If you’ve ever played ping pong, then you know the game is fast and requires quick reactions. It also involves a lot of spin, which makes the ball unpredictable and difficult to return consistently. In fact, a skilled player can impart so much spin on the ball that it almost appears like it’s not even touching the paddle.
Ping pong, or table tennis, is a ball sport played between two or four players on a table divided by a net. The players hit the ball back and forth using small, hollow plastic or celluloid paddles that are typically either white or orange and 40 mm in diameter.
The most important thing for beginners is consistent practice. This will help you get a feel for the timing of hitting the ball. It’s also helpful to play against different opponents so you can learn how to react to their styles of playing.
A good starting point is to look into your local rec centers to see if they have any table tennis leagues you can join. These can be a great way to meet new people and play regularly against them.
The first player to win 10 points wins the match. Each team serves 2 points at a time (unless it’s tied at 10-10, in which case service alternates). You can serve by holding the ball in your open palm behind the end of the table and tossing it at least 6 inches straight up. You must touch your side of the table before hitting it. In doubles, partners may hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table, but if you hit it with your non-paddle hand or it sails over the end of the table and hits your paddle or hand that’s still your point.