Table tennis is a fun and challenging sport, but to play it well, it is important to know the table tennis rules. In this blog we will discuss the most important rules, how the scoring works and explain the serve. We will also discuss the differences between table tennis and ping pong and answer frequently asked questions.
Difference between ping pong and table tennis
Ping pong and table tennis are two different names for the same game. “Ping pong” is more informal, while table tennis is usually used for the official sport version.
Table tennis serving rules
In table tennis serving rules it is important that the ball bounces first on your half of the table and then on your opponent's half. The ball must always be served behind the table, and you must throw the ball up from an open hand before hitting it.
In one-on-one play, the serve can land anywhere on the table, but in doubles play, the serve must be played diagonally. This means that the ball must be hit from the right half of your side of the table to the right half of your opponent's side. Service errors, such as not hitting the ball diagonally or hitting the net, result in a point for the opponent.
Scoring in table tennis
Scoring in table tennis is simple: you win a point when your opponent fails to return the ball correctly or makes a mistake, such as not getting the ball over the net or hitting the ball outside the table. A match is usually played in sets, with a set being won by the first player to score 11 points, with a difference of at least two points. This means that a set can continue until, for example, 12-10 or 13-11. In the past, the game was played up to 21 points, but the rules have now been changed.
Table tennis rules when the ball hits the body
In table tennis, you may only hit the ball with the bat: if the ball hits your body, such as your arm, torso or leg, you lose the point. If the ball hits the hand holding the bat, it is considered an extension of the bat. In this case, you may continue playing and it does not count as a fault.
The most important rules of ping-pong/table tennis at a glance
Whether you call it "ping pong" or "table tennis", the most important thing is to have fun and keep practicing. Hopefully, this blog has given you a clearer picture of the most important rules of the game, scoring and the importance of a good serve.
Once again, all the most important rules for you in a row:
1. Rules for serving
- When serving, the ball must first hit your side of the table, then the opponent's side.
- The serve must be performed behind the table.
- The ball must be thrown upwards from an open hand before hitting.
- In singles (one-on-one) you may serve anywhere on the table, it does not have to be diagonal.
- In doubles you must serve diagonally, from your right side to your opponent's right side.
- A bad serve, such as not throwing the ball up properly or not serving diagonally in doubles, results in a point for the opponent.
2. Scoring in table tennis
- You win a point if your opponent cannot return the ball properly or makes a mistake, such as not getting the ball over the net or hitting the ball off the table.
- A set is won by the first player to reach 11 points, with a difference of at least two points. For example, if the score is 10-10, the set continues until someone is ahead by two points, such as 12-10.
- A match usually consists of several sets, often best of 5 or best of 7.
3. Rules for contact with the body
- You may only hit the ball with the bat. If the ball hits any other part of your body, such as your arm, torso or leg, you lose the point.
- If the ball hits your hand holding the bat, you may continue playing. In this case, your hand is considered an extension of the bat and it does not count as a fault.
Looking for a table tennis table or ping pong table?
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