Table tennis is a popular sport that has been around for centuries. It is a fast-paced game that requires skill, strategy, and quick reflexes. In team matches, there are special rules that must be followed in order to ensure fair play. Here we summarize the essential rules of table tennis from USA Table Tennis to help you resolve disputes in the garage or office. In team matches, there are four singles matches and one doubles match.
Each game is a best-of-five series. Each player can serve twice in a row and the first to score 11 points will be declared the winner. According to table tennis laws, a player can win a table tennis game by scoring 11 points, with one point awarded for each violation. When serving, the ball must be thrown up when serving and can drop anywhere in singles. Standing on the square of the table, the player holds the paddle with his face open and returns the ball using the side of the paddle that faces the table.
During a serve, if the ball hits the net but still bounces off the opponent's side of the table, the point is a let (meaning you have to play it again).An otherwise legal serve or hit may come into contact with the upper edge of the horizontal surface of the table top and be considered valid, even if it bounces sideways. In that case, each player receives only one serve and alternates until one of the players gains a two-point advantage. If your opponent's blow goes over your side of the table without touching it and hits any part of you or your paddle, that's still your point. At the Olympic Games, table tennis is organized into two categories for men and women: team events and individual competitions. It will be an elimination format with 16 teams.
The official rules of table tennis state that the game is played on a rectangular wooden table measuring 2.74 x 153 meters and is divided into two halves. Therefore, misunderstandings occur quite often since the application of the rules by different arbitrators can be inconsistent. Let's keep things simple and say that you should never, in any situation, hit the ball if it hasn't touched your side of the table first. Table tennis is an exciting sport that requires skill and strategy to win. Following these essential rules for team matches will ensure fair play and an enjoyable experience for all players.
