Table Tennis : Prime Star Sports Services

The true origin of Table Tennis is largely unknown, although forms of the sport have been documented as early as the late 1800s in England. The sport started becoming popular around the world in the early 1900s. During this time, the official name of the sport was changed from Ping-Pong™ to table tennis. This was due to copyright conflicts with Parker Brothers, who owned the rights to the name and game of Ping-Pong™.

The International Table Tennis Federation and United States Table Tennis Association(later changed to United States Association of Table Tennis) were formed at about this time. These organizations would go on to become the primary ruling bodies of table tennis.

Table tennis has evolved significantly since its surprise birth upon the sporting world, acquiring many revisions of rules and seeing an evolution of equipment as technology and playing styles changed. Such refinement only serves as evidence that table tennis is indeed a full-fledged sport, comparable to any of the other classics we behold with reverence.

Many people know Table Tennis as Ping Pong. It's the game that is usually played in the basement with an opponent, with plastic paddles in hand that made the distinctive noises when a ball was struck. A fun game it was, sort of like playing T-ball with huge yellow plastic bats or nerf football. But like those two familiar games, ping-pong also has a real sport behind it.

Table Tennis can be classified as a major sport worldwide, with millions of participants, major tournaments(with its own superstars), and many other things that make a sport truly a class of its own.

As a sport that emphasizes endurance and reflexes above simple size and strength, people of all ages and genders can play on an equal field. The equipment can be had for a reasonable price, and the sport is played indoors so year-round competition and practice is possible. A game requires only two players at the least, and typically lasts around 30 minutes, enabling quick matches during breaks, etc.

Techniques:

Within are most of the basic preparations and strokes necessary to get you started. A few of the more advanced techniques are also discussed. One may wish to move from top to bottom-from most basic to more advanced, but don't hesitate to look ahead to get a taste of what's to come.

There is no written substitute for live instruction, so if you are lucky enough to have access to a club or a skilled acquaintance, then be sure to spend as much time training with them as possible. Even if such opportunities are hard to come by, we strongly suggest that you see a skilled instructor or practice partner as soon as you can. A few meetings are better than nothing at all. This is critical when you are just beginning to develop your game, since you will be getting off on the best table-tennis foot.

Above all, practice these techniques constantly! Just like any other sport, Table Tennis demands the utmost in effort from the prospective player. Various practice techniques are discussed, whether with a partner or alone. Obtaining a regular practice partner early in the game is a very good way to get better steadily.

Table Tennis Facts

...the current superpowers(1998) of international table tennis include Sweden, China, Germany, Belgium, and South Korea.
...back in the days of unregulated rackets, all sorts of strange materials were at the tables. Among the stranger ones include: 5 inch think sponge, pure wood, and sandpaper.
...the name ping-pong is trademarked by Parker Brothers, who wanted a huge sum of money from USATT for the rights to that name. In response, the community gave the sport its own name: table tennis.
...the name of the United States of America Table Tennis used to be United States Table Tennis Association.
...certain world-class players can put up to 9000rpm of spin on table tennis balls.
...table tennis balls aren't really hollow. They are pressurized slightly with a gas.
...more than 30 table tennis companies exist around the world, making a full line of accessories from paddles to warm-up suits.
...in Europe and Asia, table tennis is big business and is very popular overall. Top players are endorsed just like players are endorsed in USA by shoe and apparel companies.
...certain governments(like Sweden and China), actually pay their top players just to practice.
...in China, most children are evaluated for certain inherent talents early on. If they are found to be particularly proficient at something, like gymnastics or table tennis, they receive rigorous training in that area.

Table Tennis Terms

Anti-topspin - a rubber type that deactivates spin and speed, returning a "dead" ball
Backhand - a stroke done directly in front of the body, with the racket turned so that the back of the hand faces the opponent
Backspin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball would not make it over the net
Block - a defensive shot done mostly against loops and smashes, where the racket is in a closed position to keep the ball on the table
Chop - a defensive shot that carries a tremendous amount of backspin
Closed - a racket angle that allows the top of the ball to be struck
Dead ball - a ball returned without any spin. Very difficult to execute, read, and return
Doubles - a format in table tennis where two people play on each side and must alternate turns at striking the ball
Drive - an offensive shot used mostly as a setup or in rallies, where the racket is in a normal position and the ball is struck at a medium pace
Drop shot - a surprise shot where the ball is placed precisely near the net
Expedite rule - after a time limit (10 minutes) has expired during a single game, the receiver automatically wins the point if he/she returns the ball successfully 13 times in a row. This forces the server to change his rallying tactics.
Forehand - a stroke done to the right-front (for right-handers) of the body, with the racket in a normal position (palm of hand facing opponent)
International Table Tennis Federation - the international governing body for the sport of table tennis
Inverted - See pips-in
Let - a stoppage of play as a result of a serve hitting the net or interference from outside the playing court
Lob - a defensive shot used against high-speed balls, where the ball (usually with unpredictable spin) is returned very high in the air, causing difficulty in timing and technique
Long pips - a rubber type whose surface consists of fairly long pimples. Produces unpredictable spin.
Loop - an offensive shot that carries a tremendous amount of topspin
Match - a competition format with the winner winning two of three or three of five games
Medium-long - a serve whose second bounce, given the opportunity, would bounce near the very end or just off the table. Difficult because the opponent cannot execute a good attacking stroke
Open - a racket angle that allows the bottom of the ball to be struck
Penhold - a grip where the racket is held exactly as it sounds, with the racket handle held straight up and down
Pips-in - a rubber type whose surface is smooth yet gripping. Produces much spin and in many cases better speed. Also known as inverted rubber
Pips-out - a rubber type whose surface consists of many tiny pimples. Produces much control and speed, but little spin
Push - a defensive shot used to successfully return backspin shots, where the racket is open to lift the backspin over the net
Receive - return of service, usually done tactically to set up an attack
Seemiller - Name of 5 time US champion Dan Seemiller. Also the name of a table tennis grip
Serve - the beginning of a point where one player strikes the ball after tossing it. Usually used tactically to set up a strong attack
Set - one game to 21 points in a match
Shakehands - a grip where the racket is held exactly as it sounds but with the middle, ring, and pinky fingers wrapped around the handle
Short - a serve that, given the opportunity, would bounce at least twice on the table. Difficult because the opponent cannot execute a good attacking stroke
Sidespin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball would travel either to the right or left without landing on the table
Skunk - an informal rule in table tennis that says that a player wins a game at a score of 7-0 or 11-1
Smash - an offensive, high-speed shot used against high balls, where the racket is in a normal position to generate the most speed possible. Also called a kill
Topspin - a type of spin where, if struck with a normal racket position, the ball would travel over the opposite side of the table without hitting the surface

Beginner Level

In each coaching session, players may be organized into small groups based on their current ability, allowing flexibility to meet the needs of the players attending the session on any given day. Some players will progress very quickly from Beginner to Novice and some may need more time to master certain basic skills. The individuals' needs are always kept in mind as a coach adapts the instruction.

The Beginner level curriculum focuses on introducing and strengthening fundamental stroke, footwork and coordination skills that build the foundation needed to introduce basic tactical and strategic play. With instruction and drills that are adapted to meet the fitness level of the individual (low impact to highly athletic), each player progresses not only in skill, but also in whole body motor skills, coordination, and fitness.

As players move from Beginner to Novice level, they will continue to develop fundamental skills, building a larger arsenal of basic strokes and spins. At the Novice level, players are introduced to tactics and strategies, and improving players will begin to take their play from reactionary to mindful. Players will be challenged to use their stroke and body coordination more effectively, allowing more time (although just fractions of seconds) to react strategically so they can determine and manipulate subsequent reactions of their opponent.

Beginner Table Tennis skills include but are not limited to:

Learning different grips and how to properly hold the racquet.
Developing contact with the ball and racquet on a consistent basis.
Learning how to execute basic serves, strokes, footwork.
Learning how to hit the ball back and forth at least three consecutive times in one area of the court (for example, to the opponent's forehand court).

Novice Table Tennis skills include but are not limited to:

Learning how to do multiple types of serves.
Learning how to do a correct forehand stroke
Learning how to do a correct backhand stroke.
Developing contact skills (forehand and backhand) to do repetitions of at least 10 in each court.
Improving serves and developing more complex serves.
Developing a basic understanding and familiarity with chops, pushes, blocks, and counter drives.
Understanding court and match rules.

Intermediate Level

Intermediate level are scheduled to meet at the same time but will be instructed in appropriate small groups based on age and ability.

While continuing to reinforce competence in basic skills, instructors will introduce new techniques, building higher levels of competency regarding shot placement, stroke technique, complexity of serve and serve return, strategic play analysis, and confidence and sportsmanship both on and off the court. Players will work on their ability to perform in a match play scenario.

This group session will target fitness, endurance, mental focus, footwork, coordination skills, efficient and effective body movement, and repetitive shot precision placement. Drills will become a major part of this training, and may include robot training. Additionally, instructors will emphasize understanding when to attack the ball; identifying weaknesses in the opponent; and executing 3rd ball and 5th ball attacks. Finally, players will be introduced to playing against opponents that use different types of rubber, including short pips, medium pips, long pips, anti-spin rubber, etc. Players will practice and gain competence in countering alternative types of rubber they may typically encounter in matches.

Skills include introduction and initial development of:

Blocking to both courts
Targeting opponent's forehand court and backhand court
Forehand and backhand pushing
Forehand drives to opponent's forehand court
Backhand drives to opponent's backhand court
Forehand and backhand chops
Forehand and backhand looping
Different types of serves, including: underspin, topspin, sidespin, corkscrew, and deadball
Blocking to both courts
Targeting opponent's forehand court and backhand court
Forehand and backhand pushing to opponent's targeted forehand or backhand court
Forehand drives to opponent's forehand court
Backhand drives to opponent's backhand court
Forehand and backhand chops to either of the opponent's courts
Forehand and backhand looping to either of the opponent's courts
Different types of serves to the opponent's forehand and backhand courts, including: underspin, topspin, sidespin, corkscrew, and deadball.

Advanced Level

This curriculum focuses on consistently performing skills learned in previous curriculums, as well as on developing new skills. Players will benefit from many drills and multi-ball training sessions with advanced level sparring partners. Emphasis for this level includes advanced level techniques, greater consistency, greater accuracy, ability to analyze an opponent's strengths and weaknesses, strategy, and superior game knowledge.

Coaches will mentor the development of each player's confidence, promoting excellence with sportsmanlike demeanor and positive attitude. This level of Group Instruction also focuses on the individual's ability to adapt to intense situations, challenges and physical/mental demands on and off the court. This enables the player to perform and achieve superior results, and brings out his or her best in tournament match play – regionally, nationally and internationally.

Skills include but are not limited to:

High performance forehand looping and backhand looping
Multiple loops in repetition (forehand and backhand alternating)
Precision shot selection and placement: both left versus right, and short over the net versus deep towards the end line
Consistent performance of many drills, including: cross court to down the line drills, forehand and backhand drills, and counter drive loop drills, and looping of under-spin serves.
Consistent execution of the slow backhand push, fast backhand push-block; slow forehand (topspin) roll/flip, fast forehand topspin loop; slow controlled (spinny) topspin loop
Strategic use of speed versus spin while looping
Consistent performance of complex service variations, including short-touch services (forehand and backhand), long top spin services (forehand and backhand), etc.
Proper return of serve from a half-volley

Strategic sequencing of strokes, including:

Combining topspin and underspin strokes
Combining drives and pushing
Combining (underspin) defensive returns with push, topspin, topspin forehand and backhand drives
Combining both counter-driving close to the table and distant (back) from the table
Combining forehand and backhand defensive backspin returns
Sequences of topspin and backspin strokes, such as loop-topspin forehand, loop topspin backhand, loop underspin forehand, and loop underspin backhand – close to the table and back away from the table
Short over the net flipping techniques
Mid-rally sidespin/topspin blocking techniques
Ability to maintain intensity during an attacking rally
Mastery of stamina and focus
Overall sustained endurance throughout matches and tournaments.

Elite Level

The Elite level training curriculum is developed and implemented by elite coaches and athletes, working in collaboration to master high performance and endurance at an international competition level

Coaches will mentor the development of each player's confidence, promoting excellence with sportsmanlike demeanor and positive attitude. This level of Group Instruction also focuses on the individual's ability to adapt to intense situations, challenges and physical/mental demands on and off the court. This enables the player to perform and achieve superior results, and brings out his or her best in tournament match play – regionally, nationally and internationally.

Skills include but are not limited to:

High performance forehand looping and backhand looping
Multiple loops in repetition (forehand and backhand alternating)
Precision shot selection and placement: both left versus right, and short over the net versus deep towards the end line
Consistent performance of many drills, including: cross court to down the line drills, forehand and backhand drills, and counter drive loop drills, and looping of under-spin serves.
Consistent execution of the slow backhand push, fast backhand push-block; slow forehand (topspin) roll/flip, fast forehand topspin loop; slow controlled (spinny) topspin loop
Strategic use of speed versus spin while looping
Consistent performance of complex service variations, including short-touch services (forehand and backhand), long top spin services (forehand and backhand), etc.
Proper return of serve from a half-volley

Strategic sequencing of strokes, including:

Combining topspin and underspin strokes
Combining drives and pushing
Combining (underspin) defensive returns with push, topspin, topspin forehand and backhand drives
Combining both counter-driving close to the table and distant (back) from the table
Combining forehand and backhand defensive backspin returns
Sequences of topspin and backspin strokes, such as loop-topspin forehand, loop topspin backhand, loop underspin forehand, and loop underspin backhand – close to the table and back away from the table
Short over the net flipping techniques
Mid-rally sidespin/topspin blocking techniques
Ability to maintain intensity during an attacking rally
Mastery of stamina and focus
Overall sustained endurance throughout matches and tournaments.

How do I join?

If you are interested in joining us, come on over to our club and see us. Then you can decide whether this is the club for you. Please let us be clear, you do not need to join the club immediately as we would also like some time to know you better. Join only when you feel comfortable that you will have an enjoyable time here with us. We would encourage you to contact us before you come.

Kindly fill up registration from, bring your Passport copy with Visa page, Emirates ID Card copy and one recent passport size photo.

You can reach us by calling 055 2007182 or connect with us through our Face Book Page: Prime Star Sports Services. If you like to keep updated with our latest news and events, do "like" us on our Facebook page.

Why should you joining Prime Star Sports Services instead of other Table Tennis academy in Dubai?

Prime Star Sports Services strives to provide quality Table Tennis training for all trainees. The coaches in our academy are equipped with high quality knowledge and place our trainee's interest as the priority during every training session.

Every coach ofour academy is open to any kind of feedback from the trainees to constantly upgrade themselves by learning and increasing the variations of the drills provided to the trainees. This ensures that training is not monotonous and repetitive.

How much is the training fees for group trainings?

The group-training fee is AED 400 Per Month for 8 Session, inclusive of table fees.

Beginners training session 1 hour

Intermediate training session 1 hour 30 minutes

Advance training session 2 minutes

Elite training session 2 hour

Do you provide any training or coaching for adults?

Yes we do provide training for Adults

Do you provide any classes or training for children?

We do run a table tennis class for children every day in different locations, 4.00 PM to 5.30 PM and 5.30 PM to 7 PM. It is meant for children at beginners level, intermediate level and advance level to learn Table Tennis.

Does the club train female players?

Yes, we have several regular female players.

Is there any etiquette rules I need to follow?

Yes! We strictly do not tolerate any swearing or the use of foul language or bad sportsmanship during the games. You will be asked to leave the club for repeated offenses.

Additionally, we always encourage our players on court to exchange handshake after completing a game.

What do I need to wear for the lesson?

If you have not played badminton before then wear sports kit that will allow you to move freely. It's a fast game requiring quick movement around the court, kindly use Non-marking shoes.

How long does a lesson last?

The session will usually last for one and half hour.

Do I need to stay and watch my child?

We are more than happy for them to be left in our care, as we have not much space to accommodate parent in training place.

Is there anything I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring enough water, proper non-marking shoes with you and a Table Tennisbat.

What will my child be taught during these sessions?

This will depend whether your child is a beginner or more experienced. Basics will include correct grip, different Table Tennis shots and techniques in efficient movement around the Table.

My child plays in the county's national squad, how will the lessons benefit them.?

Even experienced players find the lessons very useful. Helping them to target areas they wish to improve on, through repetitive practice. More advanced skill levels and techniques can be introduced, such as mental attitude, tactics and deception.

What happens at my child's 1st lesson?

Once you proceed onto Table Tennis court you will be greeted by our instructors/Coaches. Just let them know you are new and they will have you on their registers. The children will meet their instructor/coach, who will then assess their playing ability throughout the lesson to ensure that they are in the right class.

The first couple of sessions are all about getting your child comfortable with the academy, meeting the other children and getting them excited for the journey ahead.

What should my child expect from each lesson?

Each Beginners lesson will be structured so that it is productive and fun for your child, regardless of what ability level they are at.

Children will be warmed up for the first 10 minutes of their lesson, followed by a 20 minutes focus on key technical skills, a 20 minutes fun activity, and a 10 minutes cool down at the end.

What if my child is too advanced for their class?

Instructors will monitor your child and decide whether they need to move classes. If you feel like your child is progressing at a faster rate than some children, please chat to our admin team they will arrange a meeting with coach/teacher/instructor.

How do I go about speaking to my child's instructor/Coach?

Kindly meet the admin team in the respective location, please feel free to raise any issues that you may have with them. The administrator will then feed these back to the instructor/coach.

We request the parents don't disturb the instructors/coach. We like their time to focus solely on teaching the children.

Alternatively, please email us at info@primestaruae.com or call us on 055 2007182 to speak to your Manager.

Do you offer a discount on tuition fee if a second child would like to take part?

No.

Do your rates include Tableusage costs?

Yes. It is all-inclusive price.

How many trainees can each training group consist of?

The maximum number of trainees in each training group is 6 for each Table.

Where are the training locations for group trainings?

Prime Star Sports Services provides training at a few locations, mainly: India Academy School and Ahmed Bin Rashid School. To know more about the location, please refer to "contact us" in the webpage we have location map.

Are the rates negotiable?

The rates are not negotiable.

What if i am unable to turn up for the training?

For group training, credits will only be carried forward to the next month if there is an advance notice of at least 48 hours or if a copy of a medical certificate is produced within the next 12 hours after the training has started. Any last minute changes within 48 hours before the training commerce, without proper medical certification, will result in the deduction of credit as though he/she has attended the training. No refunds would be given for that session.

What happens if a session is cancelled?

If a planned session is cancelled by the academy, then our main priority is to re-schedule the session.

If it is not possible to do so, we can transfer the lesson fee as a credit to the following term.

How do I know what class to put my child in?

Classes depend on ability. Come to our center our coaches will take the assessment and advise on the right level.

How can I pay for the lessons?

Can be paid for by cash and any major credit or debit card.

Can I pay for the lesson at the center?

Yes, Yes cash and Cards are accepted at the centers. Please ensure that you pay before the lesson.

With the assembly of the racket, how can I cut the rubber?

Cut the rubbers precisely, exact to the contour of the blade and put a protective tape around the blade because if you re-glue your racket a lot, you will notice that the rubber will be stretched.

The rubber doesn't adhere to the blade, what is the problem?

The problem you have is possibly due to the glue you use. Try to glue the rubber twice. Let the first layer of glue dry on your blade, and put the same amount of glue on both the rubber and blade for the second layer of glue.

When playing singles in table tennis, is the server able to serve to any part of the opponents side, left or right, or is he confined to serving just diagonally?

In singles, the player can serve wherever he wants (not only diagonally) from whichever side he prefers.

What is the serve rotation in doubles?

Lets say you are playing doubles and you have players A, B, C, and D. The game starts with player A serving five serves and player C receiving. Then player C serves five serves and B receives. Then player B serves five serves and D receives. Then player D serves five serves and A receives (fig. 4) Then player A serves five serves and C receives. And the circle is repeated. The serve is executed always diagonally and only from the right side.