How to Play Table Tennis Games

Table tennis equipment

Table tennis, also commonly known as Ping Pong, is a great game for almost any age group. Two to four players can play the game, and in many ways it is similar to tennis but has the important advantage that you can play it in your house! There are many different variations on the rules, but the most official rules come from the International Table Tennis Federation.

Things You'll Need

• Table tennis table
• Table tennis paddles
• Table tennis balls

Instructions

1. Flip a coin to determine who serves first. That person will serve for two points, and then the service will go to his or her opponent for two points. This pattern is continued unless the game gets to 10-10, when service alternates after every point.

2. Serve the ball to your opponent from directly behind the end of table, (not to the side of it). A proper serve must hit your side of the table first, and then bounce onto your opponents side.

3. Rally the ball back and forth with your opponent until one of you misses the ball or the ball misses the table. Either of these constitutes a point for the opponent of the player who made the mistake, (missed the ball or hit the ball so that it missed the table).

4. Continue playing until you or your opponent reaches 11 points. Whoever reaches 11 points wins the game.

5. Continue playing games until you or your opponent has won three. This player is the winner of the match.

Tips & Warnings

• If the game reaches a score of 10-10, a player must gain a two-point lead in order to win the game.

• Do not touch the table with your free hand because that stops play and counts as a point for your opponent Do not hit the ball more than once before it goes back over the net; this also will count as a point for your opponent.

References

• Official table tennis rules
• How to play table tennis