The first time you play on a professional table tennis table is a refreshing experience. You'll notice a greater range of possibilities for shots and serves. But your approach to the game continues to be the most significant determining factor. The strategic moves you can use more consistently as you reach the advanced beginner and intermediate level make the game more interesting. As you go along, you'll need to learn more about the various styles of playing. You can watch others play either in person or online and then read more about the sport. There is an increasing amount of information online.
People who view table tennis in the classic way divide players (and their styles) into three groups: attackers, blockers, and defenders. How much speed someone places on the ball during play often is the largest factor in categorizing by style. Spin is the other crucial factor in ping pong, and it can never be overlooked. However, as the sport continues to evolve, there is a new way of looking at things that focuses on aggressiveness. Defining a player's style does do by assessing the way each shot is played. Therefore, the style descriptions become things like defensive top spinners or aggressive back spinners.
Today's most thorough list of the ways to play ping pong considers several penhold styles, such as pips-out loopers and backhand. There are also classic defenders and modern defenders, one-wing hitters and loopers, two-wing versions of each style, and push/blockers. It's accepted that no two players are ever alike, so there is nuance in how each individual plays within the style. Occasionally some players are so unique their style can't be categorized easily – or is viewed differently by each opponent. When you play against someone, understanding their styles helps.
If your town has a table tennis center, it's an excellent place to spend more time learning about the sport. You may be able to watch some games and quickly find others to talk to about the sport. Also, you'll have opportunities to play against opponents with varying styles. What you encounter against them may influence the development of your style. If some of the terminology sounds confusing at first, as you begin being part of conversations with others, you'll become more accustomed to the language and how it is used to describe each player's style.
