Table tennis

This sport, of British origin, easy to learn and accessible to the greatest number of people, opposes 2 or 4 players on either side of a table separated in two by a net which deflects a 2.7 g plastic ball of 40 mm diameter with wooden rackets whose only regulation is the thickness of the coverings which is limited to 4 millimetres and which must be authorised by the ITTF for tournaments. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) brings together more than 200 nations and 33 million licensees.

Concentration and speed: exchanges are precise and fast, table tennis requires constant concentration to try to read the opponent's game and anticipate his actions. This requirement for vigilance enables the elderly to fight against the effects of ageing on mental capacities. In addition, table tennis requires speed, dexterity and good reflexes that develop with practice. It improves the perception of visual space and strengthens motor coordination between eyes and hands. For children, table tennis is often a leisure activity that can become a much more athletic pursuit. It develops visual acuity, skill, sense of observation, reflexes, muscle tone and self-control.

Entraînement cardiovasculaire: during a match, the body movements are incessant. Even if they do not take place over long distances, they are repeated and end up constituting an endurance activity that demands the whole body: shoulders, arms, back, pelvis, thighs and calves. It is estimated that one hour of table tennis consumes about 250 calories. Table tennis is a sports practice that is particularly suitable for people who need to recover from an illness or accident.

On the form side: In addition to developing your suppleness and reflexes, table tennis also strengthens leg muscles through numerous bends and stretches. Thus, thanks to this sport, you muscle your whole body (arms, abs, legs) and you feel lighter.