As with any sport, mastering the basic skills is essential - and table tennis is no exception. You'll need to know which racket (paddle / bat) is right for you, particularly if you're a beginner, and you'll need to know the correct way to hold it (the grip).
The grip is probably the most fundamental technique to master when learning how to play table tennis because, just as in other sports, if you don't use the correct grip when you first start playing, you'll find it extremely difficult to change later - and you'll be unlikely to improve beyond the level of a beginner.
A good coach will teach you which basic strokes to learn first, the correct stance required for each shot, the basic table tennis serve and also help you practice the strokes and techniques needed to give you a solid foundation for your game.
Practice, Practice, Practice
As with any sport, practice, practice, practice is the key. Having a good practice partner or using a table tennis robot (ball launcher) is essential if you are going to "groove" your table tennis strokes.
source: http://www.allabouttabletennis.com/how-to-play-table-tennis.html
