The pingpong ball is flying across the table at 90 mph, evidence that this really isn’t some party game in the garage or patio, but very serious table tennis.

Table tennis points often end with a smash, but they begin with a mind-boggling array of spins and feints that leave beginners flummoxed. The learning curve looks a little like Mount Everest.

I’m demonstrating the lollipop serve in table tennis at every skill level, from beginner to maestro. Watch as I progress ...