Table tennis has been part of the Paralympics since the first game in 1960.
A point is scored when your opponent fails to return the ball,
let the ball bounce twice, hits the return into the net or if the return fails to hit the
table on your side of the net. Play begins with the serve which must first
bounce on your side of the net
clear the net and then bounce on the opponent's court. In the rally the
players use two principal types of shots: the forehand and the backhand. Attacking
shots include the flip and the smash. For these the top spin is generally used, causing
the ball to dip and then bounce sharply.
It's achieved by hitting the ball with an up and forward stroke. Defensive shots
including log - one of the most impressive moves. Players tend to use back spin, they
propel the ball in the air
only to land on the table with great amount of spin and as close to the net as possible.
In Paralympic table tennis athletes compete in 11 classes. Classes
1 to 5 are for athletes to compete sitting and are sub divided according to sitting balance
and hand function. Classes six to 10 are for the players who can compete standing and are
sub divided according
standing balance. The lower the number the greater the impact that the
impairment on the sport. Class 11 is for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Each match is the best of five games and in each of those games is first to 11 but
you have to win by 2 clear points. There are both singles and team events. In the singles
there's a round-robin group stage followed by knockout rounds. The team
event is straight knockout tournament. Long rallies a common in this explosive
game and the ability to read the spin of the ball is crucial.