Get to know your chops from your pimples
New to table tennis or looking to sharpen your skills? This quick guide breaks down some of the core terms, techniques, and rules to help you get started – or simply understand what’s going on at your local Ping Hub. From mastering spin to choosing the right bat, here’s what every beginner should know:
Spin
The rotation of the ball, which affects how it bounces and how the opponent must respond.
Loop
A heavy topspin shot, often used as an attacking weapon. You don’t need to hit hard to loop well—technique and timing matter more than brute strength.
Chop
A defensive shot with backspin, usually played away from the table. Choppers aren’t just passive players – good choppers control rallies and can frustrate even elite attackers.
Push
A controlled backspin shot played close to the table, often used during less aggressive rallies. Pushing isn’t “just for beginners” – even pros use it to break rhythm or set up attacks.
Rally
A continuous sequence of shots until a point is won. “Table tennis isn’t always just short bursts,” says coach Gordon Fearn. “Long, strategic rallies can be mentally exhausting and thrilling to watch.”
Let
When a serve touches the net but still lands in the correct area. It’s not a fault –lets are a common and accepted part of the game.
Service rules
The ball must be tossed at least 16cm straight up and struck from behind the table line. Hidden or illegal serves can cost you points in competition.
Rubber
The surface material on each side of the bat. Quality rubber affects spin and speed. “A decent starter bat – like the Palio Expert – makes a big difference,” suggests Gordon Fearn.
Footwork
Movement to get into the best position for your shot. “It’s not just about fast hands – it’s about fast feet,” adds Fearn.
Pimples (Pips)
Small bumps on certain rubbers. “Short pips” help with fast attacking shots; “long pips” disrupt spin and timing. Both are legal and widely used in play.
