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PE 03 – INDIVIDUAL / DUAL GAMES

Module
4

Overview
In this module focus on the basic rules of the game and other terms used in
playing table tennis. It discusses the mode of the game it if it is single or doubles,
the point system used and the match used in table tennis. In this part also, we will
discuss the basic skills that a player must be familiarized and practiced, in order
to have a good start in playing Table Tennis.

Objectives
At the end of the module, the student is expected to:
1. Discuss the basic rules in Table tennis
2. Familiarize with some terms used in Table Tennis.
3. Discuss a good playing tips and a good service.
4. Identify the good points in serving the ball in Table tennis

Discussion
Table tennis is a game for two players (singles) or four (doubles) and is
normally played indoors. Rackets sometimes called “bats” are used to hit a small,
light ball backward and forward across a table divided by a low net. The objective
is to win points by making shots that an opponent is unable to return.

A game is won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points. Unless both
shall have scored 10 points, when the winner shall be the first o score two points
more than the opponent.

A match consists of one game, the best of three, or the best of five games.
Play must be continuous except of either player or pair may claim up to five
minutes rest between the third and fourth games of a match, and not more than
one minute between any other successive games of a match.

Choice of ends and he right to serve or receive is decided by tossing a

coin. If the winner of the toss decides to serve or receive first, the loser hits the
choice of ends and vice versa. The winner of the toss may require the looser to
choose first. In doubles, each pair decides which of them is to serve and receive
in the first game.
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PE 03 – INDIVIDUAL / DUAL GAMES
Order of the Play
The period when the ball is in play is termed as a “rally”. The player who
first strikes the ball in a rally is termed the “server”, the second is the “receiver”.

“Struck” means hit with the racket or the racket hand below the wrist.

A stroke made with the hand alone after dropping the racket is not good
nor is the stroke made by the racket alone after it is dropped or thrown.

In singles, the server must first make a good service, the receiver makes a
good return and then server and receiver make good returns alternately.

In doubles, the server must make a good service, the receiver a good
return alternately; the server’s partner a good return, the receiver a good return
and so on with this sequence.

In serving the balls is placed on the

palm of the free hand which must be
stationary above the level of the playing
surface and not cupped. The fingers must
be kept together with the thumb free.
The ball is then thrown by the
hand only without imparting spin near
vertically upward so that it is at all times
visible to the umpire and so it visibly
leaves the palm. On descent, the ball is
truck to touch the server’s court first and then, passing.

New Service Rule

The game of table tennis is changing. After the recent implementation of
the 11 point system, a new service rule is now coming up and will be effective on
September 1, 2002.

GOOD SERVICE
Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the
server’s stationary free hand.

The server shall then toss the ball upward, without imparting spin, so that it
rises at least 6 cm.

As the ball is falling, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court
and them after passing over the net, touches directly the receiver’s court:
in doubles, the ball shall touch successively the right half court of server
and receiver.
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PE 03 – INDIVIDUAL / DUAL GAMES

From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level
of the playing surface and behind the server’s end line, and it shall not be
hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or
his doubles partner

It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpires can see
that he complies with the requirements for a good service.

Stance and Footwork

Proper stance and footwork in serving or receiving are just an important in
learning table tennis as they are tennis, badminton or any sport skill that requires
a constantly alert player

Stance (Positioning)

1. The playing elbow marks the midpoint between the forehand and the
backhand. You should keep your playing elbow near the center of the
table.

2. If you have a strong forehand, you should intentionally stand as far to

left as possible, covering as much as ground as possible with the
forehand.

3. If your opponent moves to the left, you have to move to the right to
cover the angle to your right.

Footwork

1. Always keep your weight on the balls of your feet.

2. Be bounce. Bounce slightly on your feet between shots.

Always move left or right the instant the other player is committed to his
shot, but never before.
 References

Tulio, Doris D. 2008 Physical Education 3 for College . Mandaluyong City. National
Bookstore.
Belmonte, CietoA.Ital Physical Education Hand Book. Rex Book Store,
Copyright, 1970. Pamplets on Physical Education
James K. (2015). The History of Table Tennis. Retrieved from:
https://pingpongbros.com/blog/history/of/table/tennis
Liha Table Tennis Throwback: A fresh Alternative to Fitness Retrieved from:
http://Sportphil.com/liha-table-tennis