How to Play Ping Pong

ping pong

The game of ping pong is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. It is a great social activity, especially for families and friends. It can also promote teamwork and communication when playing on teams. The more you play, the better you will become at ping pong and the more fun you will have.

To play ping pong, you will need two paddles (or bats), a ball and a table. The ball can be any color and is usually made of rubber but can also be plastic or other materials. The paddles are typically made of wood or foam and covered with pimpled or stippled rubber. The paddles can be either solid or hollow and are usually curved on the sides to allow for more control.

Generally, the game is played until one player or pair scores 11 points. However, if the game gets to a point where both players or pairs have 10 points, then the first player to earn a two-point lead wins the game.

To start the game, one player serves the ball by throwing it straight up into the air from a flat palm. They must hit the ball so it bounces over the net and onto their opponent’s side of the table. When serving, you should aim to hit the ball so it lands on or near the middle of your opponent’s “power zone.” This is the area within arm’s reach of their forehand and near their body on their backhand.