Once mainly played in youth clubs, table tennis now also features in uber-trendy night spots in London, New York and Berlin. As a result, it is the most popular racquet sport in the world, with over ten million people competing in tournaments each year.
To help novice players stay in tip top condition and enjoy ping pong without the pain of pesky injuries, follow these simple steps from the UK’s leading sport support company, Neo G.
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Warm up those muscles before playing table tennis – 5 to 15 minutes is all it needs to ensure your muscles are warmed and your heart rate elevated slightly with increased blood flow. A few gentle stretches will really help you to avoid straining your arm muscles and joints.
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Don’t leave balls around the table – it might be tempting but this is a sure way of tripping up and slipping on balls as they move around easily. Ankle injuries and foot injuries can be caused this way yet are easily avoided.
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Be aware of your partner when playing doubles, as you don’t want to accidentally bump into them or hit them with your bat.
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Listen to your body – table tennis might sound like a light sport but quick and rapid movement is necessary. If you experience any discomfort when playing, don’t ignore it! A small injury can easily get worse by just ignoring it.
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Watch out for sharp edges –accidentally swinging into corners or edges of the table can cause serious injuries.
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Stay Hydrated – don’t forget your bottle of water to keep you hydrated throughout games and training.
According to Paul Starkey, of Neo G, ‘It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner to the sport or an advanced player; ping pong is a great form of exercise burning 200-250 calories per hour for beginners and 400-600 calories per hour when played at an intermediate to advanced level. With top players smashing the ball at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, it’s clear to see just how important physical fitness and safety is when taking part.’
Neo G offer a wide range of supports to help ease injuries and help players get back at the table www.neo-g.co.uk.
NB. If pain from an injury persists for more that a couple of weeks, consult a doctor.