Table tennis or ping-pong is a game played on a flat table divided by a net. Two or four players hit a light ball using a round bat across the table. The ball should only bounce once on one side of the table before the players hit it back to the other side.

Table tennis players can put extreme spin on the ball to make it difficult to predict or return, or can try to maneuver their opponent around the table — hoping to open up a point winning opportunity. But the real joy of the game is in its simplicity, requiring very little in the way of equipment, meaning it is a very accessible sport.

Table tennis is certainly a sport for all and a sport for life — anyone can get involved at any time and continue play throughout. It is particularly good for developing alertness and co-ordination.

How playing table tennis is good for fitness?

Playing table tennis can have a number of positive health and fitness benefits including:

• Improves aerobic fitness, with more oxygen circulated around the body to better muscular endurance.
• Burns off calories with energy being supplied to the muscles and not forming fat.
• Boosting flexibility reaction times, due to the fast-paced nature of table tennis, as well as tactical strategy formation.
• Improves hand-eye co-ordination with concentration required for serving and returning shots.
• Develops the strength and power of muscles, notably leg and arm muscles.
• Furthers concentration, awareness and mental strength, with matches often lasting for some time, which helps aid overall brain functioning.
• Improves nimbleness of players, on their feet.
• Improves social skills as it often leads to friendships formed through the love of this growing niche.

Required Equipment

• Indoor Court Shoes

Indoor court shoes with a non-marking sole are mandatory for use of gym facilities. If you are an occasional recreational player any indoor court shoe with a non-marking sole will do. This is both to protect the floor and for your safety. Shore worn outdoors can pick up material that may cause you to slip and injure yourself, or others. If you have worn your court shoe outside, you should clean the soles before using them. Only clean non-marking gymnasium footwear to be worn; Hiking-style footwear is not permitted.

For recreational players who play regularly, if your feet ache after playing, or your shoes feel like lead weights after a little while, you should consider upgrading to a table tennis shoe. Your feet will thank you, and we predict your play will improve.