The Rules in Table Tennis
Some people consider table tennis as tennis done on a smaller scale. Though this may have been true in the beginning, this sport has evolved making it one of the most popular indoor games played around the world.
The rules for most table tennis matches are easy to understand. The person should read through it and know the differences and similarities should this be played in single or in double matches. Before the match starts, both players will flip a coin. Whoever wins will decide on which side of the table to start the game. The individual will also choose whether to receive or serve first.
The winner is decided after winning two out of three matches. The player must reach 21 points or be ahead by at least two points after reaching 20 before the referee can end the game. In the game of tennis, the person will get to serve after scoring a point. In table tennis, this is done every time five points are scored. This will only vary later on if both players are tied at 20 and this changes alternately until someone scores two consecutive points.
The table used in this sport has lines on it. The player must start each match by serving behind the end line. The person must toss the ball and hit it over the net going into the opponents side of the table. The individual will only be able to score by making it impossible for the other to make the legal return. In a doubles match, the scoring system used is still the same as the one in singles. This means the winner will be decided after a best two out of three game. Both teams will have to reach 21 points in order to be proclaimed the victor in each round.
Serving is a bit different. The team that scores in the first five serves may choose to continue serving or let the opposing team have a crack at it. Should the team let the opponent have it, the one who acted as the receiver becomes the server while the partner. The only time this will change again is in a tie break where each can serve alternately until two points are also scored consecutively.
The referee will only give a point to the team if the opposing side is unable to make a good return. After each round, the players will be instructed to change ends. The one who served first in the previous set will now become the receivers in the next set. These are the only rules that usually cover most table tennis tournaments both in the local and international scene. The things that are not covered are the types of paddles used and the techniques used offensively or defensively in each set. The only thing that can vary will be the size of the ball used that could be 38 or 40mm.
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