The NCERT Class 8 Physical Education (Khel Yatra) Chapter 4 Fundamental Skills of Sports - Table Tennis notes explain grip, footwork, pushes, services, drives, topspin, smash and the five-point game from the 2026-27 textbook.
- Chapter focus: table tennis control, spin, service rules, attack and defence.
- Best use: revise skill phases before practical assessment.
- PDF support: download the complete notes after the preview below.
These NCERT notes are prepared for Class 8 students using the 2026-27 Khel Yatra table tennis chapter sequence and assessment cues.
In This Article
Class 8 Table Tennis Chapter Map
Chapter 4 begins with racquet grip and footwork before moving to defensive pushes, legal service, topspin, drives, smash and a five-point game. The notes keep the warm-up, lead-up activity and circle-time reflection from NCERT visible.
| Skill group | Important cues | Circle-time idea |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Shakehand, penhold and combination tapping | Strength and flexibility |
| Footwork | Side-to-side, front-back, pivot, crossover and one-step movement | Eye-hand-ear coordination |
| Service | Open palm, 16 cm toss and fair contact | Fair play and ball trajectory |
| Attack | Drive, topspin and smash with recovery | Strategy and control |
Grip, Footwork and Push Strokes
Grip is the first table tennis skill because it controls the racquet face. Shakehand grip is more common worldwide, while penhold grip is also introduced in the chapter. Footwork keeps the ball in front of the body and helps the player return to ready stance after every shot.
Push strokes are defensive strokes. Forehand push and backhand push keep the ball low, add backspin and stop the opponent from attacking too early.
Service, Spin and Stroke Choice
Basic service must start from an open stationary palm and a near-vertical toss of at least 16 cm. Topspin service makes the ball dip and bounce aggressively. Backspin service slows the ball and can force a weak return.
Source: Table tennis coaching video
Drive, Topspin, Smash and Five-Point Game
Forehand drive and backhand drive are attacking strokes played with speed and control. Topspin uses brushing contact to dip the ball after bounce. Smash is used against a high ball, but placement and recovery matter as much as power.
The chapter ends with NCERT's five-point classroom game. A player scores one point after winning a rally, and the textbook example gives the next serve to the rally winner. In formal table tennis, service alternates after every two points. Students also reflect on focus, enjoyment and self-control when losing points.
| Related Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| NCERT Book PDF | Chapter 4 Book PDF |
| NCERT Solutions | Chapter 4 Solutions |
| Handwritten Notes | Chapter 4 Handwritten Notes |
| Class 8 Khel Yatra Notes | Chapter Link |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 Foundations of Physical Education and Well-being | Open Notes |
| Chapter 2 Physical and Motor Fitness | Open Notes |
| Chapter 3 Fundamental Skills of Sports - Athletics | Open Notes |
Class 8 Physical Education Chapter 4 Notes FAQs
Ques. What is the main topic of Chapter 4 in Khel Yatra?
Ans. Chapter 4 covers table tennis skills, including grip, footwork, push strokes, services, drives, topspin, smash and game play.
Ques. What are the main types of service in the chapter?
Ans. The chapter explains basic service, topspin service and backspin service. It also stresses open palm, fair toss and contact rules.
Ques. Why is footwork important in table tennis?
Ans. Footwork helps the player reach the ball, maintain balance, contact the ball in front of the body and recover for the next stroke.








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