How to play ping pong
Ping pong, or table tennis, is fast, cheap and playable almost anywhere: parks, community centres and many offices have tables. Two people, two paddles and a ball are enough.
The basics
- Games go to 11 points, and you must win by 2.
- Each player serves two points in a row, then the serve changes (one each at 10-10).
- The serve must bounce once on your side, then once on the other side.
- The ball must bounce once on your side before you return it, then land on the other side.
- A match is usually best of three or best of five games.
What you need
- A paddle (bat): a ready-made all-round paddle is fine to start.
- 40 mm plastic balls, white or orange.
- Flat shoes with grip; outdoor tables need outdoor balls in wind.
How a pickup game works
At a public table, players often play "winner stays on": the winner of a game to 11 stays and the next player in line comes on. With more people, "round the world" has everyone walk around the table taking one shot each, and missing knocks you out.
Pickup etiquette
- Ask "can I play next?" and wait for a game to end.
- Say the score before your serve.
- A serve that touches the net and lands in is a "let": replay it.
- Fetch your own balls and pass the ball back to the server.
Your first games
- Keep the paddle in front of you and watch the ball onto it.
- Learn a simple short serve: most points start there.
- Play outdoor tables early or late to avoid wind.
Questions
Is ping pong the same as table tennis?
Yes. Table tennis is the official name; ping pong is the casual one, and also an old trademark.
How do you serve in ping pong?
Toss the ball up from your open hand, hit it so it bounces on your side first, then on the other side. In singles it can go anywhere.
Where can I play ping pong for free?
Many parks, libraries and community centres have tables. JOGO maps public tables near you.
The cities with the most ping pong tables on JOGO.
How many calories does ping pong burn?
Work it out for your weight on JOGO Fuel, free.