Have you ever played table tennis with your life on the line? Table tennis, more commonly known as ping-pong, is a sport filled with competition, passion, and laughter. The range of competitiveness and skill can vary. A player can simply hit the ball back and forth with their friends on a Friday night or risk their life trying to return balls at 70 mph with local try-hards. Ping-pong serves as a game for all, as the entry level into play is low, but the skill ceiling for more serious players is boundless.
A common question for players looking to enter into competitive spaces is “What the heck is spin?” The ability to manipulate the spin of the ball leads to perfection in the art of table tennis. Top, back and side spins allow users to engage in fierce and engaging rallies with other players. Spinning the ball requires different grips, techniques and levels of focus.
In the Paideia community, only a select few possess the ability to spin the ball as they please. Haben Issac ’26, a player who’s dedicated hours to the sport, reflects on his experiences in a recent match. “I didn’t care what happened to my body; I just had to hit the ball. I wouldn’t let my opponent win, and I was willing to put my life on the line.” Many players, just like Issac, use their mind, body and spirit to embrace the art of table tennis.
The heart of ping-pong is the fun it brings, even with all the strategy and intensity. Whether you are battling for bragging rights, or just laughing with friends, the sport finds a way to pull everyone in. With players like Issac leading the charge, the ping-pong tables at Paideia will not be quiet anytime soon.