Rules for Playing Table Tennis

Table tennis is a game that is also known as ping pong. It is played on a table resembling a miniature tennis court. Players hit the ball with paddles, attempting to place the ball inside the legal playing boundaries in a manner in which their opponent cannot return the ball legally.

  1. Table Dimensions

    • The table tennis table should be 9 feet long and 5 feet wide. A net in the center of the table separates the two sides of the playing area.

    Table Tennis Ball

    • The table tennis ball should be made of plastic and be either orange or white. It should weigh 2.7 g and have a diameter of 40 mm.

    Table Tennis Racket

    • The table tennis racket can be any size or shape that the player wishes to use. The blade of the table tennis racket must be flat (see Resources).

    Serving

    • The table tennis ball should be tossed into the air with no detectable rotation imparted to it. The ball must be hit before making contact with the table.

    Legality of the Serve

    • The ball may not be hidden from the other player or team when it is served. The ball must remain above the table and in clear view at all times.

    Let Serves

    • Let serves are legal in table tennis. This involves the ball hitting the net when it is served, but landing on the opposing player or team's side of the net.