The Use of Complex Rules in Table Tennis - Term Paper Example

Running head: TABLE TENNIS Term Paper (Table Tennis) Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Introduction 2 Psycho-socio-physiological Effects of Table Tennis for Kids in Comparison to Adults 7 Conclusion 10 References 11 Introduction Table tennis is one of the most common games in the world. It is related to its antecedent, lawn tennis, in that it also includes players hitting a ball alternately using a special handheld device generally known as a racket. However, as much as the games appear to be similar to each other, they are quite different. Whereas lawn tennis is an outdoor game, table tennis is one of the well established indoor games. There are several significant characteristics that define lawn tennis as a game. The first one regards the way in which it is played. Usually, two players attempt to strike the ball alternately against each other over a net that is tied right across the middle of a special playing table. The idea is to ensure that the ball is successfully played over the net and within the playing area as long as it is possible. A player who fails to achieve this at any instance in the course of the game loses the point to the opponent. This is how scores are made in the game. For one to successfully play the game, a number of skills are required. For example, one has to master the art of striking the ball using the racket. The force that is used, the spin that is given to the ball and the angle at which the arm is twisted in the process of play are important determinants of how effective the shots are. As well, one has to master the ability to move flexibly across the playing area and concentrate on the game. These are important because the motor and psychological abilities of a player are important determinants of success in the game. How Table Tennis is Played Successful play of the game of table tennis requires the use of different equipment which includes blades, rubbers, courts, balls, apparel, tables and nets (McAfee, 2009, p. 10). These are described in detail in the sections that follow. To start with, the game is usually played on tables, as the name suggests. The tables that are used for the game are usually specially prepared and are required to adhere to specific standards in terms of their dimensions and quality. Standard tables that are used in table tennis usually have the following dimensions: 247 cm by 152 cm as the dimensions of the playing surface; 76 cm as the height and 1.9 cm as the measure of thickness. Furthermore, standard tables are usually made in such a manner that their surfaces are even in terms of texture and feel. These are important aspects because they determine how well the ball can bounce on the table during actual play. Another aspect is that special nets that are attached across the middle of the table using special posts are used in the game of table tennis. As well, blades are used to hit the ball across the table during the game. The blades usually come in a variety of sizes and shapes. In terms of sizes, blades may be small, medium-sized or large. On the other hand, the manner in which the surfaces of the blades are made determines their efficiency. Highly efficient blades are those which allow a player to have a high level of control when hitting the ball. Such blades are made up of specific materials and are associated with relatively lower velocities when used in actual play. On the other hand, blades that transfer high velocity to the ball during play allow the user to have a low level of control. In general, the blades of the rackets that are used in the game can be adjusted by attaching a rubber covering on them. Therefore, the rubber that is used to modify the rackets is an important material that is used in the game. Usually, there are different types of rubber that are available in the market. The differences are seen in the overall texture of the surface. This affects the level of control and agility that a player has when using the racket during actual play. Lastly, small round balls measuring 40 mm in diameter are used in the game. The balls are usually white or orange in color. As it is the case with the other equipment and materials, there is a wide variation between different balls in terms of quality. However, standard balls that are used in formal play are required to meet specific standards in terms of toughness and shape. These are important attributes that are meant to ensure that the game is enjoyed by both players. The game is usually played in the form of players, either as two individuals or in pairs, hitting the ball against each other over the table. It is this back and forth hitting of the ball by the players that forms the essence of the game. However, the process is guided by different rules that are used to determine scores and the overall manner in which the game is played. Furthermore, the manner of play is largely determined by the different tactics and styles that individual players make use of (Gross & Schlager, 2011, p. 113). This is an important aspect of the game, particularly at the professional level. Rules of Table Tennis There are several rules that are usually applied to a game of table tennis. The rules are meant to ensure that the game is played properly. What is important to note is that there are slight variations to the rules depending on the nature of the game. The rules that are used to govern singles play vary slightly from those that are applicable when the game is played using the doubles format. Generally, a typical match in the table tennis game is made up of three games. The winner of a game is usually the player who first reaches a score of 21 points in a game. Therefore, any player who wins at least two of the three games becomes the winner of the match. Further, winning or losing in table tennis is usually determined by the number of points that a player scores. Therefore, scoring in the game usually occurs in the form of points. Simply put, a point results when one player fails to successfully return the ball to the opponent’s court or makes a poor service. There are also other conditions that can lead to the awarding of a point to a player during play. For instance, if a player or the racket that is being used touches the net during play, a point is awarded to the opponent. In the same manner, when the ball that has been hit by a player hits him or herself before crossing over, a point is usually awarded to the opponent. For a point to be awarded, the play that starts with a service has to be concluded. It is only then that the player who has won the point gets the right to serve in the next play while the other one becomes the receiver. When the game is played using the doubles format, the majority of the rules that are used in singles play remain applicable. For instance, rules that concern the scoring, order of play and other issues remain the same. However, there are slight variations in certain rules. For instance, rules governing the order of service under doubles play are completely different from those that are used under singles play. When the game is played under the doubles format, the players are usually designated as 1, 2, 3 and 4. Therefore, the first five services done by player one should be received by player 3. Then player 3 serves for the next five times and these are received by player 2. The next series of services is done by player 4 to player 1 and lastly, player 4 serves to player 1. Objectives of Table Tennis Like it is the case with any other sport, the overall objective of playing table tennis is to win. Players, whether playing as individuals or in teams, seek to outplay their opponents by scoring more points than them. It is only by scoring the first eleven points and being ahead of the opponent by at least two points that players can be said to have won a game. Consequently, players seek to win at least two out of the three games that make up a match to be declared winners over their opponents. Psycho-socio-physiological Effects of Table Tennis for Kids in Comparison to Adults Playing table tennis requires different levels of physical and mental energy. This is because the game is characterized by specific movements and activities which for one to successfully vary out, a particular level of input of physical and mental effort is required. It is because of the nature of the game that those who participate in it gain a number of advantages. Furthermore, the benefits of the game to the physical and mental health of players vary with the age of the players. Young who are active players of table tennis benefit in ways that are completely different from those that adults in general and the elderly in particular gain. In terms of physical fitness, there are various ways in which playing table tennis enhances this attribute in individuals. For instance, much as the success in the game requires players to have a high level of endurance, motor skills and physical strength, the aerobic capacity of the players in determining their level of effectiveness is an equally important aspect (Kondric, Milic & Furjan-Mandic, 2006, p. 71). Therefore, playing table tennis enhances the overall physical fitness of individuals by enhancing their aerobic capacity. Further, the game requires a high level of motor skills, strength and flexibility. These attributes are important to adult players. For example, the manner in which the game helps individuals to develop a high level of motor coordination, flexibility and physical strength can be important in boosting the physical wellbeing of elderly persons. Furthermore, the manner in which the game requires individuals to develop a particular aerobic capacity can be used to help the elderly. This is because of two reasons. To begin with, the game does not require extreme physical strength. This makes it an ideal training exercise for players. Secondly, the way the game is played helps individuals develop aerobic and blood flow capacity and this has the overall effect of improving the physiological wellbeing of the participants (Kondric, Zagatto & Sekulic, 2013, p. 367). The social and psychological aspects of the game of table tennis can be useful to the development of children. According to Groppel and DiNubile (2009, p. 46) the game can be useful for children because it helps them to build their level of self-confidence, improves their concentration and keeps them fit. Also, the manner in which the game is played helps improve the level of focus and the decision-making ability of the players (p. 47). Furthermore, the game has been used to enhance social values such as cross-cultural friendship among children (Emmanuel, 2010, p. 262). Therefore, the game can confer numerous benefits to the mental wellbeing of children. For the elderly, these attributes of the game can help them relax and manage stressful situations more effectively. Comparison between Table Tennis and Lawn Tennis In general, table tennis and lawn tennis belong to the same category of sports in which balls and rackets are used. Furthermore, their popularity at the international stage is comparable, with both games being played at the Olympic Games. However, the similarities between the two games seem to end at this point. If looked at carefully, table tennis is completely different from lawn tennis. The differences are in terms of different aspects and are described briefly as follows. First, the two games differ from each other in terms of the materials and equipment that are used. In lawn tennis, a different set of equipment including balls, racquets, bags and outfits are used by players (Park, 2004, p. 44). These are different from what is usually used in table tennis. For instance, the racket that is used in lawn tennis has a netting part that is used to hit the ball during the game. This is in contrast to the racket that is used in table tennis which is usually smaller, sturdier and covered by a rubber material. Furthermore, the two games differ in terms of the balls that are used. Generally, the ball that is used in lawn tennis is completely different from that which is used in table tennis in terms of size, texture and even weight. The ball that is used in lawn tennis is usually bigger, made from different material and has a different texture from the one that is used in table tennis. Apart from the equipment and materials used, the two games differ from each other in terms of the surfaces that are used for play. Table tennis is usually played over a specially developed table that is raised from the ground. On the other hand, lawn tennis is usually played on a ground surface that may be made up of either lawn or clay. The playing area for lawn tennis is usually larger as compared to that used in table tennis. It is this difference that makes table tennis to be classified as an indoor game while lawn tennis is an outdoor game. Another way in which the two sports are different from each other is in terms of the rules that are used to govern them. Although both games can be played in the form of two individuals playing against each other or two teams, each made of two players, playing against each other, there is a huge difference in the scoring system that is used in the games. In lawn tennis, the scoring system takes involves entries such as ‘love’ to indicate zero score for a player, ‘deuce’ to indicate that one player has an advantage over the other and ‘set’ to indicate the countable scoring entries that are used to determine the winner in a game (Grasso, 2011, p. 255). This system is different from what is used in table tennis games. Lastly, the two games differ from each other in terms of the specific techniques, skills and styles that are used by their respective players. In lawn tennis, skills with regard to issues such as the manner in which a player controls the court, footwork and actual striking of the ball are considered as fundamental elements that determine how well a player performs (Tilden, 2001, p. 28). On the other hand, success in table tennis requires effective use of skills of play that are different from those used in lawn tennis. Conclusion In conclusion, table tennis is one of the most important indoor games in the world. Over the course of time, the game has evolved to include the use of complex rules to determine the manner in which it is played, development of a wide range of skills by players and recognition in different global sporting events. References Emmanuel, M. (2010). Social aspects to promote international friendship and cooperation: A case of Mbale Tigers Table Tennis Club in Uganda table tennis association. International Journal of Table Tennis Sciences, 6, 261-264. Gerry, P. (2004). Lawn tennis explained. New York: Wings of Success. Grasso, J. (2011). Historical dictionary of tennis. Plymouth: Scarecrow. Groppel, J., & DiNubile, N. (2009). Tennis for the health of it! The Physician and Sports Medicine, 2(37), 40-50. Gross, B. U., & Schlager, W. (2011). Table tennis: Tips from a world champion. London: Meyer & Meyer Verlag. Kondric, M., Milic, R., & Furjan-Mandic, G. (2006). Physiological anaerobic characteristics of Slovenian elite table tennis players. Acta Universitatis Palackianae Olomucensis. Gymnica, 37(3), 69-78. Kondric, M., Zagatto, A. M., & Sekulic, D. (2013). The physiological demands of table tennis: A review. ­Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 12, 362-370. McAfee, R. (2009). Table tennis: Steps to success. New York: Human Kinetics. Tilden, W. T. (2001). The art of lawn tennis. London: Minerva Group. Read More