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Rockstar Explains Table Tennis Feature

Chris Leyton

28/04/2006

A 101 class for anybody not particularly familiar with the rules of table tennis...

Rockstar Games managed to surprise everybody earlier in the year with the announcement of its next-generation debut. Resisting the temptation for the widely expected controversy that follows everything they do, Rockstar Games and its San Diego development studio turned towards the world of table tennis for its first 360 title, and left everybody asking has Rockstar finally cracked?

Having had the chance to sample the fast-paced delights of the game, we're now on the same level as Rockstar and can see why they're excited by the title. There is however one problem, and that's the fact that the rules of table tennis may not be particularly common amongst gamers; sure it makes for an ideal videogame, but there's probably not too many who pop down the gym for a game or make sure to watch it on the rare occasion that it's actually on TV.

So thankfully the kind chaps at Rockstar have sent details on the rules behind the game, along with the various shots on offer and a selection of movies showing these in action.

The Rules

Table Tennis is a high energy game and is one of the most popular games in the world in terms of player numbers. Play is fast and demands possibly the quickest reactions of any sport. Strategy is key and each shot is crucial; ball placement, spin, counter spin smashes and soft shots all add to the addictiveness of it. Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis is the most realistic video game representation of the sport that you have ever seen (probably not that hard really).

Olympic rules dictate that the winner of each game is the first to score 11 points, with each player alternating serves every two points. At 10-10 (or deuce) the players alternate with every serve until one player wins with a 2-point lead. Table Tennis matches work on a 'best of' format of any odd number of games.

Below we have a detailed glossary of shots. To be a champion of Table Tennis you need to practice hard and master each shot with a finesse that wipes your opponent off the table.

Top spin - With a top spin shot, the basic offensive move, the top of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is travelling. The difficulty in returning a top spin shot is that the ball will easily pop up high or go off the table, so make sure you're in a position to keep the ball low or counter spin with a top spin shot. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.

Back spin - With a backspin shot, the basic defensive move, the bottom of the ball is moving in the same direction that the ball is travelling. This shot can cause the opponent to shoot the ball into the net, so to return a back spin you should avoid lower shots such as a sidespin or counter spin with a back spin shot right back. When you 'chop' or 'push' the ball, you produce backspin. The backhand shot is as above with the paddle on the opposite side of the player.

Side spin - The side spin shot causes the ball to spin on its vertical axis and curves the ball left or right. This shot is going to cause the ball to go off the paddle in an unexpected direction so the opponent needs to stay focused and ready to reach out left or right to return this shot.

Crosscourt - Make your player run with the crosscourt shot which hits the ball diagonally from one corner of the table to another. Be cautious to centre yourself quickly after this shot as you can leave yourself wide open for your opponent to place the ball out of your reach on the other side of the table.

Down-the-line - The down the line shot puts the ball along the side of the table parallel to the side lines. The perfect shot to counter your opponent's crosscourt maneuver.

Soft Shot - With this shot, also known as a 'drop shot', you need to position yourself close to the table, you are aiming to put the ball so short (close to the net) that the opponent has trouble reaching the ball. This shot is most effective when the opponent is standing away from the table. The opponent should quickly move into the table to dive for the ball.

Smash - The ultimate in attack shots. This shot is easy to place when the ball has been 'popped up' by your opponent, perhaps in a poor response to a top spin shot. This shot gives the ball so much speed and elevation it is very difficult for the opponent to make a return and is also known as a 'kill shot'.

Lob - A great defensive shot to use against the smash shot. The shot puts the ball high in the air though still lands it on your opponent's side. It provides extra airtime so that you can get back into position and if it's hit properly it will take a low fast bounce when it lands which can throw off your opponents timing. Watch out though as the lob could set you up to receive another smash from your opponent.

Loop - The loop shot is a heavy topspin shot usually considered the most important shot in the game. It is an aggressive variation of the block shot and involves a controlled swing of the paddle around the body from behind the calf, meeting the ball at the peak of its bounce with a closed paddle. It sends the ball slamming at your opponent with a heavy top spin and a short hit.

Block shot - This is a quick, off the bounce return of an aggressive drive. The shot is executed by holding the paddle almost still in the ball's path and simply shifting the direction to redirect the force of the shot.

Volley - A volley shot would be to hit the ball before it has touched your side of the table. In Table Tennis this shot results in immediate loss of a point.

Shake hands - This is the most popular grip. It gives the best balance of forehand and backhand, characterized by its name you essentially shake hands with the paddle.

Penholder - This is a type of grip mostly used by players in Asia. It gives the best possible forehand and a great range of motion in your serves, but is the most awkward backhand of the conventional grips.

So there you have it, by now everybody should be accustomed to the intricacies of table tennis and know the difference between a Lob and Loop; Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis is scheduled for release on May 26th, so keep an eye out for more soon.