Basic Rules of Table Tennis | PingSkills

Summary

In this informative video, PingSkills clarifies the fundamental rules of table tennis, addressing common misconceptions and disputes. It explains how to win points, the consequences of hitting the ball into the net or off the table, and the intricacies of volleying. The video also covers serving rules, scoring up to 11 points with a two-point lead required at 'deuce,' and touches on equipment like bat sizes. Additionally, it briefly introduces doubles play, emphasizing turn-taking and serving from the right-hand box.

Takeaways

• 🏓 Basic Rule: To win a point in table tennis, you must hit the ball onto your opponent's side and they must return it to your side, with only one bounce allowed before hitting it back.
• 🔄 Ball Bounce: If the ball bounces twice on the table, it's the end of the point and the opponent gets the point.
• 🚫 Ball Out: If the ball hits the net or goes off the end of the table, the opponent gets the point.
• 👋 Volley Rule: If a player hits the ball before it bounces on the table, it's a 'volley' and the opponent gets the point.
• 🔄 Ball in Play: If the ball hits the net during a rally and lands on the opponent's side, play continues.
• 💡 Serving Lets: If a serve results in a 'let' (e.g., ball touches the net), the serve is replayed without penalty.
• 🔢 Scoring: Games are played up to 11 points, with a two-point lead required to win if the score reaches 10-10.
• 🎾 Fault Serve: A mistake in serving results in an immediate point for the opponent.
• 📏 Ball Edge: The ball is considered 'in' if it hits any part of the top surface of the table, including the edge.
• 🙌 Touching Table: Players can lean on the table with their legs or elbows, but not with their free hand. If the table is moved by a player, the opponent gets the point.
• 👫 Doubles Play: In doubles, players must alternate hitting the ball and serve from the right-hand box diagonally to the opponent's right-hand box, with rotation after each team's two serves.

Q & A

What is the basic rule to win a point in table tennis?

The basic rule to win a point in table tennis is to hit the ball onto your opponent's side of the table and have them hit it back onto your side, with each player allowed to let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it back.

What happens if a player hits the ball into the net?

If a player hits the ball into the net, it results in a point for the opponent because the ball did not make it onto the table.

What is considered a fault in serving, and what is the consequence?

A fault in serving occurs when a player fails to hit the ball properly, such as missing the ball entirely or catching it after the toss. The consequence is that the opponent gets the point immediately.

What is the rule regarding ball bouncing on the table?

A player must hit the ball back after it has bounced once on their side of the table. If the ball bounces twice before being hit, the point goes to the opponent.

What is a volley in table tennis, and what is the result of committing a volley?

A volley is when a player hits the ball before it has bounced on the table. The result of committing a volley is that the opponent gets the point.

What happens if a ball hits the net during a rally?

If a ball hits the net during a rally and still lands on the opponent's side of the table, play continues, and the opponent must return the ball.

What is the rule for a serve that is called a 'let'?

A 'let' is called when a serve hits the net but still lands on the opponent's side of the table. The serve is replayed without penalty.

How many points are played in a game of table tennis, and what is the minimum point difference needed to win?

A game of table tennis is played up to 11 points, and a player must win by a minimum of two points. If the score reaches 10-10, the game continues until one player is two points ahead.

What happens if a ball hits the edge of the table?

If a ball hits the edge of the table, it is still considered in play. However, if it hits the side of the table, it is out, and the opponent gets the point.

What are the rules regarding touching the table during play?

Players are allowed to lean on the table with their legs or elbows, but they are not allowed to touch the table with their free hand. If a player touches the table and moves it, the opponent gets the point.

What are the basic rules of doubles in table tennis?

In doubles, players must take turns hitting the ball with their partner and cannot hit the ball twice in a row. The serve is always from the right-hand box diagonally to the opponent's right-hand box, and players swap after serving two serves.