Table tennis is an accessible game for many people because of its recreational nature and because it doesn't require a high level of athleticism when playing with novice players. Players become hooked on the game because, with experience, you can perform many difficult shots at a high rate of speed. Learn the rules of serving in table tennis to better understand the game.
Singles
Place the ball in the palm of your hand that is not holding your paddle. Do not close your hand around the ball in any way as this obstructs your opponent's view of the ball as you begin the serve. Throw the ball straight up in the air so it flies approximately 16 cm above your palm, according to USA Table Tennis. Do not spin the ball while throwing it in the air. Hit the ball with your paddle so it first hits your side of the court, flies over the net, then hits your opponent's side of the court. It does not matter where the ball hits on your side or your opponent's side of the court, as long as it touches both sides without touching the net.
Doubles
Choose the order in which you and your teammate will serve the ball throughout the match prior to starting the match. The person chosen to serve first will serve for two points. After your opponent's serve the next two points, the person chosen to serve second will serve for two points. Continue switching back and forth throughout the match. The physical act of serving is similar to serving in a singles match. The ball location on the serve is one important exception. You must hit the ball so it bounces the right side of your court, over the net and bounce off the right side of your opponent's side of the court, according to USA Table Tennis.
Faults and Lets
A fault occurs when you do not properly serve the ball and results in a point for your opponent. Faults include not properly throwing the ball into the air; not bouncing the ball on your side of the court; the ball not bouncing on your opponent's side of the court; the ball hitting the net and not continuing to your opponent's side of the court; or serving out of your preset order in doubles play. A let is a replay of the serve when play is stopped under certain conditions. Neither team receives a point in the event of a let. Lets occur during the service when the ball touches the net and continues to your opponent's side of the court or if your opponent is not ready to receive the serve.
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