and coach who achieved great success both as a player and a coach. He is an Olympic and World Champion and has played a significant role in China's dominance in table tennis as a coach.
Zhang Yining (China): Zhang Yining is one of the most decorated female table tennis players in history. She is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and a multiple-time World Champion, known for her consistency, technique, and mental strength.

How can you tell when it's time to replace the grip tape on a tennis racket? Is there a way to determine if it's worn out?

There are a few signs that indicate it's time to replace the grip tape on a tennis racket:

Worn texture: When the grip tape starts to feel smooth or slippery, it indicates that the grip tape has worn out and needs to be replaced.
Visible wear and tear: Look for any signs of fraying, peeling, or tearing on the grip tape, especially around the edges or where the player's hand makes contact.
Loss of cushioning: If the grip tape feels thin or lacks cushioning, it may no longer provide adequate shock absorption, leading to discomfort during play.
Reduced tackiness: Grip tape should provide a certain level of tackiness to help maintain a secure grip on the racket handle. If the grip tape has lost its tackiness, it can affect control and stability during shots.

Regularly inspecting the grip tape and paying attention to how it feels during play can help you determine when it's time for replacement.