The Basics

• Format: Singles (1 vs. 1) or Doubles ( 2 vs. 2)
• Area of Play: The table surface – 9ft (2.74m) x 5ft (1.525m)
• Main Objective: Be the first to win 3 sets
• To Win a Set: The player must be the first to score 11 points, and be at least 2 points ahead

The Rules of Play

The Player...

 Must:

• Serve legally
• Hit the ball inside the area of play
• Return the ball after it’s bounced only once on their side of the table
• Only touch the ball with the racket (no body parts)

 Must Not:

• Hit the ball twice in one turn
• Return the ball before the ball has bounced once on their side of the table
• Touch the table with non-playing hand during play

Doubles Only Rules:

• Team must alternate which player serves/hits the ball each turn

The Serve

• Ball must be served from behind the table
• Ball must be launched at least 6inches into the air
• Ball must bounce at least once on each side of the table
• A player/team is given 2 serves, then the opposition is given 2 serves
• In the event of a deuce (tie before winning point), each player/team is only given 1 serve

The Return

• Player will return the ball and attempt to make their opponent miss the return
• Ongoing returns are also called a rally

The Scoring Point

• Player must hit the ball over the net to the opposition’s side of the table without them returning the ball
• Violation of any of the rules of play (above) will result in the opponent being awarded a point

The Win

• To win a set, the player must be the first to score 11 points, and be at least 2 points ahead
  • If the score is A: 11 – B: 10, then A would have to win 12:10
• To win a match (main objective), the player must be the first to win 3 sets

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