Welcome to the world of the fastest rebound sport!
Table tennis looks simple, but it's a complex sport that requires technique, reaction and strategy. But don't worry: to have fun with our plates in the Sportcenter Wittenau you don't have to be a professional.
We have summarized the basics for you so that you can get started right away on your next visit.
Step 1: The equipment
Before you hit the first ball, you need the right tools.
- The table: Many guides recommend buying a table. You can save yourself the trouble! At the Sportcenter Wittenau we offer you three high-quality tables in tournament quality with perfect bounce behavior.
- The racket: Having your own racket is great, but not necessary for beginners. At our counter you can buy solid Rental clubs for only 4,00 € rent. If you would like your own later, we will be happy to advise you in our local store.
- The balls: A good ball makes all the difference. Cheap balls often go to waste. With us you get Rental balls (1,00 €) or you can buy a pack of 3-star balls for the optimum playing experience.
Step 2: The right grip
The way you hold the club determines everything. There are two main styles:
- Shakehand handle: This is the standard in Europe. You hold the racket as if you were shaking someone's hand. The index finger is on the backhand side, the thumb on the forehand side.
- Our recommendation: Start with this grip! It is the easiest to learn and allows good strokes on both sides (forehand and backhand).
- Penhold handle: The racket is held like a pen (often common in Asia). This style is more difficult for beginners to master.
Step 3: The basic position (stance)
Don't stand stiffly at the plate! A good „ready position“ is the key to hitting fast balls.
- Bend your knees: Bend your knees deeply to lower your center of gravity.
- Weight forward: Stand on the balls of your feet, not on your heels. This way you are ready for the sprint.
- Position: Stand about an arm's length behind the table.
Step 4: Footwork
In table tennis, you usually move sideways.
- Side-Steps: Never cross your legs! Move to the left or right with quick sideways steps (Chassé steps).
- Important for our hall: Please remember to bring clean Indoor shoes with light-colored soles, to ensure optimum grip on our floors.
Step 5: The 4 basic strokes
If you can master these four strokes, you can beat any opponent in the recreational area:
- Forehand counter (Forehand Drive): A light topspin shot to get the ball over the net quickly.
- Backhand counter (backhand drive): The same on the backhand side - often more difficult to learn, but essential.
- Backhand push: A defensive shot with an undercut. Perfect for returning short serves safely.
- Forehand push: Less frequently used, but useful against short balls on the forehand side.
Step 6: Understanding rotation (spin)
Table tennis is the sport of spin.
- Topspin: The ball spins forward (dives down quickly). Ideal for attacking.
- Undercut (backspin): The ball spins backwards (decelerates and rises). Ideal for defense. If you understand how the ball turns, you will make fewer mistakes.
Step 7: The serve
Every rally starts here.
- Throw the ball at least 16 cm high (from the flat of your hand).
- Hit it so that it comes up first on your side, then on the opponent's side.
- Tip: Vary your serves (short, long, with a cut) to confuse your opponent.
Step 8: Training & playing practice
Theory is good, practice is better. Grab a partner and come along! Whether you just want to play „ping pong“ for fun or train seriously - the Sportcenter Wittenau is your place for this.
After the match: Table tennis makes you hungry. Analyze your best rallies afterwards over a pizza in our restaurant „Maria & Salvatore“.
Book your table tennis table online now
See also:
- How to choose the perfect table tennis bat
- The perfect shoes for table tennis
- The official table tennis rules
- Ping pong vs. table tennis - what's the difference?
- 3 tips for faster reactions in table tennis
- How table tennis balls are made: A look behind the scenes
- How does point scoring work in table tennis?
- Table tennis doubles: the official rules explained simply