What are the rules, regulations, and misconceptions of Table Tennis?

How Do You Play Table Tennis?

Equipment Needed

To play table tennis, you need a table divided into two halves by a net, a small ping-pong ball, and paddles (also called rackets) for each player.

Basic Setup

In official competitions, the table measures nine feet long and five feet wide. The net runs across the center of the table, dividing it into two halves. Players stand on opposite sides of the table during a tournament, with the referee watching each serve and each rally.

Understanding Table Tennis Rules and Regulations

Scoring

The game’s objective is to score points by making the ball land on your opponent’s side of the table without them being able to return it, causing the ball to fall off the edge. This usually happens during a match when one player hits the ball in a unique spin that throws the player off.

Matches are generally played until one player reaches eleven points. However, a player must have at least a two-point lead over their opponent to win. For example, if the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one of the opponents is ahead by two points.

Serving

The game begins with a serve. The server tosses the ball at least six inches straight into the air without spinning it. The ball must first bounce on the server’s side of the table, clear the net, and then bounce on the opponent’s side. If the ball hits the net before making it to the other side of the court, the serve must be redone. The server has up to 3 tries to get it to the receiver, ensuring it clears the net.

Players alternate serving every two points. (This is according to the ITTF regulation, but during recreational play, members usually hold the serve until they lose it.)  When the score reaches 10-10, players alternate serving after every single point.

Here are some basic steps to start:

• Hold the ball in your palm, above the table, and behind the end line.

• Toss it at least 6 inches (about 16 cm) into the air.

• Hit the ball as it’s falling, not on the way up.

• The ball must:

  • Bounce once on your side,

  • Cross over or around the net,

  • Then bounce once on your opponent’s side.

❗ What Makes a Serve Illegal?

A serve is not allowed if:

• You hide the ball with your body or arm.

• You don’t toss it high enough.

• You hit the ball before it starts falling.

• You skip the bounce on your side.
  If any of these happen, the other player gets the point.

Playing the Rally (What Happens After the Serve)

Once the ball is in play, both players take turns hitting it back and forth:

• The ball must bounce once on your side before you hit it.

• You must hit it so it clears the net and lands on your opponent’s table.

• You lose the point if:

  • You miss the ball.

  • The ball doesn’t land on the table.

  • You hit the ball before it bounces (unless you’re volleying over the table).

  • You touch the table with your free hand.

  • You move or bump the table.

  • You hit the ball twice or with anything besides your paddle.

What Is a Let?

A let is when the point is replayed. This happens if:

• The serve hits the net but still lands properly on your opponent’s side.

• The receiver isn’t ready when you serve.

• Something interrupts play (like an object falling or noise).

Doubles Game Rules

Doubles are a little different. Here’s what you need to know:

• The serve must go diagonally: from the server’s right to the receiver’s right.

• Partners must alternate hits during the rally. For example, Player A hits, their partner Player B hits the next shot, and so on.

• The serve rotates between teams, not just individual players.