Olympic rules dictate that the winner of each game is the first to score 11 points, with each player alternating serves every two points. At 10--10 (or deuce) the players alternate with every serve until one player wins with a 2--point lead. Table Tennis matches work on a 'best of' format of any odd number of games.
Below we have a detailed glossary of shots. To be a champion of Table Tennis you need to practice hard and master each shot with a finesse that wipes your opponent off the table.
Top spin -- With a top spin shot, the basic offensive move, the top of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is traveling. The difficulty in returning a top spin shot is that the ball will easily pop up high or go off the table, so make sure you're in a position to keep the ball low or counter spin with a top spin shot. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.
Back spin -- With a backspin shot, the basic defensive move, the bottom of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is traveling. This shot can cause the opponent to shoot the ball into the net, so to return a back spin you should avoid lower shots such as a sidespin or counter spin with a back spin shot right back. When you 'chop' or 'push' the ball, you produce backspin. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.
Side spin -- The side spin shot causes the ball to spin on its vertical axis and curves the ball left or right. This shot is going to cause the ball to go off the paddle in an unexpected direction so the opponent needs to stay focused and ready to reach out left or right to return this shot.
Crosscourt -- Make your player run with the crosscourt shot which hits the ball diagonally from one corner of the table to another. Be cautious to center yourself quickly after this shot as you can leave yourself wide open for your opponent to place the ball out of your reach on the other side of the table.
Down-the-line -- The down the line shot puts the ball along the side of the table parallel to the side lines. The perfect shot to counter your opponent's crosscourt maneuver.
