Ping+Pong+Rules


 * __Table Tennis Rules__**

Scoring
The first thing to note is that scoring and serving in table tennis changed a number of years ago. In the old days, games were played until 21 points, with each player alternately serving 5 times. Under the current rules, a game is played until the first player reaches 11 points, with each player alternately serving 2 times. A player must win by at least 2 points, so if the score reaches 10-10 (called "deuce"), game play proceeds with each player serving one serve until either player wins by getting 2 points above the other player's score. Typically, players will play a "match" consisting of either best 3 out 5 games or best 4 out of 7 games. or 2 out of 3 games

Service
A legal serve for singles
 * Hold ball in palm of hand
 * Toss ball vertically at least 6 inches
 * Ball must be visible to your opponent at all times
 * The ball must make contact with the paddle behind the table
 * After striking the paddle the ball must bounce once on the server’s side and then bounce on the opponent’s side.

Lets (do-overs)
Most commonly a "Let" is called during service. If the person serving the ball serves the ball in such a way that the ball comes in contact with the net or net assembly and then bounces on the receiver’s side of the table, then a "Let" is called. There is no limit on the number of occurrences that this can occur. A “Let” may also be called during play if a player is impeded by a disturbance. Such as, another ball entering the playing area, loud unexpected noise, or people entering the playing area. This type of let should not be abused.

Net Balls
If the ball hits the net or net assembly (after the initial return of the serve) and lands on the proper side of the table, the ball is still in play. These balls are often more difficult to return, because striking the net causes an unexpected change in ball motion. Because of this, it is considered a courtesy for a player to "appologize" either verbally or with a raised finger when he wins a point with a net ball (regardless of whether they are really sorry or not, since good players will often loop so precisely that they hit net balls with so much topspin that the spin helps pull the ball over the net). However, most net balls are returnable by good players and return of net balls is a skill that all serious players should attempt to master since net balls are fairly common in games. Strongly looped net balls, however, are almost impossible to return, since these often turn in to slow balls that still have incredible amounts of spin, so that the slightest touch causes the ball to jump unpredictably.

Edge Balls and Side Balls
If the ball strikes the edge between the surface of the table and a side, the ball is considered an edge ball, and the ball is still in play. If the ball strikes one of the sides of the table without striking the edge, the ball is considered a "side" ball and the point is over. Probably one of the most difficult calls for a referee in a table tennis match is whether a ball is an "edge ball" or a "side" ball. The determination can usually be made by considering the trajectory of the ball (for example if the ball travels over the table, it's not possible for it to be a side ball) and in more difficult cases, by observing how the ball changes direction after it hits the table