Ping - pong, or table tennis, has specific serve rules that ensure fairness and maintain the integrity of the game. Here are the key serve rules:
1. Starting the Serve
- Ball Position: The server must hold the ball in the palm of their open hand, behind the end - line of the table. The ball should be stationary and above the level of the playing surface. This position ensures that the receiver can clearly see the start of the serve.
- Toss Requirements: The server is required to toss the ball vertically upwards. The minimum height of the toss must be 16 centimeters (about 6.3 inches). The toss should be made without imparting any spin to the ball. This vertical toss gives both players a clear view of the ball's path and helps in anticipating the serve.
2. Hitting the Ball
- Service Action: After the toss, the server must hit the ball so that it first touches their side of the table and then, passing over or around the net, touches the receiver's side of the table. If the ball touches the net during the serve but still lands on the receiver's side of the table as required, it is called a "let" serve. In the case of a "let" serve, the serve is re - done, and no point is awarded.
- Allowed Contact: The ball must be struck with the racket - covered part of the hand. Hitting the ball with other parts of the body or any object other than the racket - covered hand is illegal.
3. Visibility and Fair Play
- Open - Handed Service: The server's free hand, which initially holds the ball, must be completely clear of the ball's path during the serve. This rule ensures that the receiver can clearly see the ball from the start of the toss until it is struck by the racket. The server should not use their body, clothing, or any other object to obstruct the receiver's view of the ball during the service motion.
4. Special Rules Regarding Service
- Double - Bounce Rule: The ball should not bounce more than once on the server's side of the table before being served. If it does, it is a fault, and the receiver scores a point.
- Service Rotation: In a game, the serve alternates every two points. However, when the score reaches 10 - 10 (deuce), the serve alternates every point. This rule change at deuce helps to ensure a more decisive conclusion to the game.
- Ping Pong Game is a world popular ball sport where you have to score points by attacking, confronting and defending.
