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Table Tennis is a game played on a table by two or four contestants with a small celluloid ball and small rackets, often called bats or paddles.
The table is 9 ft. by 5 ft. (2.74 m x 1.52 m) with its upper surface 30 in. (76 cm) above the floor. The table is divided into opposing courts by a net 6 inches (15.24 cm) high. It is divided lengthwise by a white stripe that runs down the center of the table. The stripe is only used during doubles play. The surface of a standard table has a resiliency such that a standard table tennis ball, when dropped from a height of 12 inches (30.5 cm), will rebound to a height of from 8.75 to 9.75 inches (22.2 to 24.8 cm).
The white celluloid ball is hollow and about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) in diameter and about 0.088 ounces (2.5 g) in weight. The rackets may be made into any shape but are usually oval. They are typically made of wood and faced with sandpaper, rubber, or sponge. The surface may be dimpled or smooth.
General Play: The game of table tennis involves hitting the ball back and forth over the net until either a player misses the ball or hits the ball into the net. In the case of either infraction, the opponent scores a point.
The Serve: To serve properly, a player holds the ball in one hand. Upon letting go of the ball, the ball is to be hit as it falls. The ball must then hit the table on the server's side of the table, proceed over the net, then hit the table on the opposite side of the net. Play continues when the opponent strikes the ball. If a serve hits the net but is otherwise a good serve, it is called a "let" and played over.
Winning the Game: A game is won by the first player to score 11 points. If the game becomes tied at 10-each (deuce), the service changes after each point until one player gains a two-point advantage to win the game.
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