| The official rules of ping pong, also known as table | | | | point differential thereafter. At 10 points, the two |
| tennis, are quite easy to learn, and it is a rewarding | | | | players alternate serving until one wins. Several games |
| game for many people. A ping pong table has a short | | | | in a row will make a match, by winning say four out of |
| net across the center and white markings. The | | | | seven games. |
| markings are only used when playing doubles ping | | | | A ball in play in ping pong is called a volley. The ball |
| pong, and can be disregarded for singles games. In a | | | | may be volleyed back and forth many times without a |
| singles game, you may serve from anywhere on the | | | | point being lost or scored. If the server hits the ball |
| table to anywhere on the table. In a doubles game, you | | | | twice in a row, misses the ball or hits it off the table, |
| must serve from your right to the opponent's right side. | | | | they will lose their point. If the player opposing misses |
| The table must have an even surface, and the ping | | | | the ball, the server gets the point. Points are |
| pong paddles should have a rubber surface. While | | | | accumulated as the players take turns serving the ball. |
| sandpaper surfaced paddles are seen occasionally, | | | | You may hit the ball with the paddle using either a |
| these are prohibited by ping pong rules. | | | | forehand or backhand stroke. Players can use either |
| The game begins with the flip of a coin to determine | | | | hand to play or both hands at once. You may not |
| which player serves first. The serve consists of | | | | bump or touch the table. If the ball hits a wall, the floor |
| tossing the ball into the air and hitting it onto the other | | | | or ceiling, it is out of play and a point will be lost. |
| side of the ping pong table with your paddle. It may hit | | | | The rules of ping pong are easy to learn, and this fun |
| the net, as long as it bounces onto the table; however, | | | | game is a great activity to do with friends or family. It |
| this is called a let serve and is reserved. If the ball | | | | does not take a lot of space, can be done year round, |
| leaves the table, the server will lose his or her point. | | | | and perhaps a ping pong table would be a good |
| The first player serves two points, and then it is traded | | | | addition to your rec room or family spaces. |
| off. The game is won with eleven points or by a two | | | | |