1: In what century was table tennis first played?
A: 16th century
B: 17th century
C: 18th century
D: 19th century
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Table tennis was first played in the 19th century in England.
2: What is the highest governing body for table tennis?
A: ITF
B: ITTF
C: FIFA
D: IOC
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the highest governing body for table tennis.
3: In which year did table tennis become an Olympic sport?
A: 1976
B: 1984
C: 1988
D: 1992
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Table tennis has been an Olympic sport since 1988.
4: What material are modern table tennis balls made of?
A: Celluloid
B: Polystyrene
C: Rubber
D: Polymer
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: As of 2015, table tennis balls are made of a polymer material.
5: What is the standard diameter of a table tennis ball?
A: 38 mm
B: 40 mm
C: 42 mm
D: 44 mm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The standard diameter of a table tennis ball is 40 mm.
6: How much does an official table tennis ball weigh?
A: 2.5 g
B: 2.7 g
C: 3.0 g
D: 3.2 g
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An official table tennis ball weighs 2.7 grams.
7: How high must a table tennis ball bounce when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm?
A: 15-20 cm
B: 20-22 cm
C: 24-26 cm
D: 28-30 cm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The ball must bounce between 24–26 cm when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm.
8: Which table tennis association was founded in 1926?
A: The International Tennis Federation
B: USA Table Tennis
C: The International Table Tennis Federation
D: The German Table Tennis Association
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926.
9: How is the “handover” of service determined at the start of a table tennis game?
A: Rock-paper-scissors
B: Coin toss
C: Referee decision
D: Highest score in practice rallies
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The first service is decided by a coin toss or similar lot.
10: What is the purpose of the line painted along the long axis of the table in doubles games?
A: To mark the service area
B: To enhance visibility
C: To separate playing zones
D: To facilitate the doubles service rule
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The line helps in doubles service by showing the correct service boxes.
11: How many points must a player score to win a standard game of table tennis?
A: 9
B: 11
C: 15
D: 21
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A player must score 11 points to win a standard game unless both players score 10 points each, requiring a 2-point lead.
12: What type of grip is commonly referred to as “penhold”?
A: Western grip
B: Seemiller grip
C: Penhold grip
D: Eastern grip
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The penhold grip involves holding the paddle similarly to how one holds a pen.
13: What rule was changed after the 2000 Olympics to make table tennis more viable as a televised sport?
A: Increase in ball size
B: Change in net height
C: Shortened match duration
D: Introduction of new rubber materials
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The ball size was increased from 38 mm to 40 mm to slow down the game, aiding television viewership.
14: When executing a “push” stroke, what kind of spin is imparted on the ball?
A: Topspin
B: Sidespin
C: Backspin
D: Corkspin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A push stroke imparts backspin on the ball.
15: Who first discovered the celluloid balls ideal for table tennis in 1901?
A: E.C. Goode
B: James W. Gibb
C: Parker Brothers
D: J. Jaques & Son Ltd
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: James W. Gibb, a British table tennis enthusiast, discovered celluloid balls.
16: What does the “ready position” in table tennis involve?
A: Standing on one leg
B: Feet spaced wider than shoulder width
C: Leaning backward
D: Holding the racket tightly
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The ready position involves feet spaced wider than shoulder width and a partial crouch.
17: How many official member associations are included in the ITTF as of now?
A: 100
B: 150
C: 200
D: 226
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The ITTF includes 226 member associations worldwide.
18: What term is used for shutting off a rally where the result is not scored?
A: Net
B: Let
C: Fault
D: Out
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A rally where the result is not scored is called a “let.”
19: In competitive table tennis, how often does service alternate between players in a standard game?
A: Every point
B: Every 2 points
C: Every 3 points
D: Every 4 points
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Service alternates every 2 points in a standard game.
20: How many returns must a receiver complete under the expedite system before scoring a point?
A: 10
B: 11
C: 12
D: 13
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The receiver must complete 13 returns in a rally under the expedite system before scoring a point.
21: Who invented the modern version of the table tennis racket in 1901?
A: James W. Gibb
B: Parker Brothers
C: E.C. Goode
D: J. Jaques & Son Ltd
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: E.C. Goode invented the modern version of the racket by attaching a sheet of pimpled rubber to the blade.
22: What is the term for a type of stroke involving a direct hit that propels the ball forward?
A: Loop
B: Flip
C: Hit
D: Smash
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A “hit” is a direct stroke that propels the ball forward.
23: What is the main aim of a smash in table tennis?
A: To create spin
B: To slow down the game
C: To apply speed
D: To confuse the opponent
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The main aim of a smash is to impart as much speed on the ball as possible to make it difficult for the opponent to react.
24: Which continent governs table tennis through the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU)?
A: Asia
B: Africa
C: Europe
D: South America
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) governs table tennis in Europe.
25: What technique in table tennis is referred to as “counter-hit”?
A: Attacking a serve
B: Returning a high loop drive
C: Executing a backspin stroke
D: Blocking a smash
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A counter-hit often involves countering a high loop drive close to the bounce.
26: What is the primary reason for increasing the ball size from 38 mm to 40 mm in 2000?
A: To make the game faster
B: To slow the game down
C: To increase difficulty
D: To change equipment appearance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Increasing the ball size to 40 mm slowed the game down, making it more suitable for television broadcasting.
27: Which grip style involves holding the paddle similar to shaking hands?
A: Tennis grip
B: Shakehand grip
C: Backhand grip
D: Overhead grip
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The shakehand grip involves holding the paddle as if you were shaking hands.
28: When did table tennis become a sport in the Paralympics?
A: 1960
B: 1964
C: 1968
D: 1972
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Table tennis has been a sport in the Paralympics since the 1960 Summer Paralympics.
29: What is the main characteristic of “topspin” in table tennis?
A: The ball rotates backward
B: The ball floats slowly
C: The ball accelerates upon bouncing
D: The ball has no spin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Topspin causes the ball to dip after the apex and accelerate upon bouncing on the table.
30: Which stroke in table tennis is predominantly a defensive technique to keep the ball low?
A: Smash
B: Loop
C: Counter-hit
D: Chop
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A chop is a defensive stroke used to create backspin and keep the ball low and difficult to attack.
31: Which organization is the main governing body for table tennis in the United States?
A: ITTF
B: ETTU
C: USATT
D: FIFA
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: USA Table Tennis (USATT) is the national governing body for table tennis in the United States.
32: What key advantage does a “block” stroke offer in table tennis?
A: Increased spin
B: Slower ball speed
C: Effective counter to offensive strokes
D: Increased accuracy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A block stroke allows a player to counter nearly as much energy as an opponent’s offensive stroke and return the ball back quickly.
33: Who holds the record for the first male table tennis player to complete a Grand Slam?
A: Ma Long
B: Kong Linghui
C: Jan-Ove Waldner
D: Zhang Jike
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Jan-Ove Waldner of Sweden first completed the Grand Slam in table tennis at the 1992 Olympic Games.
34: What is the newest material used for table tennis balls since July 2014?
A: Celluloid
B: Plastic
C: Poly
D: Rubber
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) mandates that all events after July 2014 are played using poly material balls.
35: What is the minimum playing space required for a standard table tennis match according to ITTF regulations?
A: 10 m x 5 m
B: 12 m x 6 m
C: 14 m x 7 m
D: 16 m x 8 m
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The minimum playing space required is 14 m (length) x 7 m (width) with at least 5 m height clearance.
36: What notable event in table tennis history took place in the 1950s?
A: Introduction of sponge rubber paddles
B: Celluloid balls were discovered
C: Table tennis became an Olympic sport
D: Establishment of ITTF
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: In the 1950s, the introduction of paddles with sponge rubber layers dramatically changed the game.
37: Which term describes the strategic wrist movement compressed into a quick action during a fast attack in close quarters?
A: Loop
B: Flip
C: Chop
D: Smash
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flip is a quick wrist action used to attack balls that haven’t bounced beyond the table’s edge.
38: How high is the net on a table tennis table?
A: 10 cm
B: 12.5 cm
C: 15.25 cm
D: 20 cm
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The net on a table tennis table is 15.25 cm high.
39: Which spin makes it difficult for the ball to be returned with high speed due to its angular precision requirements?
A: Topspin
B: Sidespin
C: Corkspin
D: Backspin
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Backspin makes it harder for the opponent to return the ball with great speed due to the required angular precision of the return.
40: What role does the “glue” used in mid-1980s paddles serve?
A: Increase ball size
B: Increase spin and speed
C: Reduce reflexes
D: Increase durability
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The use of speed glue increased the spin and speed of the ball, revolutionizing table tennis play.
41: When playing doubles, the server must serve from which side to which side on the table?
A: Left box to left box
B: Left box to right box
C: Right box to left box
D: Right box to right box
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: In doubles, service must originate from the right-hand box and land in the opponent’s right-hand box.
42: What is a modified form of traditional table tennis involving a wooden paddle with no sponge called?
A: Softbat
B: Stickbat
C: Hardbat
D: Fastbat
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hardbat table tennis uses rackets with short outward “pips” and no sponge.
43: Which player holds the record for most Olympic gold medals in men’s table tennis?
A: Jan-Ove Waldner
B: Zhang Jike
C: Ma Lin
D: Ma Long
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Ma Long holds the record for most Olympic gold medals in men’s table tennis, with golds in 2016 and 2020.
44: What aspect of play is maximally affected by the Magnus effect in table tennis?
A: Service speed
B: Ball trajectory
C: Racket weight
D: Player stamina
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The Magnus effect greatly affects the trajectory of the ball in table tennis.
45: How many plies of wood can a laminated wooden racket feature according to ITTF regulations?
A: 1 to 3
B: 1 to 5
C: 1 to 7
D: 1 to 9
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The wooden portion of the racket, commonly referred to as the “blade,” can feature anywhere between one and seven plies of wood.
46: When did the name “ping-pong” become trademarked by J. Jaques & Son Ltd?
A: 1885
B: 1901
C: 1921
D: 1933
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: British manufacturer J. Jaques & Son Ltd trademarked “ping-pong” in 1901.
47: What is a “let” in table tennis?
A: Missing a serve
B: A rally with no score
C: Hitting the net
D: Scoring a point
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A “let” is a rally of which the result is not scored.
48: What is a critical feature of the Seemiller grip used in table tennis?
A: Different rubber types on each side
B: Only one rubber type
C: No rubber used
D: Rubber on both sides is the same
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The Seemiller grip uses two contrasting rubber types on either side of the racket, allowing players to “twiddle” to produce varied effects.
49: What is the nickname of the table tennis grip where the fingers are curled around the rubber’s back?
A: Eastern grip
B: Western grip
C: Penhold grip
D: Backhand grip
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The penhold grip involves curling the fingers around the back of the racket, resembling holding a pen.
50: Which type of stroke is characterized by propelling the ball to a great height with substantial spin, making it hard for the opponent to return?
A: Block
B: Chop
C: Lob
D: Push
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A lob is a defensive stroke that propels the ball to a great height with substantial spin.
51: What event marked a significant endorsement of table tennis by the Olympic community in 1988?
A: Inclusion in the Summer Olympics
B: Introduction of women’s teams
C: Establishment of a table tennis museum
D: First televised broadcasts
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Table tennis was endorsed by the Olympic community in 1988 by including it as an Olympic sport.
52: What year was the International Table Tennis Federation founded?
A: 1901
B: 1921
C: 1926
D: 1933
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926.
53: What unique spin often only used in serves causes the ball to bounce unexpectedly to the right or left?
A: Backspin
B: Topspin
C: Corkspin
D: Dropspin
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Corkspin has the axis of spin parallel to the ball’s trajectory, causing the ball to dart right or left upon bouncing.
54: What is the term for a series of events controlled by synchronization between the ITTF and regional federations?
A: Continental Championships
B: ITTF World Tour
C: European Champions League
D: Table Tennis World Cup
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The ITTF World Tour is a series of events controlled by the ITTF and regional federations.
55: When playing doubles, how do players alternate receiving the serve?
A: After each point
B: After each serve
C: After every two points
D: After every game
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: In doubles, players alternate receiving the serve after each serve.
56: What results in a fault during a table tennis game?
A: Server hits the net with the ball
B: Ball hits the edge of the table
C: Player makes a successful return
D: Ball is hit multiple times in a serve
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A fault is when the server hits the net with the ball, or otherwise fails to deliver a legal serve.
57: Which hand holds the ball during a legal serve in table tennis?
A: Dominant hand
B: Free hand
C: Both hands
D: Opponent’s hand
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The server holds the ball in their free hand.
58: What is the size of a standard table tennis table?
A: 2 m x 1.5 m
B: 2.74 m x 1.525 m
C: 3 m x 2 m
D: 9 m x 7 m
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A standard table tennis table is 2.74 meters (9 ft) long and 1.525 meters (5 ft) wide.
59: What method was used historically to create an improvised net during the early days of table tennis?
A: Row of books
B: Wooden slats
C: Fishing line
D: Curtain rods
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Early makeshift versions of table tennis used a row of books stood up along the center of the table as a net.
60: Which player technique involves primarily using the wrist for quick, explosive hits in close table play?
A: Loop
B: Flip
C: Block
D: Counter-hit
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The flip technique compresses the backswing into a quick wrist action for rapid close-quarter hits.
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