how to play table tennis

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• Table and Net: A standard table - tennis table is 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide, and 0.76 meters high, with a net dividing it in the middle. The net is 15.25 centimeters high.
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• Racket and Ball: You need a table - tennis racket (also called a paddle), which has a rubber surface on one or both sides. The ball is spherical, usually 40 millimeters in diameter and made of celluloid or similar plastics.
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• Position: Stand behind the end - line of the table. Hold the ball in your open, stationary palm, and then throw it up at least 16 centimeters vertically.
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• Hitting the Ball: As the ball falls, strike it so that it first bounces on your side of the table and then passes over or around the net and bounces on your opponent's side.
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• Receiving the Serve: After the opponent serves, you need to return the ball before it bounces twice on your side of the table. You can use different strokes to return the ball, such as forehand and backhand.
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• Forehand Stroke: Stand sideways to the table, with your dominant hand in front. As the ball approaches, swing your arm forward and up in an arc, making contact with the ball in front of your body. Use your wrist and forearm to add power and control.
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• Backhand Stroke: If the ball comes to your non - dominant side, you can use a backhand stroke. There are two common types: the pen - hold backhand and the shake - hand backhand. For the shake - hand backhand, turn your hand slightly so that the back of the racket faces the ball, and then swing your arm across your body to hit the ball.
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• Continuous Rally: Keep hitting the ball back and forth over the net. Each player tries to make the ball land on the opponent's side in a way that makes it difficult for the opponent to return.
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• Point System: A point is scored when the opponent fails to return the ball correctly (e.g., the ball goes out of bounds, fails to clear the net, or bounces twice on their side). In most games, you play to 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points.
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• Placement: Try to place the ball in different areas of the table to force your opponent to move around. For example, you can hit the ball to the corners or change the direction suddenly.
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• Spin: Apply different types of spin to the ball, such as topspin, backspin, and sidespin. Spin can make the ball behave unpredictably, making it harder for your opponent to return.
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• Respect Your Opponent: Shake hands before and after the game. Do not argue excessively about calls and respect the decisions of the umpire (if there is one).
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• Keep the Pace: Try to maintain a reasonable pace of play and not delay the game intentionally.