Fundamental Skills of Sports – Table Tennis

Fundamental Skills of Sports – Table Tennis — Unit 4

Class 8 | NCERT Khel Yatra | Physical Education and Well-being | 2026–27

Quick answer

Table tennis is a racket sport played across a net on a table. Players use a small racket (bat) to strike a lightweight ball, aiming to return it legally so the opponent cannot make a valid return. Beginners learn the grip, ready position, footwork, forehand and backhand strokes, serving, receiving, rallying and fair play. The goal in school is to develop coordination, control, confidence and safe participation.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Identify the table, net, racket and ball.
2. Demonstrate a comfortable racket grip and balanced ready position.
3. Move safely to the ball using short controlled steps.
4. Perform basic forehand and backhand returns.
5. Explain a legal serve, rally and simple scoring rules.
6. Practise with a partner, adapt activities for different needs and show sportsmanship.

1. What is table tennis?

Table tennis is usually played as singles (one player on each side) or doubles (two players on each side). Players take turns striking the ball over or around the net so it lands on the opponent's side according to the rules.

Equipment

Official dimensions (standard competition): Table length 2.74 m, width 1.525 m, height 0.76 m; net height 15.25 cm; ball diameter 40 mm, mass 2.7 g. These specifications describe regulation play; schools may use adapted equipment for learning.

2. Basic racket grips

Shakehand grip

Hold the racket as if shaking hands. The index finger generally rests along the backhand rubber and the thumb on the opposite side near the handle. Keep the hand comfortable and avoid squeezing excessively.

Penhold grip

Hold the handle in a manner resembling holding a pen, with fingers positioned to support the racket. There are variations in penhold technique.

Learning point: A stable, relaxed grip makes it easier to control the racket face. Neither grip should be presented as universally correct for every learner.

3. Ready position

• Stand at a comfortable distance from the table, feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
• Bend knees slightly and keep body weight balanced.
• Hold the racket in front of the body.
• Watch the ball and opponent's movement.
• Stay ready to move sideways, forward or backward.

Common mistake: Standing rigidly upright or holding the racket too low can make the next return difficult.

4. Footwork and balance

Footwork helps a player reach the ball in time while staying balanced.

Safety: Avoid collisions, running behind other tables and sudden movements on slippery floors. Leave adequate space between tables.

5. Forehand and backhand strokes

Forehand drive

For many players, a forehand is played on the racket-hand side of the body. Turn the shoulders slightly, keep the racket controlled and strike the ball with a smooth forward movement. Return to ready position.

Backhand drive

A backhand is commonly played across the front of the body on the opposite side. Keep the movement compact, use a comfortable racket angle and follow through toward the target.

Push

A push is a controlled stroke often used against backspin or short balls. It uses a more open racket angle and a gentle forward/downward action.

Block

A block is a compact return against a faster incoming shot. Position the racket carefully and use the opponent's pace while controlling direction.

Topspin and backspin — introductory idea

Topspin is forward rotation that affects the ball's flight and bounce. Backspin is backward rotation. Students should first develop consistent contact and control before trying advanced spin techniques.

6. Serving — essential rules

In official table tennis, a serve begins with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the stationary free hand. The server throws the ball near vertically upward, without imparting spin, at least 16 cm and strikes it while falling. The ball must first touch the server's court and then the receiver's court. In doubles, it must travel from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right half-court.

The ball must remain visible to the receiver and must not be hidden by the server's body or arm. The official rules also specify positioning relative to the table's end line and playing surface.

For beginners: Practise a gentle legal serve before adding speed or spin. A teacher may use modified serves in introductory games, but these should be clearly described as adapted classroom rules, not official competition serves.

What is a let?

If a serve touches the net assembly but is otherwise correct, the serve is a let and is replayed. Other official let situations also exist.

7. Rallying and returning

A rally is the period during which the ball is in play. A player must return the ball so that it touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly, subject to the rules. A player usually loses the point if the ball is not returned correctly, is struck twice consecutively deliberately, or is obstructed in a way covered by the rules.

Building a consistent rally

1. Start with a gentle feed or serve.
2. Watch the ball's bounce.
3. Move the feet before reaching with the arm.
4. Aim for a large safe target area on the table.
5. Count consecutive legal returns.
6. Increase pace only after accuracy improves.

8. Scoring and match format

Under standard rules, a game is won by the first player or pair to reach 11 points, provided they lead by at least 2 points. At 10–10, play continues until one side leads by two.

Service changes every 2 points, except from 10–10, when it changes after each point. A match consists of the best of an odd number of games (for example, best of 5 or 7, as specified by the competition).

Classroom adaptation: Teachers may use shorter games or cooperative rally targets for learning; label these as practice formats.

9. Singles and doubles

Doubles requires extra attention to partner spacing and the correct sequence of hits.

10. Safety, inclusion and fair play

• Inspect the table and floor for damage, loose items and wet patches.
• Wear shoes with adequate grip; avoid pushing or swinging rackets near others.
• Do not chase a rolling ball into another active court.
• Stop play if a student falls, is injured or feels unwell.
• Adapt height, ball size, pace, distance and scoring where appropriate for accessibility.
• Encourage effort, accurate self-scoring, respect for opponents and calm disagreement resolution.

Students with different mobility, vision or coordination needs may benefit from larger or slower balls, seated play, shorter rallies or teacher-supported positioning. Agree adaptations with the student and school.

11. Practice activities

Activity A — Racket and ball control

Goal: Coordination.
Method: Gently bounce a ball on the racket while standing in a clear space.
Progression: Try alternating forehand and backhand faces.
Adaptation: Use a larger soft ball or allow a bounce on the floor.

Activity B — Ready-position mirror

Goal: Balance and footwork.
Method: In pairs, one student leads with small side-steps; the other mirrors the movement without a ball.
Safety: Keep a safe distance and avoid sudden collisions.

Activity C — Forehand target practice

Goal: Controlled contact.
Method: A partner gently feeds balls; aim a forehand return toward a broad marked target area.
Feedback: Focus on racket angle and balanced posture.

Activity D — Backhand target practice

Goal: Backhand control.
Method: Repeat with backhand feeds at comfortable speed.
Feedback: Keep the swing compact and recover after each stroke.

Activity E — Cooperative rally

Goal: Consistency and teamwork.
Method: Partners count the number of consecutive legal returns, aiming to improve their own previous score rather than defeat others.

Activity F — Serve and receive

Goal: Learn the legal serve sequence.
Method: Practise open-palm toss, correct bounce order and gentle receiving.
Feedback: Accuracy and compliance with rules before power.

Activity G — Mini-game with reflection

Goal: Apply rules and fair play.
Method: Play a teacher-approved short practice game; record one successful skill and one improvement target.
Note: If rules differ from official table tennis, label them as modified classroom rules.

12. Example 40-minute class

This is a suggested lesson plan, not a verified reproduction of the NCERT timetable.

13. Practice questions and answers

Q1. What is table tennis?
Answer: Table tennis is a racket sport in which players strike a lightweight ball across a net on a table and attempt to make legal returns.

Q2. Name two common racket grips.
Answer: Shakehand grip and penhold grip.

Q3. What is the ready position?
Answer: A balanced stance with slightly bent knees, racket held in front and eyes focused on the ball.

Q4. Why is footwork important?
Answer: It helps players reach the ball while maintaining balance and preparing the next stroke.

Q5. What is a forehand drive?
Answer: A controlled forward stroke commonly played on the racket-hand side.

Q6. What is a backhand drive?
Answer: A controlled stroke played across the front of the body, commonly on the side opposite the racket hand.

Q7. What is a rally?
Answer: The period during which the ball is in play.

Q8. How many points normally win a game?
Answer: Eleven, with a minimum two-point lead.

Q9. What happens at 10–10?
Answer: Play continues until one player or pair gains a two-point lead, and service alternates every point.

Q10. What is special about doubles service?
Answer: The serve must travel diagonally from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right half-court.

Q11. What is a let serve?
Answer: A serve that touches the net assembly but is otherwise legal is replayed.

Q12. Why should beginners focus on control before speed?
Answer: Consistent contact, balance and placement make skills more reliable and reduce unsafe movements.

14. Multiple-choice questions

1. Which equipment is used to strike the ball? A. Racket B. Batting glove C. Hockey stick D. Club. Answer: A. 2. A standard table tennis game is usually played to: A. 7 B. 11 C. 15 D. 21. Answer: B. 3. At 10–10, a game requires: A. One-point lead B. Two-point lead C. Five-point lead D. No lead. Answer: B. 4. The ball must be tossed at least how high for an official serve? A. 5 cm B. 10 cm C. 16 cm D. 30 cm. Answer: C. 5. Which skill helps a player reach a wide ball? A. Footwork B. Holding breath C. Standing still D. Closing eyes. Answer: A. 6. In doubles, service is: A. Diagonal right-to-right B. Always left-to-left C. Random D. From outside the table. Answer: A.

15. Fill in the blanks

1. The two common grips are shakehand and penhold.
2. A game is normally played to 11 points with a two-point lead.
3. The balanced preparation stance is called the ready position.
4. The period when the ball is in play is called a rally.
5. At 10–10, service changes after every point.

16. Common mistakes

• “The first to 11 always wins.” Incorrect: a two-point lead is required.
• “A serve may be hidden.” Incorrect under official rules.
• “Doubles service can land anywhere.” Incorrect: it must be diagonal right-to-right.
• “A harder stroke is always better.” Incorrect: control, placement and timing matter.
• “Footwork is less important than arm strength.” Incorrect: good positioning helps produce a controlled shot.
• “Modified school games follow every official rule.” Not necessarily; distinguish adapted practice from competition.

17. Student self-assessment

18. Quick revision

Grip: Shakehand or penhold. Stance: Balanced ready position. Footwork: Short controlled steps and recovery. Strokes: Forehand, backhand, push and block. Serve: Open palm, toss at least 16 cm, bounce on own court then opponent's. Scoring: 11 points, win by 2. Doubles: Diagonal service and alternating returns. Values: Safety, teamwork and fair play.

19. Sources and verification scope

Textbook identification: NCERT Khel Yatra, Class 8, Unit 4, Fundamental Skills of Sports – Table Tennis. Official textbook portal: https://ncert.nic.in/textbook.php ; NCERT CIET catalogue: https://www.ciet.ncert.gov.in/audio-book/141 .

Official sport rules: International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), Laws of Table Tennis and Handbook: https://www.ittf.com/handbook/ . Consult the current handbook for event-specific rules and updates.

Editorial distinction: This is an original, age-appropriate unit-aligned study guide. The 7 activities, suggested lesson, model questions, MCQs and self-assessment are supplementary material, not claimed to be verbatim NCERT questions or independently verified solutions to all textbook exercises. Full printed Unit 4 activity and exercise verification remains pending.