Table Tennis Terminology – A Glossary of Table Tennis Terms

A   ALL, ALL-, ALL+ Abbreviation/description for an ALLround style blade. It’s a manufacturers’ indication of the blade speed and style. Generally means a medium speed blade with good control. Adding a + or – sign indicates a slightly faster or slower speed.     Anti or
Anti-loop or
Anti-spin A smooth rubber with very low surface friction, used to defend against excessive spin or to confuse the opponent. This type of rubber deactivates spin and speed, returning a “dead” ball.      Assistant Umpire The person appointed to assist the umpire with certain decisions.  

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B   Backhand A shot executed where the back of your hand is pointing towards the opponent, to the left of the elbow for a right handed player and vice versa for a left handed player.     Backspin A type of spin used mostly on defensive shots. When you chop down on the ball, you produce backspin. The bottom of the ball will move…