1. Ping-Pong/ Table Tennis
By: Jim Youngman

2. Equipment Two Ping-Pong Paddles Ping-Pong Ball
Ping Pong Table w/ net (dimensions are labeled on image

3. Objective To manipulate the ping-pong ball to score 11 points
Points are gained for errors opponent makes
Missing the ball after it bounces on one’s side
Having the ball hit one’s side twice
Hitting the ball twice
Hitting the ball with anything other than paddle or wrist
Not causing the ball to bounce on opponents side
Placing hand on table or moving table

4. Rules An initial head toss determines who serves
Serves must be incepted by a no spin toss that is at least 16cm in the air
During serves ball is not permitted to touch the net and a let is called (two lets per serve)
The side of services alternates between odd/even points
In a professional game each server has two serves, no matter if points are won or lost
Professional games last until one player has at least 11 points and has a 2 point lead over opponent
A series of best of 5 games

5. Paddle Grip Paddle can be gripped in various fashions
The traditional method is called the shake hand grip
However other methods are more effective for spins

6. Styles/Strokes Offensive moves Defensive moves Speed Drive Loop Drive
Fast ball hit open paddle without arc to open opportunity for smash
Loop Drive
Ball is hit at an angle to create top spin
Smash
When ball is hit too high by opponent close to the net, player swings with full force and aims toward the middle of opponents half
Defensive moves
Slice
Ball is hit at an angle below the ball to cause backspin
Chop
Similar to speed drive except is used when player is a few steps behind table
Lob
Ball is lofted from below the table with an upward moving stroke

7. Types of Play Recreational Doubles
Like professional but games are played to 21 points and serve alternates every 5 points
Doubles
Same rules of professional ping-pong apply but hits must alternate between players

8. History/Factoids
Game originated in England, and rules were derived from tennis
Became an Olympic sport in 1988
China currently dominates the ping-pong world

9. Reference