The Rules of Table Tennis

What is table tennis?

Table tennis is a fast, fun sport played on a table with a net across the middle. You hit a small, light ball back and forth using a bat (also called a paddle or racket). Many people call the game ping-pong, because of the sound the ball makes. 🏓

You can play one against one (singles) or two against two (doubles). Because the ball is so light and the table is small, the game is quick and full of action.

Why we have rules

Rules make the game fair and fun for everyone. Without rules, no one would agree on who won a point or whose turn it was to serve. When everyone knows the rules, you can stop arguing and start playing. Let's learn the main ones.

The aim of the game

Your goal is simple: hit the ball over the net so that it bounces on your opponent's side of the table, in a way they cannot return. When your opponent misses, hits the ball off the table, or hits it into the net, you win the point.

The bounce rule

This is the most important rule to remember. When the ball comes to your side, it may bounce only once before you hit it back.

• If you let it bounce twice, your opponent wins the point.
• You must hit the ball back over the net so it lands on the other side of the table.
• If you miss the table or hit the net, your opponent wins the point.

How to serve

Every point begins with a serve. Here is how to do it correctly:

1. Hold the ball flat on your open hand.
2. Toss the ball straight up into the air.
3. Hit it so it bounces once on your own side first.
4. The ball then goes over the net and bounces on your opponent's side.

So a serve has a special bounce pattern: your side first, then their side. After that, normal play begins and the ball bounces only once per side.

Scoring points

In table tennis, you count points the normal way: 1, 2, 3, and so on. A game is usually played to 11 points.

But there is one extra rule: you must win by two points. So if the score reaches 10 to 10, you keep playing until one player is ahead by two, such as 12 to 10.

Players take turns serving. Each player serves two points in a row, then the serve passes to the other player. This keeps the serving fair for both sides.

Quick rules to remember

Rule	What it means
Bounce	Ball bounces only once on your side
Serve	Bounce on your side first, then theirs
Game	First to 11 points wins
Win by two	Must be ahead by at least 2 points
Serving turns	Two serves each, then swap

A practice activity

You do not need a partner to start improving. Try this fun solo game to build your control. Stand at a table tennis table (ask an adult first, and make sure the floor and table are safe). Bounce the ball gently on your bat, keeping it under control, and count how many times you can do it without the ball falling. Try to beat your record each day.

When you have a partner, play a friendly rally where the goal is not to win points but to see how many times you can hit the ball back and forth without it falling. This builds your skill and teamwork before you start keeping score.

Play safely and fairly

Keep these safety tips in mind. Make sure your play area is clear so no one trips over chairs or bags. Do not swing your bat wildly, and watch out for other people nearby. Always ask an adult before setting up or using a table.

Good sportsmanship matters too. Call the score honestly, take turns properly, and shake hands at the end whether you win or lose.

Now you know the rules

You now understand the serve, the bounce rule, and how to score to 11 and win by two. Grab a bat, find a friend, and enjoy one of the fastest, most fun sports around!

For more on getting ready to play, read Why Warming Up Matters and find out how to keep moving in Staying Active Every Day.