Imagine losing a chance to win just because you aren't aware of the accurate table tennis rules. Sounds frustrating, right? Let me help you out with this. In this blog, I have shared the playing strategies of the table tennis game and also the essential rules that help you play with confidence and authority. In this blog, we'll closely read everything from the serving regulations to the scoring systems to help you bring out your best in the game. Table Tennis is a high-intensity sport that allows you to sweat more, allowing the players to derive both physical and mental health benefits. Let's dive deep into the blog to know more.
What Is Table Tennis ?
Table tennis is played on the table with the required instruments and is quite different from tennis. It has a different playing surface, which consists of a stationary table rather than a tennis court where the players stand and play the game.
The game is a team sport that involves either individuals or teams of two. Players alternate turns and return a light hollow ball over the net to the opposite side of the person waiting with small rackets. The interesting fact in the game is if a person fails to return the ball to the opponent, the point goes to the opponent.
What Equipment Is Required for Table Tennis?
Table Tennis Table
Table tennis requires equipment such as a 2.74 x 1.53-meter rectangular table made of fibrewood and split into two halves, per table tennis rules.
It is painted dark and glossy, giving it a matte finish. The table also consists of a two-centimetre thick line that runs over the border of the table, marking the playing surface. The net is divided into two halves by the net, which stand at a height of 15.23 centimetres.
Table Tennis Racket
The bat used for the table tennis game is also referred to as a paddle, which is approximately 17 cm long and 15 cm wide. It is primarily made of wood and has black and red rubber surfaces on both sides, which help the players apply the spin to the ball.
Table Tennis Ball
Unlike tennis, which uses a type of shuttlecock to play, table tennis uses a ball. The table tennis ball is usually orange or white, weighs around 2.7 grams, and is spherical with a diameter of 40 millimetres as per the rules and regulations.
Common Terminologies Used in the Table Tennis
Rally: A rally is the period when the ball is in play.
Let: Let is when no team scores a point in the rally, and then it is declared as let.
Strike: A strike is when the player strikes the ball and hits the player's racket or the racket hand below the wrist.
Server: A server is the player who strikes the ball first in the rally.
Game Win: A game win is when the player scores 11 points and leads by 2 points.'
Receiver: The receiver is the opposite of the server. The one who receives the ball first during the gameplay.
Table Tennis Rules
Table tennis rules should be practised to continue fair play and to avoid sports injuries during playing.
Table Tennis Serves and Service Rules
The game begins with the umpire conducting a coin toss, where the winner can serve and receive the ball and select the side of the table they'd like to play in.
The server has to hold the ball in the open balm, toss it up, and strike it so that it bounces first on the server's side of the table before bouncing over the net to the other side. The receiver should take the next step, where they have to return the ball before it bounces, or else it is called a foul.
The serving of the ball also depends upon the type of match in which you're involved. If you are playing singles, you can hit the ball against the opponent from any angle. But you should hit the ball diagonally if you are playing in the doubles. The server in the doubles plays from the right side of the table.
Scoring Points
In table tennis, the scoring system depends upon the opponent's strike. If they fail to make contact with the ball, the opponent earns points. This can be done either by sheer power, spin, or other deceptive means.
If the ball hits the net and fails to bounce over into the opponent's half or hits it over the net and out of bounds without coming into contact with the table, the opponent gets a point. In the doubles, the rule gets more tricky.
Here, the server and the partner have to alternate while attempting to push the ball onto the opponent's side of the table; here, the service also alternates. The opponent also gets a point if they hit the ball outside the playing area or if the ball comes in contact with any part of your body.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Table Tennis Rules
Can the Ball Touch the Net While Playing?
The answer is a simple yes. If the ball hits the net but still lands on the opponent's side correctly, it is called a let serve, and the service is retaken. But if the ball doesn't cross the net or misses the table, it is a fault, and the point is awarded to the opponent.
How Many Serves Does Each Player Get Before Switching?
Each player serves two times in a row before the serves switch to the opponent in the modern 11-point system. In the doubles, the serve alternates between the four players in a set sequence.
Are There Any Time Limits in the Table Tennis Game?
Yes. If the game goes for too long, then the expedited rules get activated, under which every player has to serve alternately at every point until one wins by a 2-point margin.
Table tennis isn't just about quick reflexes and spin mastery; it requires smartness and knowing the rules thoroughly. This will help your strategic approach and also make the game a most enjoyable one.
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