NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being Khel Yatra: Chapter 4 — Fundamental Skills of Sports — Table Tennis
This chapter introduces the fundamental skills of Table Tennis, a fast-paced racquet sport played on a divided table. It highlights the game's requirements, including quick reflexes, eye-hand coordination, speed, strength, and reaction time. The chapter details the importance of 'Grip' as the primary skill in racquet sports, explaining its technique for holding the racquet to strike the ball. It categorizes grips into two main types: Shakehand Grip and Penhold Grip (though only Shakehand is detailed in the provided text). The text also touches upon the necessity of warm-up exercises focusing on wrist flexibility and strength, crucial for effective play. This foundational knowledge enables students to understand and develop the physical and mental attributes needed for table tennis and a holistic life.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Physical Education and Well Being |
| Book | Khel Yatra |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Fundamental Skills of Sports — Table Tennis |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 293 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic rules and equipment of table tennis.
- Identify the importance of speed, strength, and reaction time in table tennis.
- Learn the fundamental technique of holding the racquet (Grip).
- Differentiate between various types of grips used in table tennis.
- Recognize the role of warm-up exercises for wrist flexibility and strength.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Racquet | A bat with a stringed surface used for hitting a ball or shuttlecock in games such as tennis, badminton, and squash. |
| Forehand | A stroke in racket sports made by swinging the racket across one's body with the palm of the hand facing forward. |
| Backhand | A stroke in racket sports made by swinging the racket across one's body with the back of the hand facing forward. |
| Reflexes | An action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought. |
| Coordination | The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently. |
| Holistic | Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. |
| Grip | The way in which a player holds a racquet or bat. |
| Flexibility | The quality of bending easily without breaking. |
| Deviation | The action of departing from an established course or standard. |
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Practice questions
- What is table tennis known for being? Answer: One of the fastest racquet games in the world.
- What are the key physical attributes required for table tennis? Answer: Quick reflexes, eye-hand coordination, speed, strength, and concentration.
- What is the first and foremost requirement to foster the skill of a racquet sport? Answer: Grip.
- Describe the Shakehand Grip technique. Answer: Shake the hand with the slant racquet and hold it in the palm. Place the thumb and index finger parallel to the straight edge of the rubber. Wrap the remaining three fingers around the handle.
Frequently asked questions
What is table tennis?
Table tennis is a fast-paced racquet sport played on a wooden table divided by a net, using a small ball and a racquet.
What skills are essential for playing table tennis?
Essential skills include quick reflexes, eye-hand coordination, speed, strength, concentration, and accuracy.
What is a 'Grip' in table tennis?
A grip is the technique of holding the racquet, which is crucial for striking the ball effectively in racquet sports.
What are the types of grips mentioned in the chapter?
The chapter mentions two types of grips: Shakehand Grip and Penhold Grip, with a detailed explanation of the Shakehand Grip.
Why is wrist flexibility important in table tennis?
Wrist flexibility and strength are important for executing various strokes and movements effectively during the game.
What was table tennis previously known as?
Table tennis was earlier known as Ping-Pong and Gossima.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 8 Physical Education and Well Being — Khel Yatra — Chapter 4 — Fundamental Skills of Sports — Table Tennis. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.