Introduction to Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a sport that has been around for centuries. It is a great way to stay active, have fun and improve your hand-eye coordination. The basic rules of table tennis are not very complicated, and can be learned quickly.
Table Tennis Equipment
In order to play table tennis, you will need a few pieces of equipment. The most important item is the table, which is a special type of table designed specifically for the game. You will also need two lightweight rackets, also known as paddles, and a hollow plastic ball.
Table Tennis Court and Net
The court is divided in half by a net that hangs over the middle. The net should be 15.25 cm high, and should be fastened securely to two posts at either end of the table. The two halves of the court should measure 9 ft. by 5 ft.
Table Tennis Service Rules
Table tennis is usually played as a two-player game, with players alternating serves. The serve must be hit from behind the end line of the table and must land on the opposite side of the table. The ball must be hit with an open paddle, and the server must wait for the ball to bounce before hitting it.
Scoring in Table Tennis
Players score a point when the opposing player fails to return the ball in the court, fails to hit the ball before it bounces twice, or hits the ball out of bounds. If the ball touches the net, the point is awarded to the opponent. A game is won when one player reaches 11 points.
Table Tennis Rally Rules
Once the serve is completed, the players take turns hitting the ball back and forth until one of them fails to return the ball. The ball must be returned before it bounces twice, and must be kept within the boundaries of the court.
Table Tennis Let Rules
If the ball touches the net on a serve or rally, it is called a let. The point should be replayed and the server should serve again. If the ball touches the net during a serve, it is considered a fault and the point is awarded to the opponent.
Table Tennis Interference Rules
Players are not allowed to interfere with the play of their opponent. This includes obstructing their view, distracting them, or touching the net. If a player does interfere, the point should be awarded to their opponent.
Table Tennis Doubles Rules
Table tennis can also be played as doubles, with two players on each side. The server must serve diagonally, and the receiving team must alternate hitting the ball. The same rules apply as in singles play.
Conclusion
Table tennis is a great game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. While the basic rules are simple, it can take time to master them. With practice and dedication, you can become a great table tennis player.
Table Tennis Basic Rules Summary:
- Equipment: Table, two rackets, and a hollow plastic ball
- Court and Net: Net is 15.25 cm high and should be fastened securely to two posts at either end of the table, each half measures 9 ft. by 5 ft.
- Service Rules: Serve must be hit from behind the end line of the table, ball must be hit with an open paddle, and server must wait for the ball to bounce before hitting it.
- Scoring: Player scores a point when the opposing player fails to return the ball in the court, fails to hit the ball before it bounces twice, or hits the ball out of bounds. A game is won when one player reaches 11 points.
- Rally Rules: Ball must be returned before it bounces twice, and must be kept within the boundaries of the court.
- Let Rules: If the ball touches the net on a serve or rally, it is called a let. The point should be replayed and the server should serve again.
- Interference Rules: Players are not allowed to interfere with the play of their opponent.
- Doubles Rules: Server must serve diagonally, and the receiving team must alternate hitting the ball.