Ping Pong

General Rules

A match is played best 3 of 5 games (or 4/7 or 5/9). For each game, the first player to reach 11
points win that game, however, a game must be won by at least a two-point margin. After each game, the players switch sides of the table. In the final game (ie 5th game), the players switch sides again after either player reaches 5 points.

Scoring: A point is scored after each ball is put into play (rally point). A point is scored when:

• An opponent fails to make a correct service.
• An opponent fails to make a return.
• The ball touches any part of an opponent’s body.
• An opponent strikes the ball twice in succession.
• If an opponent, or anything an opponent wears, touches the playing surface during play.
  • The edges of the table are part of the legal table surface, but not the sides. 

Serving

Legal Serve: The ball must rest on an open hand palm. Then, it must be tossed up vertically at least 16 cm (about 6 inches) without imparting spin and struck so it bounces once on the server's side of the table before bouncing on the opponent's side. In doubles, the ball must touch successively the right half-court of the server and receiver.

Service Rotation: Player’s alternate serves every two points. In the final game of a match, when the score reaches 10-all, players alternate serves after each point.

Hidden Serve: The ball must be visible to the opponent throughout the service motion. Hiding the ball with the body, arm, or clothing is illegal.

Service Starting Position: At the beginning of the service, the ball must be behind the end line and above the level of the playing surface. It cannot be hidden from the opponent by any part of the body or clothing.

Free Hand: The hand not holding the paddle must be removed from the table and playing area immediately after projecting the ball upward for the serve.

Let Serve: a let service occurs under specific circumstances during a serve, and it results in the serve being replayed without a point being awarded to either player. Here are the conditions that typically lead to a let service:

• The ball touches the net assembly, including the net or net posts, on its way to the opponent’s side but otherwise is a good service, meaning it follows the serve rules (e.g., it lands on the opponent’s side of the table). The serve must be retaken.
• The ball is served when the receiver is not ready, provided that the receiver did not attempt to strike the ball. Communication and readiness are key; if the receiver attempts to hit the ball, they indicate they are ready.
• External interference: In cases where play is interrupted by circumstances outside the control of the players, a let may be called. This can include interruptions like a ball from another table entering the playing area or similar disturbances.