Why Do Table Tennis Players Stomp? (Habit Explained)

When you watch table tennis, you might notice that the players might stomp from time to time. Not all players do this, but some do, and it can even seem intentional in some instances. Why is that, and what’s the meaning behind it?

In this article, I will explain the meaning of stomping, when the players do it, and more about the subject. I’ll also go into other subjects about things that table tennis players do and why.

Before I get ahead of myself, why do table tennis players stomp?

Generally, table tennis players stomp because they want to conceal the sound serve. The sound of a ping pong ball can give away the power and spin speed, which can benefit the opponent. By concealing the noise, it can confuse the opponent. Also, stomping can be a habit done unintentionally.

So stomping can be used as a tactic in table tennis. When I first heard about it, I was quite surprised, and I personally aren’t as experienced and pro in table tennis to be accurately able to hear the spin speed. However, as pros do stomp, they probably can, which is a really amazing skill to master.

Now, if you want to understand further how players can gain an advantage from stomping and why, stick with me and find out!

Why do table tennis players stomp

There are two main reasons why a table tennis player might stomp during a match.

1. Natural ocurrance

The first reason is natural causes. When you are playing a high-tempo sport like table tennis, where you move from side to side really fast, some stomping will naturally occur.

It comes out as a hard stomp instead of a gentle placement of the foot because table tennis is one of the fastest sports in the world, the distance of the table is short, and the ball goes so fast. You really don’t have time to do anything but act, which generates many stomps.

2. Conceal the sound of a serve

If you notice that a table tennis player stomps intentionally, they probably want to generate should that will conceal the sound of the serve or strike. You can quite easily notice a natural stomp and one that is intended.

Anyways, a stomp can be used to make a sound that will go over the sound of a serve or strike because advanced players can hear the spin speed and power of the ball. By making the noise harder to hear, it can be beneficial to the stomper.

When do table tennis players stomp

It’s funny how the stomping can be found in one moment in particular even tho it happens all the time.

Table tennis players stomp during the whole match; however, most stomping is done during a serve to conceal the serve’s sound so that the opponent doesn’t hear the spin speed and power of the ball.

That being said, next time you watch a ping pong match, try and see whether most of the stomping really happens during a serve.

Does all table tennis players stomp?

It’s difficult to say whether every single table tennis player stomps because sometimes a stomp will occur naturally without any thought towards it.

However, not all table tennis players stomp intentionally. In fact, most players consider stomping a bit of unfair cheating because you are trying to conceal a noise that is part of the game.

Are there any rules to the stomping then? Well, yes. Technically, a player can’t stomp to his own advantage other than to regain balance. However, it is tough to tell whether a player is using stomping to his own advantage because, in serving, you can stomp for balance as well.

Ultimately the choice of whether a player was using stomping unfairly to his advantage is the match referees that also have a hard time telling whether it is used to conceal noise from a strike or not. This is why many referees get blamed by the other player regardless the stomp was used unfairly or not.

Why do table tennis players touch the table?

Touching the ping pong table is another ”habit” that the athletes might do during a game. There are many reasons why one might touch the table.

Table tennis athletes touch the table to regain a sense of where it is, or it can be done to wipe off sweat. Also, some players rub the table for luck or to rest awhile by leaning on it between points,

Whatever the reason is, most players do touch the table. If you want to learn the subject further, I highly encourage you to read my article about it.

Why do table tennis players say sorry?

If you have ever seen a table tennis player apologize to their opponent during a game, even tho there is no particular reason that you can spot, it can be overwhelming. However, there is a reason for that.

Table tennis players apologize to their opponent if they get a lucky point. A lucky point can be one gained through netball or as a result of a lucky shot to the table’s edge where there is virtually no chance of getting. The sorry is said because the player won’t feel like earning the point.

What do ping pong players shout?

Yet another thing that a ping pong player can do during a match is shout. What and why do they shout is an interesting story.

Ping pong players shout the word ”Cho”, which means a good ball. Thus, after a heated contest, a player might shout Cho after winning or losing a point out of respect to the opponent. It can also be shouted as self-encouragement or out of pure adrenaline released after a point.

Learn more: What Do Ping Pong Players Shout?