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All it takes is a tiny bit of interest, an interest that will undoubtedly later blossom into a great love for the sport of table tennis. That is what happened to me. I first began playing table tennis in the summer of 1996, when the Olympics were taking place and I vowed to myself that I would be good at something other than school. My occasional playing grew into a regular training schedule, and by April 1997 I simply needed more opportunities to play, more people to play against. As a result, I formed a Table Tennis Club at my school, Westview High School. Thus began my endeavors of spreading the wonderful sport of table tennis.

Since that April, I have helped to nurture Westview Table Tennis Club into one of the school’s most popular activities, invited national-caliber players to school to spurt interest in students, and organized important tournaments both in school and out. The popularity of these events proves that table tennis has an outstanding aptitude for growth, and if just more people would do some of the things I have, the sport would have a greater number of participants. The good news is that it does not take much to get started.

• Start the spark. Buy a table tennis table for your home and play once in a while with family and friends. A decent table these days costs around $100, an excellent investment for hours of family fun. Most packages contain paddles and balls, or you can purchase them for a few scanty dollars. Perhaps you can persuade your workplace to buy a table for lunch breaks or company picnics.
• Start a club. Most schools have old tables to use, companies can allot some small room for a table, or a recreation center might have a time open each week for players to gather. All it takes is a table and some friends. Westview’s club started that way, but now there are 35 tournament players.
• Organize a tournament. Using a table in your garage, at school, or at work, set aside an hour or two where interested players can come and get started. Hang up 10 simple signs around the neighborhood, at school, or at work. Be certain to emphasize that beginners are welcome, and they will come.
• Hold an exhibition at your club. Establish contacts at a local city club, each of which has at least several above average players who know cool tricks. Invite them to play at your club. Bystanders will be amazed, and pretty soon they’ll want to try tricks of their own.
• Learn everything you can about the sport. This web page is a great place to start! Reading the hundreds of available table tennis literature, watching videos found at the library, and your own experience will make you enjoy the sport more and more. What’s more important is that you spread this newfound knowledge and enjoyment to others new to table tennis.

Remember, all it takes is a little interest!