Learn about the different categories of playing styles in table tennis. Read a comprehensive list and explanations of the many different styles used in modern table tennis.
It can be tough being a new table tennis player at times, and trying to get a handle on all the jargon. Sooner or later, when table tennis players get together, the conversation will drift to discussions of other players and how they play. Terms such as ‘just a blocker’, ‘rpb style’, or ‘two wing looper’ will be thrown around, and everyone will nod their head, knowing what is being talked about. All except you, who is standing there scratching your head wondering why everybody is suddenly speaking a foreign language.
To help you come to grips with all the table tennis lingo, we’re going to take a look at the generalizations players make when talking about table tennis styles, as well as the specific styles that are in use today.
List of Playing Styles
| Two Wing Looper | Two Wing Hitter | One Wing Looper / One Wing Hitter |
| Penhold Pips Out Hitter | Penhold Looper | Reverse Penhold Backhand (RPB) |
| Classic Defender | Modern Defender | Blocker |
| Push / Blocker |
Categorizing Playing Styles
When talking about playing styles in table tennis, it is easy to get confused. There are a number of ways to play the game, so it is not always easy to define precisely every style.
Nonetheless, it is useful to have some general categories, so that people have a common frame of reference when talking about a particular player’s style. To help you in this, let’s have a look at the two common methods of categorizing playing styles, the traditional method and the modern method.
Traditional Method of Grouping Table Tennis Playing Styles
Learn more about the traditional method of grouping table tennis playing styles into attackers, blockers, or defenders.
Modern Method of Describing Playing Styles
Learn more about the modern method of describing table tennis playing styles by the level of aggression.
Miscellaneous Articles
Table Tennis Styles – Where Are They Now?
An article discussing the disappearing playing styles of table tennis, and a suggestion of how to bring them back.
