Keeping Score in Ping Pong
A standard game of ping pong is played to 11 points, although it must be won by 2 points.
How to Serve in Ping Pong?
Serve Legally
To serve, toss the ball about 6" into the air with your non-dominant hand. With the other, hit the ball on the way down. The ball must hit your side of the court once, clear the net, then bounce once on your opponent's side. In singles, it does not matter where the ball lands on the opponent's side.
What if the ball hits the net on a serve?
If this happens, it is called a "let", meaning the point is not given to either side and is simply replayed. And no - there is not a limit to the amount of lets given.
Understanding Ping Pong Doubles
How is serving different?
When playing doubles, the server must start on the righthand side of the table and serve diagonally to the opponent's righthand side of the table. after that point, the same person starts on the lefthand side of the table. If the ball hits the center line, it is considered good. Serving teams alternate every 2 points.
How Must Partners Alternate Hitting?
Partners must alternate hitting the ball. If a person takes 2 turns in a row, the opponent gets that point.
Match Formats: Best of Three, Five or Seven?
A match is a set number of games played. Formal regulation matches are typically played best 3 out of 5 or 4 out of 7. In social games, best 2 out of 3 is all good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When the Ball Hits the Net During Table Tennis Play?
Unlike serves, if the ball hits the net and makes it over, it is fair game!
What are the Rules in a Deuce Situation?
A "deuce" situation means that the score is tied at 10-10. For both doubles and singles, this means that serving alternates between teams every point rather than every 2 points.
What is Ping Pong Table Regulation Table Size?
Regulation table size is 9' x 5'. Lucky for you, all our tables are regulation size unless a custom dimension is requested.
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