What is Table Tennis?

Table tennis, often referred to as ping pong, is a fast-paced sport played with a lightweight ball and paddles (or rackets) on a rectangular table divided by a net. Here's a breakdown of the features and basic rules:

1. Objective: Players aim to score points by hitting the ball over the net and onto the opponent's side of the table in a way that they cannot return it properly.
2. Equipment:
   • Table: Typically 2.74 meters (9 feet) long, 1.525 meters (5 feet) wide, and 76 cm (30 inches) high.
   • Paddles: Made of wood with a rubber surface for grip.
   • Ball: A small, lightweight ball, 40 mm in diameter, usually white or orange.

• Matches are played to the best of 5 or 7 games, with each game requiring a player to reach 11 points (winning by at least 2).
• Players alternate serves every two points (or every point during deuce).
• The server must throw the ball vertically, at least 16cm high, without spin.
• The ball must hit the server’s side first, clear the net, and then bounce on the receiver's side.

• A player scores a point if their opponent:
• Fails to make a valid serve.
• Fails to return the ball before it bounces twice on their side.
• Hits the ball off the table or into the net.
• Obstructs the ball (touching it before it bounces on their side).

• A game is played to 11 points, and the winner must lead by 2 points.
• Matches often consist of best-of-3, best-of-5, or best-of-7 games.

• Players alternate serves every 2 points until the score reaches 10-10 (deuce). At deuce, serves alternate every 1 point.

1. Valid Return:
• After the ball is served, it must bounce once on the receiving side before the opponent strikes it.
• The return must clear the net and land on the opponent's side.
2. Let Serves:
• If a served ball hits the net but lands correctly on the opponent's side, it is a "let" serve, and the serve is retaken.
3. Obstruction:
• Players may not touch the table or net with their free hand or body during a rally.
4. Doubles Play:
• Partners must alternate hitting the ball.
• Serves must be diagonal, from the server's right-hand court to the receiver's right-hand court.

• Competitive: Played at the professional level, including the Olympics, under the regulation of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
• Recreational: Also known as ping pong, is popular as a leisure activity in homes, schools, and community centers.