Ace
RulesA serve that the opponent fails to return, winning the point outright.
Reference
TT Glossary
194 terms defined, from antispin to twiddling.
A6 terms
All-Round Player
StyleA versatile player combining elements of multiple styles — attacking, blocking, looping, and occasionally chopping. Exemplified by Jan-Ove Waldner.
Anatomic Handle
EquipmentA handle with a curved ergonomic bulge in the middle designed to fit the natural contours of the hand.
Angle Shot
TacticsA shot played sharply off the side of the table at an extreme angle, often leaving the opponent unable to reach the return.
Anti-spin
EquipmentA rubber with very low friction that neutralizes spin, making the ball unpredictable.
Attacker
StyleA player who predominantly uses aggressive offensive shots to win points through speed and power.
B17 terms
Backhand
StrokeA stroke executed with the back of the hand facing the opponent; played to the left of the elbow for right-handers.
Backhand Serve
ServeA serve executed from the backhand side generating left-to-right sidespin for right-handers. Used as a setup for quick backhand third-ball attacks.
Backhand Sidespin Serve
ServeA serve executed with the backhand rubber swinging left-to-right to generate anti-clockwise sidespin. Ovtcharov's distinctive low-squat technique was named one of Time Magazine's best inventions of 2008.
Backspin
SpinSpin applied so the bottom of the ball rotates toward the hitter; causes the ball to slow down or bounce low.
Backswing
TechniqueThe preparatory motion of pulling the paddle back before striking the ball.
Banana Flick
StrokeA short, curved flick stroke used to attack short balls near the net with heavy topspin and sidespin, named for the ball's curved trajectory.
Banana Split
StrokeA banana flick variant that adds underspin to the sidespin — contact on the side-underside of the ball creates side-backspin. Officially named by the ITTF in their 'Tutti Frutti' terminology article.
Bat / Paddle
EquipmentAlternative names for the table tennis racket. 'Bat' is standard in British/Asian usage; 'paddle' is common in American English.
Blade
EquipmentThe wooden core of the racket to which rubber sheets are attached. Must be at least 85% natural wood by thickness per ITTF rules.
Block
StrokeA compact, controlled stroke used to redirect a fast-coming ball with minimal swing.
Blocker
StyleA player who stays close to the table using precise block strokes to redirect the opponent's power through placement and timing.
Bloop
StrokeA high-arching, slow return often used against strong spin; lacks aggressive pace.
Body Shot
TacticsA shot directed at the opponent's body (playing elbow/hip), forcing a split-second decision between forehand and backhand and frequently causing errors.
Bot
EquipmentShort for robot; an automatic ball-feeding machine used for solo practice.
Brush
TechniqueA stroke where the racket grazes the ball at a sharp tangential angle to maximize spin generation rather than forward momentum. Fundamental to loops and spin serves.
Butterfly
EquipmentA leading brand of table tennis equipment widely used by professionals.
Bye
GovernanceAn automatic advancement to the next round without playing a match, assigned to top seeds when entries don't fill a complete bracket.
C20 terms
Carbon Blade
EquipmentA blade with carbon fiber layers inserted between wood plies to increase stiffness, speed, and sweet spot size.
Celluloid Ball
EquipmentThe traditional table tennis ball material used before 2015. Softer than plastic, allowing more spin but banned due to flammability risks.
Chassé Step
FootworkA lateral side-stepping technique where one foot leads and the other follows in quick succession. Accounts for roughly 20% of footwork at the elite level.
Chinese Penhold (CPEN)
TechniqueA penhold grip variation where the fingers curl on the back of the blade, enabling use of both racket sides and the reverse penhold backhand.
Chiquita
StrokeA backhand flick with pronounced sidespin used aggressively against short serves, named for the banana-like curved trajectory.
Cho
GeneralA rallying cry shouted by players after winning a critical point, originating in Chinese and Korean table tennis culture. Equivalent to 'Come on!' Ubiquitous at all competitive levels.
Chop
StrokeA defensive stroke with a downward slicing motion that produces heavy backspin.
Chop Block
StrokeA block that adds backspin to the ball, disrupting an attacker's rhythm.
Chop Serve
ServeA serve with a downward chopping motion generating heavy backspin; one of the first serves taught to new players.
Chopper
StyleA defensive player who primarily uses heavy backspin chop strokes from well behind the table.
Closed Racket
TechniqueWhen the hitting face of the paddle is angled slightly downward toward the table.
Closed Stance
FootworkA stance where the body is turned slightly sideways, limiting lateral movement.
Contact Point
TechniqueThe precise moment and location on the ball where the racket makes contact. Altering contact point changes spin type and trajectory dramatically.
Corkscrew Serve
ServeA serve with extreme sidespin where the rotation axis points toward the opponent, causing the ball to jump unpredictably and break sharply on the bounce. Perfected by Liu Guoliang.
Counter Driver
StyleA player who stays close to the table using the opponent's own speed and spin to block and counter-drive through reflexes and placement.
Counter-Hit
StrokeA counterattack against an incoming topspin shot using a closed racket and compact swing to redirect the opponent's pace. Also called a counter-drive.
Counter-Loop
StrokeA topspin stroke executed against an incoming topspin ball at a high speed.
Counter-Smash
StrokeA smash played in direct response to an opponent's smash, requiring exceptional reflexes and timing.
Crosscourt
TacticsA shot hit diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner — the longest available path and most natural shot trajectory.
Crossover Step
FootworkA footwork pattern where one foot crosses in front of the other to cover wide balls.
D10 terms
Dead Ball
RulesA point that is replayed due to interference or an edge case under the rules.
Dead Rubber
EquipmentA rubber with very little speed or spin, used to disrupt the opponent's timing.
Deep
TacticsA shot landing near the opponent's end line, limiting their ability to angle returns.
Default
GovernanceA match loss recorded when a player fails to appear, withdraws, or is disqualified.
Deuce
ScoringWhen both players reach 10 points each; a player must then win by 2 clear points.
Doubles
RulesA format with two players per side who must alternate striking the ball. Serves travel diagonally from the server's right court to the receiver's right court.
Down the Line
TacticsA shot played straight along the sideline rather than diagonally. Often used to wrong-foot opponents.
Drive
StrokeA basic flat or slightly topspin stroke that travels fast and low over the net.
Drop Shot
StrokeA delicate shot that just clears the net and drops very short on the opponent's side.
Dwell Time
EquipmentThe duration the ball remains in contact with the rubber and sponge during a stroke. Longer dwell time allows more spin to be imparted.
E3 terms
Early Ball
TechniqueContacting the ball on the rise, immediately after the bounce. Speeds up the rally, pressures the opponent, and reduces reaction time.
Edge Ball
RulesA ball that clips the very edge of the table; counts as a valid point for the hitter.
Expedite System
RulesA rule invoked after 10 minutes of play; the receiver wins if they return 13 consecutive shots.
F16 terms
Fade (Fading Sidespin Loop)
StrokeA modified topspin loop where the paddle contacts from outside to inside, generating sidespin that makes the ball fade away from the striker. Wang Liqin produced iconic fades against Timo Boll.
Falkenberg Drill
TrainingA classic training drill that alternates forehand and backhand strokes across multiple positions.
Fast Loop
StrokeA topspin loop executed at high speed to put pressure on the opponent.
Feint
TacticsA deceptive movement or stroke intended to mislead the opponent about shot direction.
Fifth Ball Attack
TacticsAn extension of the third ball attack: the server's third ball is a controlled setup, baiting a weaker fourth-ball return to attack decisively on ball 5.
Fishing
StrokeA defensive topspin stroke played from mid-to-far distance, higher than a normal loop but lower than a lob. Uses heavy topspin to stay in the rally under pressure.
Flared Handle
EquipmentA racket handle shape that widens at the base, preventing the racket from slipping during powerful swings. The most popular handle type worldwide.
Flat
TechniqueA shot played with minimal spin, producing a straighter, lower trajectory over the net. Emphasizes speed over arc.
Flat Hit
StrokeA shot struck with little or no spin, relying on speed rather than rotation for a straight, low trajectory.
Flick
StrokeA quick wrist snap used to attack short balls on the forehand or backhand side.
Flip
StrokeAn attacking shot against a short ball using a quick wrist snap to generate topspin or speed when room for a full backswing is restricted by the table.
Float
StrokeA deceptive stroke returning the ball with little or no spin, typically used by choppers to trick opponents who expect heavy backspin.
Float Serve
ServeThe server performs the exact same motion as a heavy-spin serve but reduces brushing at contact to produce minimal spin. Devastating when mixed with heavy-spin serves.
Footwork
FootworkThe movement of the feet to position the body correctly for each stroke.
Forehand
StrokeA stroke played on the dominant side of the body with the front face of the paddle.
Free Hand
RulesThe hand not holding the racket. Must not touch the playing surface during a rally; must hold the ball on an open palm during service.
G4 terms
Game (Set)
RulesA single game within a match, won by the first player to reach 11 points with at least a 2-point lead.
Game Point
ScoringThe situation when one player needs just one more point to win the current game.
Ghost Serve
ServeA serve where the ball bounces multiple times on the opponent's side and rolls back toward the net, requiring extreme underspin. Associated with Ma Lin.
Grips
TechniqueThe way in which a player holds the paddle; most common are shakehand and penhold.
H8 terms
Half-long Ball
TacticsA ball that lands near the end line of the table, making it hard to attack or push short.
Hardbat
EquipmentA paddle with hard pimpled rubber and no sponge, producing slower, spin-limited play.
Heavy Spin
SpinAn exceptionally strong amount of spin applied to the ball, making it difficult to return.
High Toss Serve
ServeA serve where the ball is thrown several meters high before being struck. Extra falling momentum enables significantly more spin.
Hit
StrokeA direct, flat strike propelling the ball forward with speed rather than spin; the simplest offensive stroke.
Hitter
StyleA playing style that focuses on fast, flat attacking shots over topspin looping.
Hook
StrokeA stroke combining sidespin with topspin or backspin, causing the ball to curve laterally in flight. Xu Xin is the modern master.
Hook Serve
ServeA serve generating anti-clockwise sidespin through body rotation and a forward/downward punch-like motion rather than wrist action. Par Gerell's hook serve was so deceptive even Liu Guoliang could not read it in a demonstration.
I3 terms
In-and-Out Footwork
FootworkA forward-backward movement pattern where the player steps toward the table for short balls then retreats to the ready position.
Inverted Rubber
EquipmentThe most common rubber type, with the pimpled surface facing inward toward the sponge and a smooth playing surface outward. Generates more spin than pimpled rubber.
ITTF
GovernanceInternational Table Tennis Federation; the global governing body for the sport.
J3 terms
Jab Push
StrokeA quick, short push stroke used to return fast, short balls near the net.
Japanese Penhold (JPEN)
TechniqueA penhold grip variation where the fingers spread across the back of the racket, optimizing forehand power but limiting play to one racket side.
Junk Player
StyleA player using unusual rubber combinations (long pips, anti-spin) to produce deceptive, unpredictable returns.
K2 terms
Kicker Serve
ServeA fast, long serve loaded with topspin that kicks forward aggressively after bouncing. Effective as a surprise weapon to prevent receivers from camping over the table.
Kill Shot
StrokeA very fast, flat smash intended to end the point immediately.
L9 terms
Late Ball
TechniqueContacting the ball after it has passed its peak and begun to descend. Provides more reaction time but surrenders initiative.
Let
RulesA serve that clips the net and lands in the correct service box; it is replayed.
Loaded
SpinDescribes a shot carrying an exceptionally large amount of spin, making it very difficult for the opponent to read and return correctly.
Lob
StrokeA high defensive shot hit from far behind the table to buy time or reset the rally.
Long Pips
EquipmentA rubber type with tall, flexible pimples that reverses or reduces spin from incoming balls.
Loop
StrokeA topspin stroke brushed upward and forward to produce heavy topspin over the net.
Loop Kill
StrokeA loop executed at full power and speed to end the point decisively.
Looper
StyleAn offensive player whose primary weapon is the topspin loop, relying on spin and arc to overpower opponents.
Loose
TacticsA return that is too high, too long, or lacks sufficient spin — easy to attack. The opposite of a tight ball.
M5 terms
Magnus Effect
SpinThe physics phenomenon where a spinning ball's flight path curves due to pressure differences. Topspin causes the ball to dip, backspin to float, sidespin to swerve laterally.
Match
ScoringA competition typically decided by the best of 5 or 7 games.
Medium Long Serve
ServeA serve where the second bounce lands at or near the opponent's end line, making it tactically difficult to attack short or step back from.
Medium Pips
EquipmentPips-out rubber with pip length between short and long pips, offering a balance of disruption and attacking capability.
Multiball
TrainingA training method where a coach or machine feeds multiple balls rapidly for repetition practice.
N2 terms
Net
EquipmentThe 15.25 cm (6 inch) high net stretched across the center of the table.
No-spin Serve
ServeA serve disguised to look like it has spin but actually has very little; confuses returners.
O4 terms
Obstruction
RulesTouching the ball when it is above or traveling toward the playing surface without it having bounced on one's own side. Results in a point for the opponent.
One-Step Footwork
FootworkA single push-off step into a wider stance to reach the ball when reaction time is limited.
Open Racket
TechniqueWhen the hitting face of the paddle is angled slightly upward away from the table.
OX / No-Sponge
EquipmentA rubber sheet used without a sponge layer, glued directly to the blade. Produces maximum spin reversal, often paired with long pips by defensive players.
P10 terms
Pendulum Serve
ServeA serve where the arm swings like a pendulum to generate heavy sidespin or backspin.
Penhold Grip
TechniqueA grip style where the handle is held like a pen, common in Asian playing styles.
Ping Pong
GeneralA popular informal name for table tennis; also a trademarked brand name.
Pips-Out
EquipmentA rubber where the pimples face outward; produces less spin but can disrupt opponents.
Pistol Grip
TechniqueThe handle is gripped between thumb and index finger like a pistol, with remaining fingers for stability. Permits greater wrist movement but requires a specially modified blade. Essentially unused competitively.
Placement
TacticsDeliberately directing the ball to a specific area of the table to exploit weaknesses.
Playing Elbow / Crossover Point
TacticsThe point near a player's elbow/hip where choosing between forehand and backhand is most difficult. Targeting this area is a primary tactical weapon.
Ply / Veneer
EquipmentA single layer of wood or composite material in a blade's construction. Common configurations are 5-ply (control) and 7-ply (speed).
Poly Ball
EquipmentThe plastic ball introduced in 2015 to replace celluloid. Produces less spin and is slightly harder, requiring technique adjustments particularly on serves.
Push
StrokeA controlled backspin stroke used to return low balls with a downward-forward motion.
R15 terms
Racket Speed
TechniqueThe velocity of the racket head at the moment of ball contact; the primary determinant of how much speed and spin a stroke generates.
Rally
GeneralAn exchange of shots between players during a point.
Rating
GovernanceA numerical value representing a player's competitive strength, calculated using an Elo-based system.
Ready Position
TechniqueA balanced, slightly crouched stance taken between shots to prepare for the next ball.
Receive
RulesThe act of returning the opponent's serve; the non-serving player is the receiver.
Receive Variation
TacticsThe deliberate mixing of different returns — short pushes, flicks, long pushes — to prevent the server from executing a planned third-ball attack.
Referee
GovernanceThe official responsible for managing an entire tournament — scheduling, draws, appointing umpires, and resolving disputes.
Return of Serve
TechniqueThe first shot played by the non-serving player; one of the most important skills in table tennis as it sets the tone for the rally.
Reverse Pendulum Serve
ServeThe mirror image of the standard pendulum serve, moving right-to-left for right-handers to produce opposite-direction sidespin. Popularized by Zhang Jike.
Reverse Penhold Backhand
StrokeA modern penhold technique using the reverse face of the paddle for backhand topspin.
Reverse Tomahawk Serve
ServeThe mirror of the standard tomahawk — the racket moves in the opposite direction, producing clockwise sidespin (same as a pendulum). Ding Ning is its most famous practitioner.
Round Robin
GovernanceA tournament format where every player in a group plays all others. Advancement is determined by win ratio then game ratio.
RPB
StrokeAbbreviation for Reverse Penhold Backhand; a powerful modern penhold technique.
Rubber
EquipmentThe covering on the paddle face; can be smooth (inverted) or pimpled; dramatically affects play.
Rubber Boost
EquipmentA legal substance applied to rubbers to temporarily increase speed and spin by expanding the sponge. Replaced speed glue after the ITTF ban in 2008.
S29 terms
Sandwich Rubber
EquipmentA racket covering consisting of a rubber topsheet bonded to a sponge layer, with total thickness not exceeding 4mm per ITTF rules.
Seeding
GovernanceRanking top players in a draw so they do not meet in early rounds of a knockout bracket.
Seemiller Grip
TechniqueNamed after five-time US champion Danny Seemiller; the thumb and index finger grip opposite sides of the racket head, allowing use of two contrasting rubbers.
Serve
RulesThe stroke that begins each point; the ball must bounce once on each side of the table.
Serve Variation
ServeThe deliberate mixing of different spin types, lengths, and placements within a serve sequence to prevent the opponent from reading the serve.
Service Box
RulesIn doubles, the right half-court where serves must land; in singles, the entire table is in play.
Shakehand Grip
TechniqueThe most common grip where the handle is held as if shaking hands; allows full forehand and backhand.
Short Ball
TacticsA ball placed so it would bounce at least twice on the receiver's side if left, preventing a full attacking swing.
Short Game
TacticsPlay involving short balls near the net that forces the opponent into difficult positions.
Short Pips
EquipmentPimpled rubber with shorter pips facing outward. Provides more speed and directness with less spin sensitivity than inverted rubber.
Shovel Serve
ServeA backhand serve with an upward scooping motion producing sidespin similar to the reverse pendulum, but using arm motion for easier control.
Side Shuffle
FootworkThe most basic footwork pattern: short, quick lateral steps to move side-to-side while staying low. The foundation of all table tennis movement.
Side Tape
EquipmentAdhesive tape applied around the racket's edge to protect the rubber from peeling and damage during play.
Sidespin
SpinSpin applied to the side of the ball, causing it to curve laterally in the air or off the table.
Skunk
RulesAn informal recreational rule: a player wins at 7-0 or 11-1 to spare the losing player further embarrassment. Not recognized in sanctioned competition.
Smash
StrokeA powerful, fast flat hit used to finish off a high ball.
Smother Kill
StrokeA very fast close-to-the-table stroke that takes the ball immediately off the bounce, overwhelming the opponent's shot before it can rise.
Snake Shot (Wiggly Shot)
StrokeA deceptive sidespin stroke performed when the ball drops below table level, hiding the contact point from the opponent, followed by elaborate arm motions to disguise the actual spin. Simon Gauzy and Hong Lin are prominent practitioners.
Soft Block
StrokeA gentle, absorbing block that takes speed off the ball and places it short.
Speed Glue
EquipmentA now-banned adhesive once used to boost rubber speed and spin; replaced by approved boosters.
Spin
SpinRotation applied to the ball by brushing it with the paddle; dramatically affects trajectory and bounce.
Spin Reversal
SpinThe effect produced when long pips or anti-spin rubber returns the ball with its spin direction reversed — incoming topspin becomes backspin and vice versa.
Sponge
EquipmentThe foam layer between the blade and rubber; thickness affects speed and spin.
Sponge Hardness
EquipmentA measurement of sponge rigidity in degrees. Softer sponges provide more control; harder sponges generate more speed.
Step Around (Pivot)
FootworkA lateral footwork pattern where a player moves around the backhand corner to play a forehand stroke from the backhand side.
Straight Handle
EquipmentA handle with uniform width throughout, favored by players who frequently twiddle to switch rubber sides during rallies.
Strawberry Flick (Boomerang Flick)
StrokeThe reverse variation of the banana flick, producing opposite sidespin that curves the ball toward the opponent's forehand. Pioneered by Koki Niwa and Kenta Matsudaira. Officially named by the ITTF.
Stroke
TechniqueThe motion used to hit the ball; includes drives, loops, chops, pushes, and more.
Sweet Spot
EquipmentThe area near the center of the racket face producing optimal feel, speed, and control with minimal vibration on ball contact.
T16 terms
Table
EquipmentThe playing surface; 274 cm long, 152.5 cm wide, and 76 cm high with a 15.25 cm net.
Table Tennis Ball
EquipmentThe official ball is 40mm in diameter and 2.7g in weight. Since 2015, the ITTF mandates plastic (poly) balls rather than celluloid.
Tackiness
EquipmentThe sticky quality of a rubber's topsheet surface. Tacky rubbers grip the ball more for greater spin generation.
Tension Rubber
EquipmentAn inverted rubber manufactured with built-in molecular tension, producing a catapult effect for greater speed and spin without speed glue.
Tetra Loop (Retro Candle)
StrokeA defensive lob loaded with extreme backspin designed so the ball bounces away from the receiver and can spin back toward the net — a spectacular last-resort shot.
Third Ball Attack
TacticsThe foundational offensive strategy: the server delivers a tactical serve (1), reads the return (2), then attacks aggressively on ball 3.
Tight
TacticsA return that stays low with strong backspin or precise short placement, making it very difficult for the opponent to attack.
Time-Out
RulesA break of up to 1 minute that each player or pair may request once per match.
Tomahawk Serve
ServeA forehand serve where the racket tip points upward and sweeps left-to-right (for right-handers). Produces sidespin that breaks opposite to a pendulum serve. Pioneered by Kenta Matsudaira.
Topsheet
EquipmentThe outer rubber layer that directly contacts the ball. Its tackiness, hardness, and pimple geometry determine spin and speed characteristics.
Topspin
SpinForward spin applied so the top of the ball rotates toward the target; causes the ball to dip and bounce forward.
Touch
TechniqueThe ability to play delicate, precise shots with fine control of spin and placement.
Tournament
GovernanceAn organized competition with multiple players or teams competing for ranking or prizes.
Transition Zone
FootworkThe area at the end of the table or just behind it where players switch between attack and defense.
Twiddling
TacticsRotating the paddle mid-rally so the opponent receives a different rubber type unexpectedly.
Two-Winged Looper
StyleA player who attacks with powerful topspin loops equally from both forehand and backhand sides. The dominant modern professional style.
U4 terms
UFO Shot
StrokeA backhand topspin attack where the player rotates their forearm inside-out (supination) to strike the ball with the forehand-side rubber while positioned on the backhand side, without twiddling. Produces a natural fade sidespin with an alien-looking arm rotation.
Umpire
GovernanceThe match official who oversees an individual match, calling the score and enforcing rules.
Underspin
SpinAnother term for backspin; the bottom of the ball rotates toward the hitter.
USATT
GovernanceUSA Table Tennis; the national governing body for table tennis in the United States.
V2 terms
V-Grip
TechniqueThe blade is held between the forefinger and middle finger in a V shape, adding extra reach and producing whippy strokes. Developed experimentally but never successful at high level.
Volley
RulesHitting the ball before it bounces on one's own side — illegal in table tennis; results in a point for the opponent.
W5 terms
Waldner No-Look Shot
StrokeThe player deliberately looks away from the ball's intended destination while striking, misdirecting the opponent. Jan-Ove Waldner performed no-look shots routinely in serious competition.
Wildcard
GovernanceA tournament entry granted at the discretion of the organizing body, allowing a player to compete without qualifying through standard pathways.
Windshield Wiper
StrokeA forehand topspin stroke with a sweeping wrist motion to generate extreme spin and angle.
Wrist
TechniqueThe joint used to add extra snap and spin to strokes; critical for serves and flicks.
WTT (World Table Tennis)
GovernanceThe commercial organization created by the ITTF in 2019 to run professional events worldwide, including Grand Smashes and Star Contenders.
Y1 term
YG Serve (Young Generation Serve)
ServeA modern serve where the wrist turns under the ball during a compact right-to-left swing, producing reverse sidespin that kicks toward the receiver's forehand. Allows topspin, underspin, and no-spin variations from identical motions. Popularized by Koki Niwa.