The wonders of ping pong
EASY TO LEARN AND REQUIRES MINIMAL EQUIPMENT
Table tennis is a relatively simple game that isn't very physically demanding. The rules are quite straightforward. If you're new to the game, it won't take you long to internalise the rules and get down the basic skillset.
This sport also requires minimal equipment in a couple of table tennis bats, a ping pong ball, and a table with a net - making it perfect for your in-door pastime.
FAST PACED AND ENJOYABLE
Don't let the light gears and simplicity of equipment fool you. Since the ball is very light and is constantly going back and forth in a small amount of space, the sport requires you to be always on your toes. You have to constantly move around and work your arms in different angles.
You're always concentrated on the ball and with each shot, you try to get a good return to leave your opponent scrambling. At any moment, either of the players could lose points, be it because of a surprise smash by the opponent or for a silly misjudgement. The excitement is always on.
LITTLE CHANCE OF INJURY, YET GIVES YOU A GOOD CARDIO SESSION
The worst thing that can happen to you is that you may take a quick unbalanced turn with your foot and twist your ankle, or end up taunting a very immature opponent and have him throw his bat at you like a Ninja Shuriken. There is little to no chance of getting injured while playing table tennis. You're free to let the small plastic hollow ball smash in to your body as many times as you want.
However, that doesn't mean the games aren't intense or don't impact your fitness. You'll be making sharp quick movements back and forth as well as sideways throughout the entire game, and you'll need develop good arm flexibility and hand-to-eye coordination. After a traditional match with 11 point games between two evenly matches moderately skilled individuals, I assure you'll be gasping for air.
LOTS OF FANCY SHOTS AND "OH DAMN" MOMENTS
If you like showing off, table tennis is your sanctuary. Unlike other sports which usually focus on the basics, table tennis rewards flashy plays. Points are almost always decided on smashes, counter smashes, swings and cleverly placed shots.
There are also a variety of serves to learn, some lethal enough to be almost unplayable to non-advanced players. Once you get good at this game, you can sure you'll be receiving plenty of "Oh damn" and "Wow" reactions from spectators throughout your games.
Table tennis is, in my opinion, the king of indoor games. It's the perfect mix between a fun recreational activity and something to break a sweat. If you weren't already a fan of the sport, it's time to start your ping pong journey.
Mushfiqur Rahman Shanto is an undercover wizard who spends his days quietly observing Muggles. Send him new magic spells at [email protected]
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