Serving is at the same time a very complicated and very important part of the game of table tennis. Learning to serve the ball properly takes time. This article explains the rules of the service in a detailed, easy-to-understand manner.
The Table Tennis Serve: Learning to Serve Legally
Serving the ball legally is much more complicated than most recreational ping pong players realize, and almost all recreational players serve the ball illegally. Making legal serves will seem more difficult at first, and it may take some time for you to get used to. After you do learn to serve properly however, you will be able to perform many new styles of service that will make you a better player.
The Table Tennis Serve: Table Tennis Rules of Service
1. The ball must lie flat in the palm of your hand.
2. You must toss the ball at least six inches vertically and allow it to begin its descent before making contact. If you fail to do this, a point will be awarded to the opponent.
3. You must not impart spin on the ball during the toss.
4. After you make contact, the ball must bounce first on your side and then on the opponent’s side of the table in order to be in play.
5. If you toss the ball into the air and fail to make contact, a point is awarded to the opponent.
6. If the ball hits the net and lands on the opponents side, it is called a let, and the ball is served again without penalty. There is no limit to the number of consecutive lets a player may commit.
7. If the ball hits the net but does not land on the opponent’s side, the opponent is awarded a point.
8. From the start of the service until initial contact is made, the ball must remain above and behind the playing surface.
9. At no point during the service may you block the opponent’s view of the ball with your hand, racquet, or body. If you attempt to do this, a point will be awarded to the opponent.
10. In games played to eleven points, the service alternates every two points. In games played to twenty-one points, the service alternates every five points.
11. If you are playing doubles table tennis, the ball must bounce from the right half of your side to the right half of the opponents’ side. There is no such rule in singles table tennis.
You now have all the information necessary to serve the ball legally in a game of table tennis. Whether you are planning on competing in local tournaments or simply on the table in your basement, you will be a better player for having learned to serve properly.
Start practicing, and good luck!
