Table Tennis

What does this sport involve?

Events include singles, doubles and team events. There are individual events in each class and separate open events for wheelchair athletes and ambulant athletes. There is also a team event in each class where teams play 4 singles and 2 doubles and the first team to win 3 matches wins overall. In all matches there are 5 sets and players have to reach 11 points to win a set.

There are only slight modifications to international rules. Players with an upper limb amputation or hand impairment do not have to throw the ball up when serving. In wheelchair events competitors do not have to alternate between returns in doubles matches and the service must exit from the rear of the table, not the side.

Who can compete?

Men and women with physical or learning disability. There are 11 classes of event. 1 – 5 players compete from a wheelchair,  6 – 10 ambulant players who stand to compete, 11 intellectual disability

If you think you would like to try this sport or would like to know more?

The national body responsible for organisation of this sport is:

The English Table Tennis Association Ltd, 3RD Floor, Queensbury House, Havelock Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1HF

www.englishtabletennis.org.uk - the ETTA states it is committed to the aim of allowing disabled players to participate ‘in the venue of their choice to access the coaching and support they need’. Their Premier Club ‘Ability’ scheme aims to provide greater opportunities for all disabled people in table tennis. Polybat – an adapted form of the game – was launched by the ETTA in 2002, together with a skills award scheme.

Contact: ETTA National Equality Officer Judy Rogers

Tel: 01424 722525

Email: judyrogers@etta.co.uk

Did you know?

First became popular as an after dinner amusement for wealthier families in the late 1880s, when several versions of the game were patented under different names and simple rules were established. It then grew in popularity as a competitive sport, with the first World Championship held in London in 1926, the same year The International Table Tennis Federation came into being. Table Tennis is now one of the most popular sports all over the World. It is played competitively by millions, with many more millions playing recreationally

Would I like this sport and what are the benefits?

Fast moving sport. Good for developing hand eye coordination and general fitness. Highly competitive

 

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