Last updated on 15-Dec-2009 11:07:00 PM
Hi Vivian,
Table Tennis was first played by the English around the end of the 19th century so it has been around for a long time. There are many versions of how Table Tennis started but one popular theory was that it started as a parlour game and has progressed to be one of the most popular sports in the world. It was formerly known by names such as 'Flim Flam', 'Gossamer' and 'Ping Pong'. It is currently second in popularity only to Soccer as a participation sport.
There are lots of options for bats. Usually the bats with a flat and grippy surface are a bit easier to learn strokes with. The surface need to have a bit of grip on it to develop your strokes properly.
Glad you got to the website! If you want to know more just Ask the Coach...
Also following on with what Alois said. Slippery bats are used for more advanced players who have already mastered there strokes and have high consistency levels and are working on putting more power and spin.
Grippy bats are used for beginners and intermediates who are trying to improve their technique and increase their consistency levels.
I hope that has cleared a few points.
Its great that you have started to take an interest in the sport and I hope to talk to you more about it in the future.
