Table Tennis
Table tennis instruction program is tailored to the needs of veterans, service members, and their families with visible and invisible injuries. These nation-wide table tennis programs are FREE and available to any/all veterans who have served in the military.
All About Table Tennis
Brief History of Table Tennis
Ping pong, originally known as "whiff-whaff," began as a leisure activity for the English upper class in the late 1800s. Played with simple equipment, including a lightweight celluloid ball and makeshift paddles made from cork and parchment, the game was often played on a dinner table with books serving as the net. In 1901, James Gibb patented the game as "Gossima," and shortly after, J. Jaques & Son Ltd began selling it under the name "Ping-Pong." As the game gained popularity, equipment evolved, with lighter balls, more advanced paddles, and standardized nets and tables. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926, leading to the first World Championships in London that year, cementing table tennis as a competitive global sport.
Is Table Tennis popular?
Table tennis, commonly referred to as ping pong, is a widely popular sport globally, with an estimated 300 million active players.
Potential Benefits of Playing Table Tennis
Playing table tennis offers a multitude of health benefits that extend far beyond the court. This dynamic sport strengthens bones and muscles, is easy on joints, coordination, and sharpens hand-eye coordination and mental agility.
How would I play if in a wheelchair or not able to move as well?
If you're in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, table tennis can still be enjoyed through adaptive equipment and court modifications. Regular play not only enhances heart health and circulation but also improves strength, flexibility, and coordination, making racquetball an inclusive and beneficial activity for all.
How to Play Table Tennis
The server must hold the ball in an open palm, toss it upward, and strike it so that it first bounces on their side of the table before crossing the net to the opponent's side. The receiver can then return the ball by hitting it over the net into the server’s half of the table. If a player tries to return the ball before it bounces, a foul is called.
Reach out to Join the Community!
We have a sports clinics with coaches that are ready to support you!
Did You Know?
Table Tennis was originally named “whiff-whaff”.
Playing Table Tennis has been used to help people with dementia.
Table Tennis has over 300 million active players.
People of ALL abilities can play!
Meet Our Volunteer Instructors
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Patricia Barney
Hattiesburg, MS (Civilian)
MACS Pickleball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Racquetball Instructor
I am a USPTA, PPR certified pickleball and tennis professional. I played tennis in high school, and then again as an adult, competing for many years in USTA leagues and tournaments. I was introduced to pickleball in 2015 and became a tennis and pickleball instructor in 2019.
I began teaching for MACS in 2021 as the New Orleans VA pickleball/badminton lead instructor. I then relocated to the Hattiesburg, MS area in 2023 and continued teaching the basics of pickleball, badminton, table tennis and racquetball to active-duty military at Camp Shelby. I have loved my work with MACS; most notably my work with wheelchair-bound veterans, one of whom won 3 bronze medals in 2 US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.
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Dave Zarco
Miami, FL (Civilian)
MACS Badminton and Table Tennis Instructor
I've been deeply involved with the sport of badminton since 1969, and the past 15 years have coached the Miami Palmetto Senior High School badminton team. In addition, I served as USA Badminton Southern Regional Director from 1991 to 2008, as well as representing YONEX Corporation USA from 1991 to 2022. In addition to badminton, I played table tennis competitively at the University of Florida from 1970 to 1973. In 2016. I started working clinics with Steve Kearney teaching Para-Badminton and Bowling to military veterans around the United States and when the opportunity arose to continue working with MACS teaching veterans badminton and table tennis, I didn't hesitate!
Info Coming Soon!
Info Coming Soon!
Table Tennis Sponsors
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Table Tennis Affiliated Organizations
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