How to Play Ping Pong

Ping pong or table tennis dates back to the end of the 1800s. It became an Olympic event in the 1980s. Although you can find the official rules at the sites listed in the resource section, this step-by-step gives you the basics on the way most people play ping pong.

Things You'll Need

• Ping pong table with a net
• Ping pong paddles
• Ping pong balls
• An opponent

Instructions

1. Find or buy a ping pong table with a net and find an opponent. If it is your own table you may need to put the net on the table. You will also need ping pong paddles and balls.

2. Decide who will serve. This can be done by the 2 parties agreeing between themselves, flipping a coin or volleying for the serve. After deciding, the server hits the ball with the paddle and it must first hit on the server's side, go over the net and then hit on the opponents side. If the serve is not good, the server serves again. There is no limit on bad serves.

3. Return the serve. The opponent will hit the ball back over the net bouncing it on the server side at least once. If he fails to do this then the server wins the point. If he succeeds then the volley continues until someone misses. After 2 good serves, the serve goes to the other person. If you decide to play more than one game you should change sides after each game.

4. Learn the tricks of the game. One of them is learning to put spin on the ball. There are some helpful tips in one of the sites in the resource section. Another trick is returning a ball which is hit high by slamming it, so your opponent doesn't see it coming. You can also try to hit the ball so that it hits on the side of the table, bouncing to where you opponent can't return it. This is a good move for you and gives you the point.

5. Continue the game until someone reaches 11. A game must be won by 2 points.

6. Doubles can also be played. Rather than 2 playing, you would have 4 playing, 2 on each side of the table. If you do play doubles, it changes the way you serve in that you must hit the ball diagonally so that it bounces first in the right hand half of your side of the table, goes over the net, and then bounces in your opponent's right hand half of their side of the table.

7. Ping pong can be a lot of fun especially if you don't keep score. You can then practice your shots and improve your game for when it does count. Playing against family or friends will help you to improve so much that you will be able to win matches pretty easily when playing in tournaments.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn to put spin on the ball. This will make it easier for you to win.

• Slamming is also a good trick because it keeps your opponent on their toes.

Resources

• Official rules
• More official rules
• To learn about spins