Abstract 

Table tennis, also known as Ping-Pong, is an indoor game played on a flat table between two players. The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and bounce it to the other side of the table in a way that the opponent misses hitting it back. This game is trendy across the world. Through this post, we will explain the important table tennis rules so that our readers can play this amazing sport in a better way. So let’s begin.

Introduction

Table tennis, one of the most thrilling sporting spectacles, is a game of intense speed and jaw-dropping perfection.

The game was first known as ping pong before being renamed table tennis in 1922. It was originally a pastime for the affluent in Victorian-era England. Europeans, particularly Hungarians, played and dominated the sport in their early years.

However, after making its way to the continent in the 1950s, table tennis gained enormous popularity in Asia, where it has since served as a breeding ground for some of the top players in the world.

Table tennis debuted at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, just eight years after China hosted its first World Cup, and has since become a regular event at the Games.

Here are some details on the table tennis rules, regulations, equipment, and playing style.

Table Tennis Equipment

Table Tennis Table

According to the game's official rules, table tennis is played on a rectangular table constructed of fiberwood that measures 2.74 x 1.53 metres and is divided into two halves.

A table tennis table is constructed from two pieces of fiberwood.

The table has a matte look thanks to a coating of dark, glossy paint. The playing surface is indicated by a line that is two centimetres thick and goes along the table's edge.

A net that divides the table into two parts is suspended from the table using two poles. The height of the table tennis net is 15.25 centimetres.

Table Tennis Racquet

The bat, also known as a "racquet" or "paddle," is often made of wood and measures around 17 cm long by 15 cm wide. It has rubber surfaces in the colours black and red on either side that aid players in adding and subtracting spin to the ball.

Table Tennis Ball

According to rules and regulations, the ball is normally orange or white, weighs around 2.7 grams, and has a 40-millimetre diameter.

How To Play Table Tennis?

Table Tennis Service Rules

  • The umpire tosses a coin to start a game of table tennis. The winner can decide whether to serve or receive the ball first or which side of the table they want to play from.
  • The ball must be held in the server's open palm and tossed or struck so that it first bounces off the server's side of the table and then crosses the net to the other side.
  • However, the receiver has the option of returning it by launching it over the net and onto the other team's side of the table. A foul is committed if the player tries to recover the ball before it bounces.
  • While the service rule in singles competition permits the server to serve to any location on the opposite end of the table, in doubles the service must move diagonally across the table. At this table, the serving player plays from the right side.

Table Tennis Scoring

  • To score points in table tennis, a player must hit the ball so that their opponent cannot make contact with it. This can be accomplished through force of will, deceit, or other sneaky tactics.
  • The opponent scores a point, though, if the ball strikes the net but does not bounce over into the other team's half or goes over the net and out of bounds without making contact with the table.
  • The rule becomes a little bit more complex in doubles. Here, the goal is to push the ball into the other player's side of the table by switching between the server and the partner. The service also alternates here.
  • If you hit the ball outside of the playing area or if it makes contact with any part of your body while you're trying to make a shot, the opponent may also receive a point.

How To Win In Table Tennis?

  • A player must score 11 points to win a game of table tennis, with one point awarded for each infraction, according to the rules. Each player receives two consecutive serves. The winner is determined by who scores 11 points first.
  • A player must aim for a two-point advantage to win the game if the score is deadlocked at 10 points each.
  • You win games to win a match. Various events and categories have different match length requirements.
  • Doubles matches are a best-of-five format, as opposed to the typical best-of-seven format for singles matches.

Table Tennis Shots

Players can increase their range and variety of shots by altering their tempo and angle. This considerably enhances their performance. Here are a few of the most popular shots.

Topspin - One of the most used attacking shots in the game is this one. Here, the player advances the ball by gliding the paddle's bottom side over it while holding it at a 45-degree angle. After bouncing, the ball spins, making it relatively challenging for the adversary to execute a timely return.

Block - It's one of the first shots a table tennis player learns when learning the sport. The player returns the ball with the paddle side that is facing the table while standing square to the table and holding the paddle with an open face.

Chop - Many players use it as a defensive shot when attempting to deal with spin. Here, the player uses the top side of the paddle to push it downward at a 45-degree angle while making contact with the bottom half of the ball while remaining away from the table.

Basic Table Tennis Rules And Regulations

Service Rules

  1. The ball must be placed in an open palm to begin the service. This prevents you from spinning it and throwing it up. 
  2. The ball must be hurled at least 16 cm vertically. This prevents you from shocking your opponent by serving directly from your hand.
  3. Throughout the service, the ball must be above and behind the table. This prevents you from taking any stupid angles and allows your adversary a decent chance to respond.
  4. The server must move their free arm and hand after throwing the ball. This will make the ball visible to the receiver.

Doubles Rules

  1. The service must move diagonally, from the right side of the server to the right side of the receiver. This prevents you from tripping up the other pair before they've even struck a ball.
  2. A doubles team must swap shots at the ball. This makes doubles difficult. No tennis bullshit about the frontcourt and backcourt.
  3. The former server becomes the new server at the time of the change of service, and the prior server's partner becomes the new receiver. This ensures that everyone completes everything. You return to the cycle's start after eight points.

General Match Play

  1. Before your opponent gets a chance to serve twice, you have two serves left. Before the change to 11, there were five serves for each player; today there are just two.
  2. It's a deuce at 10-10. You each get one serve, and the winning margin must be two points. This is the equivalent of a tie break in table tennis or sudden death.
  3. You must switch ends after each game if the game is a best of 3, 5, or 7. By doing this, conditions are experienced by both players on both sides of the table. When the first player scores five points in the final game of a match, you also switch ends.

A Let Is Called If:

  1. An otherwise strong serve hits the goal. This guarantees that your adversary gets an opportunity to make a response. 
  2. Receiver readiness is lacking. This is just plain sense!
  3. If an event beyond the players' control ruins the game. If your cat leaps onto the table, for example, you can recreate the scene.

A Point Is Lost If:

  1. It is missed the service.
  2. No service is provided back.
  3. A shot finds the goal.
  4. Without touching the court, a shot leaves the table.
  5. During play, a player may move the table, touch the net, or touch the table with their free hand.

Odd Table Tennis Rules

  • It's okay to unintentionally "double-hit" the ball!
  • In international tournaments, you are permitted a maximum of two ads on the back of your shirt.
  • Any material may be used for the table's playing surface.
  • Any size, shape, or weight of the racket is acceptable.
  • In an able-bodied tournament, wheelchair competitors must play by "wheelchair rules" against them.

Conclusion

We hope this article was helpful to our readers in understanding the basic table tennis rules. If you are serious and compassionate about the game, you can go ahead and register yourself at your nearest academy too. 

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Related tags :
Table Tennis
Tennis
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