Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a popular and exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels around the world. It is a sport that requires quick reflexes, precise hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. To participate in table tennis, players must follow a set of rules that are designed to ensure safety and fairness for all players.
Here are the top 10 rules of table tennis that every player should know:
- Table tennis is a sport that is played on a table that is 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide, and 0.76 meters high. The table is divided into two halves by a net that is 15.25 centimeters high.
- Each player has a racket, also called a paddle, that is used to hit the ball back and forth across the net. The ball must be made of celluloid and must be 40mm in diameter and 2.7g in weight.
- The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing player. A point is scored when the opposing player fails to return the ball or hits the ball out of bounds.
- The game starts with a serve, where the server hits the ball over the net and into the opponent’s side of the table. The server must hit the ball diagonally across the table, and the opponent must return the ball with one bounce on their side of the table before it goes out of bounds.
- The serve must be done with one hand and not hidden from the opponent, the ball must be thrown up at least 6 inches before being hit.
- If the ball hits the net and goes over, it is considered a “let” and the point is replayed. If the ball hits the net and goes into the opponent’s side of the table, it is considered a point for the opposing player.
- If a player touches the table or the net with their free hand or racket, they lose the point.
- A game is typically played to 11 points, but in competitive play, it is played to 21 points with a 2-point lead required to win.
- If a player is found to be using illegal equipment or is found to be cheating, they will be disqualified from the match.
- Players must always show good sportsmanship and respect to their opponents and officials. Any unsportsmanlike conduct or disrespectful behavior can result in penalties or disqualification.
By following these rules, players can ensure that they are participating in the sport safely and fairly. Table tennis is a fast-paced and exciting sport that requires quick reflexes, precise hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking. It is a sport that is built on the values of respect, discipline, and sportsmanship, and players must always strive to uphold these values on and off the table.