Introduction to Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets. The game takes place on a hard table divided by a net. Table tennis is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the world governing body for all international competitive table tennis. It is an exciting and fast-paced sport that requires skill, agility and accuracy.
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Basic Rules of Table Tennis
Table tennis has a set of basic rules that all players must follow in order to play the game correctly. These rules are designed to ensure fair play and ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning.
Equipment
To play table tennis, you need a table, two or four rackets, and a ping pong ball. The table should be 2.74m long, 1.525m wide, and 76cm high. The net should be 15.25cm high and span the width of the table. The rackets should be solid and made of wood, and the ball should be 40mm in diameter and weigh 2.7g.
Service
The server must toss the ball upwards at least 16cm and hit the ball so it passes over the net and lands in the receiver’s court. The receiver must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it back. The server then has two chances to hit the ball back and the point is won by the player who fails to return the ball.
Scoring
A game is won by the first player to score 11 points, provided that the winner has a two-point lead over their opponent. If the score reaches 10-10, then the game continues until one player has a two-point lead. The first player to score 11 points wins the game.
Faults
A fault is when a player does not follow the rules of the game. Common faults include hitting the ball before it has bounced, failing to hit the ball over the net, or hitting the ball out of the boundaries of the table. If a player commits a fault, their opponent is awarded the point.
Doubles Play
In doubles play, each team has two players who alternate in serving and returning the ball. The server must hit the ball diagonally across the table to the receiver’s court. The receiver must then hit the ball back to the server’s court. The game is won by the first team to score 11 points, provided they have a two-point lead.
Let
A let is a special rule that can be called in doubles play. It is called when the ball touches the net during play and is still able to be returned. If a let is called, the point is replayed.
Time-outs
Each player is allowed one time-out per game. A time-out can be called during a game when a player needs to take a break. The time-out must last for at least one minute. During this time, the player can take a break and regroup.
Interference
Interference occurs when a player hinders their opponent’s ability to return the ball. This could be by standing in their way, blocking their view of the ball, or touching the table during play. If interference occurs, the point is awarded to the opposing player.
Disputes
If there is a dispute or disagreement during a game, the players must call for a referee. The referee will make a decision based on the rules of the game. The referee’s decision is final and cannot be disputed.
Conclusion
Table tennis is a popular sport that requires skill, agility and accuracy. It is important for all players to be familiar with the basic rules of the game in order to ensure fair play and a competitive match. The basic rules of table tennis include the equipment needed, the service, scoring, faults, doubles play, lets, time-outs and interference. If there is a dispute during a game, a referee should be called to make a decision. Following these rules will ensure a safe and enjoyable game of table tennis.