Table tennis, a favorite sport for many, is a game that originated in its earliest form with the British military in India and South Africa. If you’re interested in starting this game, which now appeals to a large audience, you’ll find all the information you need in our article.
Table tennis requires relatively little equipment and is easily obtained. It can be played in workplaces, entertainment venues, parks, and even at home. However, as with any sport, it’s important to note the different levels of competition for professionals and amateurs. We’re starting with what you need to know to play table tennis as an amateur.
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What is Table Tennis Equipment?
Table Tennis Table: Table tennis, played on a hard, flat table, usually green or blue, cannot be played without a table. The table measures an average of 274 cm long and 152 cm wide, with a height of 76 cm from the floor.
Specially designed larger or smaller tables are also available. For players to compete comfortably, each table requires a minimum width of 6 meters and a length of 12 meters. The table tennis net , located in the center of the table , is 15.25 cm high. This height is called the net assembly.
Table Tennis Ball: Made of celluloid or plastic , the table tennis ball is white or orange. The spherical ball is 40 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.7 grams.
Table Tennis Racket: The racket is made of wood or other materials, and is covered with a rough plastic or rubber material. The part of the racket that contacts the ball should be solid and smooth. It is crucial that the racket fits the hand properly, is not sweaty, and is not too heavy. The quality of the table tennis racket directly affects playing performance.
How to Play Table Tennis?
Table tennis, played by two players or teams of two players, aims to score points by throwing the ball into the opponent’s court in various ways. Each player is allowed to touch the ball once, and bouncing the ball with the racket is prohibited. The game is played with a racket, and the two sides of the racket are used for different purposes. The soft, sponge-like side is used to counter the opponent’s hard shots, while the hard side is preferred for hitting the ball quickly and effectively.
The net, located in the center of the table, determines the sides of the game. In doubles competitions, pairs must take turns hitting the ball, and each player must be aware of their turn.
Table Tennis Rules
- The game begins with a serve, which must be delivered from outside the court. The server must bounce the ball once on the other side. If the ball touches the net when it first crosses the opponent’s court, it is considered net, and the serve is considered invalid. The serve is repeated until it is not net.
- If the ball hits the net and lands in the service area, the receiving side gets the point.
- For games other than service, you may throw the ball to any point on the opponent’s court. For shots following the service, you must throw the ball directly to the opponent’s court. The lines outside the table define the table’s boundaries and do not affect the ball’s scoring.
- Each side serves five times in turn. Sets are generally 11 or 21 points. If the score is 10-10 or 20-20, the set continues until one side doubles its lead. A total of 3 or 7 sets are played. The winner is the one who wins 4 sets in a 7-a-side game and 2 sets in a 3-a-side game.
- Each player is only allowed to hit the ball once. In doubles, players take turns hitting the ball. Even if the player who loses or mixes up their turn hits the ball, the other player’s point counts.
- Players are prohibited from touching the playing field. Crossing or touching the opponent’s playing field will result in a point being scored.
