Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, has a simple yet exciting scoring system that makes the game fast and competitive.
Here’s how it works:
Game Structure
1. Winning a Game: To win a game, a player must be the first to reach 11 points. But they have to win by a minimum of two points. The players keep playing until one of them has a two-point advantage if the score is tied at 10–10. For instance, the player with 12 points wins the game if the score is 12–10.
2. Match Format: Matches are usually played in a best-of-five or best-of-seven format. This means the first player to win three games (in best of five) or four games (in best of seven) wins the match. This format adds excitement and gives players a chance to return if they lose an early game.
Serving Rules
1. How Serving Works: Players take turns serving every two points. This indicates that one player serves for two points, followed by another player's two-point serve. This continues until one player reaches 10 points, after which they alternate serves after each point scored.
2. Legal Serve: To serve correctly, a player must toss the ball up at least 16 cm (about 6 inches) and hit it behind their end line so that it bounces on their side of the table before going over the net to their opponent’s side. A good serve is important for starting each point.
3. Doubles Serving: In doubles matches, where two teams of two players compete, the serve must go diagonally from one side of the table to the opposite side.
Scoring Points
Players can score points in several ways:
• If the opponent fails to return the ball correctly.
• If the ball bounces twice on the opponent's side before they hit it.
• If a player hits the ball and it goes off the table without bouncing on their side first.
• If any part of a player's body or clothing touches the table during play.
• If a player interferes with the ball before it has bounced on their side.
Changing Sides
Players switch sides of the table after each game and also when one player reaches 5 points in the final game of a match. This helps ensure fairness because it balances factors like lighting and any possible distractions.
Conclusion
In summary, table tennis has an easy-to-understand scoring system that keeps matches exciting and competitive. Knowing how scoring works helps players enjoy the game more and play better. Whether you’re playing for fun or in a serious match, understanding these rules is key to having a great time in table tennis!
