The table is 9 feet long, 5 feet wide and 30 inches high. White sidelines and endlines delineate the playing surface, which is divided for doubles play by a white centerline running parallel to the sidelines.
Net
The net is 6 inches high, 6 feet long (extending 6 inches beyond each sideline) and divides the playing surface into two equal courts.
Ball
The table tennis ball is spherical, 38 mm in diameter and weighs 2.5 grams. Made of celluloid or similar plastic material, the ball may be either white, yellow or orange in color.
Racket
Although the racket (paddle) may be any size, shape or weight, the blade must be flat and rigid. At least 85 percent of the blade by thickness must be of natural wood; an adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber or compressed paper, not to exceed 7.5 percent of the total thickness or .35mm, whichever is smaller. The side(s) of the blade used for striking the ball must be covered with pimpled rubber no more than 2mm thick or sandwich rubber no more than 4mm thick.
When receiving a hit, the opponent must prepare for the type of stroke. Expert players know their opponents' likes, dislikes and habits, and can use that knowledge along with their own observation to prepare for that ball to whiz across the net. The topspin receiver must prepare sooner and move back to prepare a defensive return stroke. To react aggressively, he or she closes the blade angle.
Players constantly vary their strokes to surprise an opponent, prey on his or her weaknesses or force the competition into a corner. Knowing the basic styles will tell you what to watch for. In a backspin, the ball appears to hang back and the receiver must move through the ball. To attack the ball, the blade angle must be vertical, or only slightly tilted forward. But one of the most difficult shots to hit is the sidespin. The ball of a sidespin has to be brought under control by adjusting the facing side of the paddle. Watch as players move the ball all over the table. The light ball requires tremendous control, and these players have it.
In the semifinals, the winners of the first quarterfinal plays the winner of the second, and the winner of the third quarterfinal plays the winner of the fourth. The winners of the semifinal will then compete in the medal rounds.
This is an official publication of The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Jennifer Knight and Dianna Drayson.
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