Table tennis seems like one of those sports that are literally too simple not to be able to play without learning or looking at a guide. However, when you actually start and especially when you play against an intermediate-level player, you quickly learn that there's more to it than meets the eye. If that is the case for you, you've come to the right place! Today, we're going to look at the best ways to learn the table tennis rules, start playing table tennis and improve as you go along.   The Grip This is the first part you must familiarize yourself with, as it defines how you will hold the racket in your hand. While this may seem like a trivial part of the learning process, it builds the base for the entirety of your table tennis learning path and is a fundamental aspect of your game. Along with your grip, you also need to master your footwork and stance, enhancing your movement and positioning and enabling you to get the best possible shot in every play. To get your grip perfect, start by holding the racket with three fingers pointing inwards (towards yourself), your index finger on the backside of the racket (away from you) and your thumb wrapping around to meet your three fingers. This is similar to a ‘shakehands’ grip and is one of the most natural yet effective ways to hold a table tennis racket.   Hitting the Ball This part will make up the majority of your gameplay as it defines how accurately and how fast you hit the ball. There are four different types of shots in table tennis: forehand drive and push, backhand drive and push. The forehand shots are when you hit the ball with the side of the racket that has your thumb and fingers on it; your forehand. As you might have guessed, the backhand shots are when you hit the ball with the back side of the racket; with your index finger on it. The forehand shots are generally going to be easier to learn as the motion is a lot more natural than the backhand shots, which require you to flip the racket around and make the motion in reverse. However, with enough practice, you'll find that even your backhand shots are as good as your forehand ones.   The Serve Learning table tennis good serve is the key to making sure you have an advantage right from the start of the play. While some serves can be really complicated and difficult to learn, a more basic one that gets you started should be easy enough to learn and even compete with intermediate players! At the same time, being able to return the serve in a match is key to keeping up with your opponent; some serves can really throw you off! Practice playing against various kinds of serves from different players at your local play area to get the hang of how they work. With that said, we're going to wrap up our guide on starting table tennis. We hope this has been helpful and wish you good luck!

Tennis is a great game to play on your weekends off with friends or community members, but it can be a bit intimidating if you need clarification on how it works. This anxiety, especially when you look at seasoned players on the court and wonder how they can play with such intensity and stamina. It's essential to keep in mind that those veteran players were once just newbies like you! They also had to start from somewhere, and today we're here to give you precisely that: an essential guide that will teach you how to play tennis. Let's get right into it.   What you'll need Aside from the resolve to learn and the will to not give up in the face of those particularly frustrating initial failures, you'll also need to spend on a quality racket and tennis shoes. Tennis rackets come in different sizes and weights, which can completely alter your performance. Since you're just starting, ensure that the racket you get has an oversized head, a light frame, and more power compared to other rackets. You'll also need to ensure that the shoes you choose are the right fit. The types of shoes can vary based on the foot size, width, ankle contact, and space available for your toes. Go for shoes that are comfortable, stable, lightweight, and durable. As you get better at the sport, you can choose your shoes in the future based on the kind of court you're playing in or your playing style.   Getting started with the game Familiarise yourself with the basics. Once you have the proper equipment, it's time to dig out some training manuals to help you on your journey. The game is played on a court where you start with a coin toss to determine who serves first and from where. There can be two or four players on the court at a time, depending on whether the match is singles or doubles. The server strikes the ball to the alternative side, and the game officially starts. To win, one team should have about four points, i.e., 15 counting as one point, 30 counting as two points, 40 counting as three points, and lastly, the fourth point would mark the winning score.    Ask an expert for help if needed. Trying to learn tennis by yourself is relatively easy, but the support of an expert coach is always a great addition. You can look into local tennis clubs in your area or ask your gym teachers to connect you with a professional tennis player if you're a student. This will also help you socialize with other players who're also passionate about wanting to improve their game. You'll be surprised at how quickly your game improves once like-minded tennis enthusiasts surround you.   Don't lose hope. And lastly, keep hope if you don't instantly get as good as Serena Williams at playing tennis! What matters is that you show up to the court daily and make the conscious choice to play and improve. If you keep these tips in mind, your game is bound to improve slowly and gradually.

Nearly everyone in the world has, at some point in their lifetime, played or at least watched some sport, be it football, basketball, tennis, baseball, etc. Why is it that humans find the idea of sports so appealing? To answer that question, we must look at what sports bring to the table.   Helps you reach your fitness goals One of the many reasons people choose sports is that it helps keep their bodies in shape. It has numerous health benefits, such as Lowering the risks of heart diseases. The human heart is one of the body's most hardworking muscles, and it must be regularly worked out to function correctly. Improving the flexibility of joints. The flexibility of joints is improved as the bones and muscles become more robust. This makes a person less injury prone. Lowering bad and increasing good cholesterol levels. Contrary to popular belief, not all cholesterol is bad; your body needs a certain amount of "good" cholesterol (HDL) to function correctly. Exercising regularly or playing sports can help you achieve that balance. Improving sleep cycles. Having a good night's sleep is responsible for deciding your mood for the day, and leading an active lifestyle can help you capitalize on the benefits of a healthy sleep cycle. Keeping a healthy weight. One of the benefits of sports that everyone wants to cash in on is a healthy outlook on the body, and with just a few hours every day, you'll be able to achieve the look you desire.   People who play sports tend to lead longer, healthier lives, which is no coincidence. If you keep your body active, then it will repay you. Improves your self-esteem Every sport, whether it is football, basketball, martial arts, or any other, requires one thing, and that is discipline. Sports teach us endurance and the ability to move forward after taking a fall. These are some of the most challenging life lessons, and playing sports helps us take these challenges head-on and prepare ourselves for what life has to throw at us. Facing these challenges by engaging ourselves in sports improves our mental toughness and allows us to reflect on the challenges we overcame. Doing this does wonder for our self-esteem, and we can become better versions of ourselves.   Improves your mental health Better self-esteem means your mental health is significantly improved, and if you start playing sports, you will notice that your mood is improved, and you'll find yourself more relaxed. This is because physical activity causes your brain to release endorphins, a chemical that relieves the built-up stress in your muscles and causes your brain to be less tense. This is why many therapists recommend their patients to exercise, as it is a much healthier way to reduce stress than antidepressants.   In Conclusion Sports have existed and thrived for centuries, and for a good reason. They offer countless benefits, including but not limited to improving your physical health, boosting your mental health, and helping you socialize. Sports can be a pathway to a happier and healthier life if you make the right choice. So what are you waiting for?

University is not all about attending classes, taking lectures, maintaining attendance, and giving exams! Instead, it is a massive space of new experience, some real-time learning, and keeping your mental health stable. Enrolling yourself as a member of a sports club can help you manage your social life and your study life. Here, we will discuss why you should be joining some sports community and what benefits it can bring you.   Expand your social circle. If you are a socially extroverted person, then a sports club is the best fit for you. It will help you meet new people, interact with them and make new friends. Even if you're introverted, the interaction will help you improve your communication skills and reduce your hesitation toward new people.   Help maintain your mental health. Sports are an excellent source of keeping your mind healthy and fresh. Joining a sports community and actively participating in different games can keep your brain active, leading to better performance in other tasks.   Help you stay physically fit. Enrolling in a sports club allows you to participate in various games, sports, and activities. This can help you strengthen your muscles, reduce your chances of injury, keep your heart rate up, and keep your body active.   Improve your soft skills. As a sports club member, you will get to interact with new people and perform different tasks. This interaction and collaboration will help you improve your overall skills, including leadership, teamwork, task management, better communication, and increased confidence and self-esteem.   Enhance your CV. In the modern era, companies and firms prefer candidates with more skills and experience rather than having a solid educational history. Therefore, as a member of a sports community, you can enhance your CV by adding more social experience and soft skills to it.   Manage your studies more effectively. If you only surround yourself with the tension of studies, never-ending exams, and assignments, your brain is more likely to get exhausted. To perform better in studies, your brain must be fresh and active. By being a sports club member, your mind will stay active and healthy so you can easily manage your studies and even get good grades.   Be a representative or an ambassador. As a member of the sports community, you can get a chance to represent your educational institute at different levels. This can lead to an excellent personal impression in society and an improved reputation for your educational institute.  In this fast-paced world, it can be tough to focus on yourself and manage your physical and mental health. Joining a sports community can surely do the task for you. A sports community will work as your completely unpaid assistant and keep an eye on your health. You would only be able to work if you are mentally and physically fit.  So stop overthinking and enroll right away in the best sports club in your area!

Football is a universally loved game; there's no one I know that doesn't enjoy a game of 5-a-side football in the evening with all their friends and football buddies. That said, many people out there don't quite understand the appeal, or maybe they don't really understand how the game works, which is perfectly okay! This article will explain exactly how football works and everything we believe everyone should know about ‘the beautiful game.’   How Does it Work? Despite being the most popular sport in the world, most popular are usually unfamiliar with how the sport works, especially in a professional setting with standard football rules. With that said, let's dive into how the game works: Football is played with 11 players in each team, and there are two teams on the pitch. All 22 players play simultaneously, so the pitch or field needs to be considerably big. Accordingly, the average football pitch size is 112 yards long and 70 yards wide, so there's lots of running to be done! Both teams have one goalkeeper who typically does not leave their post/position and is responsible for being the last line of defence against a goal being scored on them. The remaining ten players are called 'outfield players,' which are typically split into three sections; defenders, midfielders, and attackers. The structure of these three sections combines to create the formation of the team, which can be defender, attacker-focused, or neutral. While the roles and positions are assigned, there is no restriction on any player (including the goalkeeper) from moving to any point on the pitch, so there tends to be a lot of temporary shuffling of positions during the match. All you need to get started with football, though, is a pair of shoes (ideally football shoes) and a football! Finding a proper pitch and people to play with is always a bonus and will offer the best experience, but you'll quickly find that you don't need anyone but yourself to enjoy it! Practising by yourself, trying new dribbles and shots, passing and playing keep-up against a wall, the sky is the limit with how creative you can be! This is one of the most beautiful parts of the sport for me. While you can play alone, it's always more fun with friends and more players! In my experience, whenever I play by myself in a park or on a pitch, I'm almost always joined by nearby people that are looking to play with someone. With enough people joining like this, before you know it, you’re playing with more people on each team than the pitch allows! That wraps up our guide on everything you need to know about football and why it’s such a magical game for everyone who plays it. It truly is one of the most fun sports to play and has been the best way for me to socialize with like-minded people. We hope this has been helpful and wish you good luck with all your future sports endeavours!

Getting the proper footwear for the sport that you're playing is an important step that often gets overlooked. For example, it may seem easy and natural to play football in your favourite pair of sneakers, but you'll quickly find that this is a fast one-way ticket to ruining and even destroying the entire shoe from the extreme wear. So, what should you get instead? That's exactly what we're going to discuss today! Starting with:   For Football If football is your choice of sport, you will want cleats. However, there is more to it than that. Cleats are only viable (and allowed) if you're going to play in a field with natural grass. If the field has artificial grass or Astroturf on it, you'll want a slightly different version of the cleats suited to that specific surface (search artificial grass or turf variants for the shoe of your choice). Similarly, for indoor courts, you cannot get away with wearing cleats as not only will they damage the court floor, you will constantly be slipping about and risk injuring yourself due to a lack of grip. For these courts, you should look into IC (indoor court) football boots that look similar to a pair of sneakers but have tougher upper materials to withstand the wear.   For Basketball Basketball shoes are often as much a fashion statement as they are functional. Unlike football shoes, you will not need to pay much attention to the surface, as basketball is almost exclusively played on hard surfaces. Accordingly, you'll be fine with any pair of basketball shoes you like. Factors to consider are pricing; the higher priced ones will likely last longer and be more comfortable, and the style of the shoe; low tops and high tops. Most basketball shoes are high tops to protect the ankle of the player, but low-top versions have also been a popular choice in recent times as they offer more freedom and flexibility while also being lightweight.   For Running This is one sport where you can easily get away with your favourite pair of sneakers; it's what they were made for! When it comes to running shoes, it's hard to go wrong with any of the popular options from Adidas, Nike, Asics, and Brooks, among others. The exact choice you pick will depend on your preference. For me, I like a lot of underfoot padding (more foam) and a firm but soft fit on top. What you'll want to avoid when going running is doing it in a pair of casual wear shoes like Vans, which are not designed to run long distances in, nor do they have enough padding to keep you comfortable while you run.   For Tennis In tennis, you'll want a pair of lightweight shoes that offer flexibility without including too much foam under your foot to allow for agile movements. My favourite options in this category are the Nike Court Visions, though you can search for your preferred options as long as they meet the abovementioned requirements to enhance performance.

There's no better time to get into sports than in the summer. In fact, many major sports tournaments, like the FIFA World Cup, and the summer Olympics, which include volleyball, swimming, and basketball, are all scheduled for months like June and July. This tells us that summers are the ideal time to leave all laziness behind and enjoy an enjoyable sport. Every sport has its benefits, and needless to say, not every sport is for everyone, which is why we have combined a list of five great sports to take up in the summers, from which you can choose what suits you best.   Swimming While many of us enjoy working up a sweat on a hot summer's day, chasing after a ball, it would be an understatement to say that not everyone likes that. If this hypothetical person sounds like you, swimming should be your go-to sport this summer. Swimming can be as exhausting as you want it to be; you can swim for fun, exercise, or even competitively. It is a delightful hobby, and your heart will be all the better for it. If you want to build up stamina but don't want to run for miles in the scorching sun, then look for the nearest pool to dive in.   Beach Volleyball Beach volleyball is the only sport on this list that is played exclusively in the summers. It is slightly different from indoor volleyball as it only requires two players on each team instead of the usual six. Although you have a certain fitness level to play this game, it still has a relatively easy learning curve. Playing this game will not only improve your focus but will also help you get into better shape. As beach volleyball is a team sport, it will help you socialize with other people, and who knows, if you've got the skills for it, you might start playing in a competitive league.   Cycling Next up on our list, we've got cycling. If you need a good cardio workout, you should try cycling. It serves as a great alternative to your car for your daily commute. It will significantly help reduce your carbon footprint, so you'll be doing the environment a huge favor. Furthermore, it is very straightforward to learn and is an inexpensive hobby.   Tennis Lastly, on this list, we have the incredibly entertaining yet competitive game of tennis. Some might say that it is a challenging sport to learn, which is true, but the thrill of playing such a sport and the joy of seeing your skills build up makes all the effort well worth it.   Bottom line Whether you are trying to get into a new sport or want to start over something you took up long ago, one thing is clear: summers are the best time for such activities. Everyone should take full advantage of the clear skies and pleasant weather by learning something productive.

Basketball is a global sport that has become extremely popular since its invention in 1891. Today, Basketball is played by over 300 million people in over 200 countries and is the most popular team sport in the world. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regulates the game internationally, while national organizations such as USA Basketball govern it within each country.  Basketball is one of the most televised sports in the world and one of the most famous team sports in high schools and colleges throughout North America.    How is it played?  Basketball is a team sport played by two teams on a rectangular-shaped court. The real goal is to shoot a ball through a hoop high-mounted to a backboard at each end. Basketball was invented in December 1891 by Canadian-American James Naismith.  The most common position on the court is point guard, where a player controls the offense by bringing the ball upcourt and passing it to teammates. Other players in a basketball game include shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. Basketball is a highly fast-paced sport that requires speed, agility, quickness, and endurance from all of its players to be successful on the court.   Basic rules of the game for newbies  There are several basic rules that basketball players must abide by to be successful on the court.  First, all players must have both feet behind the three-point line when they shoot or pass the ball. Also, no player may touch the ball after it has been dribbled once - this is known as "double dribbling" and is considered an illegal move. Additionally, the offensive team has ten seconds to advance the ball past its half of the court, or else they will be called for a violation known as a "backcourt violation." The most common violations in Basketball include traveling (taking more than two steps while dribbling the ball) and shooting after time has expired.  To prevent any contact between players, the defensive team must maintain a certain distance from offensive players, known as "the three-second rule." To score points in Basketball, teams must shoot the ball into their opponent's basket. The most common way of scoring points is by throwing the ball through the opponent's basket from within the three-point line. A successful shot is worth two points, while a shot taken from behind the three-point line is taken as a three-pointer.  The teams may also attempt to shoot free throws by shooting the ball through an opponent's defensive ring without the benefit of being defended by an opposing player. If successful, these attempts are worth one point each.  Finally, a team may also score points by throwing the ball into their opponent's basket after rebounding off the backboard or rim - this is known as a "field goal."   Conclusion  Basketball is an exhilarating sport requiring speed, endurance, agility, and skill from all players on offense and defense. Regardless of your skill level, learning and practicing the game's basic rules is essential to be successful on the court. By following these simple guidelines, you can become a skilled ball player and enjoy this exciting sport for years to come!

Over a century ago, in 1891, basketball was created by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. The game has been an instant success and is now among a few of the top and most popular sports across the globe. It's been more than 100 years since its inception as a recreational sport, but many people still need to learn more about this exciting and fast-paced game.   What is Basketball?  Basketball is played on a rectangular court with two hoops at either end, surrounded by a raised rim. The game's mission is to score points by throwing or "shooting" the ball into the hoop while preventing your opponent from scoring. Players can move around the court by dribbling or bouncing the ball on the ground, shooting it ahead, or passing it to a teammate.   Why Was Basketball Invented?  James Naismith, who invented basketball, created the game as a way for his students to stay active during harsh New England winters. He wanted to create a sport that was simple and fun but required skill and precision to succeed. And he succeeded - basketball has finally become the most famous sport in the world, with millions of people tuning in yearly to watch professional games and leagues. Despite its popularity, there is still a lot that people still need to learn about basketball. For example, many need to know this exciting game's unique rules, strategies, and skills. Whether you're new to the sport or already a die-hard fan, basketball is always something to learn.    What are the original rules of the game? Dr. James Naismith himself created the original rules of basketball. These rules outlined the basic structure and gameplay of the sport, including elements such as goal scoring, fouls, and player positions. One of the most notable aspects of these original rules was their emphasis on physical fitness - they required players to be active and agile to be successful. The original rules stated that the ball might be thrown in any direction with either or both hands, but a fist could never be used.  A player was required to toss the ball from where they caught it and was not allowed to run with it.  It was against the rules for players to strike, trip, or push other competitors.  A player would be kicked out of the game until the next goal was scored if they committed a second foul.  If there were evidence that a player intended to injure an opponent, then that player would be disqualified from the game for the entirety of it.  The game consisted of two halves that each lasted 15 minutes, with a five-minute break in between each half.  The winning group was determined to be the one that scored the most goals in the specified amount of time. If a match ended in a draw, the play could continue until one of the teams scored again.   Conclusion  While basketball is a relatively simple game, players use many different strategies and tactics to outsmart their opponents. So if you're looking for some exciting action and top-notch competition, be sure to give basketball a try!

The History of Badminton Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It originated in India over 2,000 years ago and has a rich and exciting history. In the following article, we'll glance at the critical events in the development of badminton throughout the centuries.   What is Badminton? Badminton is one of the sports played with racquets, which requires players to hit a shuttlecock over a net while playing inside a badminton court. In most cases, it can be played as either a singles or doubles game. You can play badminton indoors or outdoors; however, most competitions at the highest levels are played inside because organizers try to minimize the impact of elements such as the wind and the lighting.   Roots of Badminton Traced Back to India  The roots of the sport can be traced back to ancient India. It is believed that a game known as battledore and shuttlecock, or 'Poona,' was played in many variations across the country. The first mention of a game resembling today's badminton came from British reports of the early 1800s when it was played by British soldiers stationed in India.   Introduction of Badminton in England  In 1873, "The Duke of Beaufort" brought the game to England, where it quickly became popular among the elite class. It was initially played inside large estates or other enclosed spaces. The rules were very similar to the modern game, although there were no net or court boundaries, and players could strike the shuttlecock with their hands. Over the next few decades, badminton grew in popularity in England. In 1893, it was officially recognized as a sport by major English sporting organizations, and shortly afterward, other countries began to take an interest in the game.   Formation of IBF  In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) was formed, and soon after that, badminton became a recognized Olympic sport. Today, it is played worldwide and continues to gain popularity thanks to its speed, athleticism, and accessibility – anyone can pick up a racket and play!   Frequently Asked Questions  Who introduced Badminton in England?  Around 1870, British army officers learned the game and brought it back to England. The Duke of Beaufort, whose country estate was known as "Badminton House" and was located in Gloucestershire, is credited with introducing this sport in 1873.    Why is badminton called badminton?  The game was named badminton after being first played in England in 1873 at a place called "Badminton House," a country estate owned by the Duke of Beaufort. Since that time, badminton has been referred to simply as "Badminton" rather than by its previous names, "Poona" and "Battledore and Shuttlecock.   How many people play badminton? According to the International Badminton Federation (IBF), there are currently over 100 million people worldwide who play badminton regularly. It is trendy in Asia and Europe but can be played anywhere, anytime, by anyone.   Conclusion  As you can see, badminton has a fascinating history that spans many centuries and countries. Whether you're already an avid player or enjoy watching the sport on TV, this article should give you a deeper appreciation of its origins and development over time. 

It is 7 pm on a Friday, and you're sitting on your couch scrolling through the channels on your TV. It has been a very long week and an even longer Friday, so you really deserve to relax. And what better way to do that than by grabbing a bowl of fried chicken while watching Tottenham thrash Southampton? As you scroll through the channels you're subscribed to; a strange and terrifying realization hits you: none of them broadcast the match you're looking for. If you've been a sports fan long enough, you will undoubtedly have faced some variation of this issue. The mainstream channels only have some smaller matches, and the niche channels have a small variety to offer. What should you, then, do in this case? Well, worry not! We're here with the five best sports channels you need to subscribe to.   ESPN ESPN is a no-brainer since it is one of the biggest sports channels in the world. They broadcast almost every major game or sport, so you can rely on them to show you whatever you need. They also have shows with analysts to help you understand the game and keep you entertained at all times. Moreover, they have launched an ESPN+ service for people to live stream games. While ESPN+ has a limited offering, it still provides unmatched convenience in the sports viewing market.   HULU+ Live TV Hulu's live option offers a range of sports channels that are customizable. They have an on-demand option, so you're sure to find things that interest you. If you have a wide range of interests in various sports, HULU+ Live TV is suitable for you. It is your one-stop solution for all your entertainment and sports needs.   YouTube YouTube will never disappoint if you're only interested in watching the big national games. That's why you need to keep this one on your list of sports channels. Its offerings are limited at the moment, but if they're showing a match, there's no better place than them. You can see what people are saying, and they've added many new features over time, such as live replay.   Sky Sports Of course, if you have a more global preference, Sky Sports is the way to go. Sky Sports will cover almost everything, whether cricket, football, or any other global event. They're a UK-based company, and those British commentators won't ever bore you.   Ten Sports Since the first three choices were more US-centric, our last two have a more global focus and approach. Ten Sports is one of the world's biggest sports channels and has everything from the Olympics to wrestling or cricket. No list would be complete without it. If you're a sports fan, you're sure to be already acquainted with all of these services. What you must consider, however, is that the "perfect" combination of channels will differ from person to person. Before choosing channels, compare costs and their offerings and choose according to your needs.