Table tennis, also known as ping pong or wiff waff, is a sport in which two or four players hit a

lightweight ball back and forth across a table using a small paddle. The game takes place on a hard table
divided by a net. Except for the initial serve, the rules are generally as follows: Players must allow a ball
played toward them to bounce one time on their side of the table, and must return it so that it bounces
on the opposite side at least once. Points are scored when a player fails to return the ball within the
rules. Play is fast and demands quick reactions. Spinning the ball alters its trajectory and limits an
opponent's options, giving the hitter a great advantage. When doing so the hitter has a better chance of
scoring if the spin is successful.

Table tennis is governed by the worldwide organization International Table Tennis Federation,
founded in 1926. ITTF currently includes 220 member associations.[1] The table tennis official rules are
specified in the ITTF handbook.[2] Table tennis has been an Olympic sport since 1988,[3] with several
event categories. In particular, from 1988 until 2004, these were: men's singles, women's singles, men's
doubles and women's doubles. Since 2008, a team event has been played instead of the doubles.

Racket also called bats or paddles, "racket" is the official ITTF term for the instrument used to hit the
ball. Table tennis rackets are made of plywood and covered in pimpled or inverted rubber with a thin
layer of sponge in between. The combination of sponge, pimpled rubber and plywood allows the ball to
travel at maximum speed and is conducive to adding spin to the ball, although many players today
prefer inverted rubber because it is resistant to spins, allowing for effective defensive shots. Most
rackets have a long handle but the Japanese racket has a raised handle and the Chinese racket a much
shortened handle, allowing for varying ways of gripping the racket.

Ping Pong ball international regulations require a table tennis ball to be 40 mm in diameter and made
from hollow celluloid. The required diameter was changed from 38 mm in 2003 in an attempt to slow
the ball down, causing controversy amongst some Chinese players who are famed for their ability to
spin the ball so fast, a return is impossible. The colour of the ball used depends upon the colour of the
table but is usually the colour that stands out most effectively against the table. The quality of ball is
denoted by a number of stars: one, two or three. Three star balls are the most expensive but are very
good quality and will last a lot longer than balls with one star.

Table official table tennis tables are 2.74 m in length, 1.525 m wide and 0.7 m high. Tables are made
from a manufactured timber and covered in a smooth coating to reduce friction, allowing the ball to
have maximum bounce. A white line borders the table and divides it lengthwise, marking the right hand
and left hand half of each side.

Net the net stretches across the middle of the table and should be 15.25 cm high.

Clothing there is no specific uniform required for table tennis, although in official competitions teams
will wear clothes representative of their countries colours. Loose, non-reflective clothing is
recommended and footwear should allow good ankle control and quick movements, as opposed to
trainers that are specifically designed for running.
Facilities

Located in the heart of San Gabriel Valley, California Table Tennis is minutes away from
Pasadena, Temple City, Arcadia, San Gabriel, El Monte. Our facility is equipped with the best
tables, professional rubber flooring, and most importantly, passionate club members!

Butterfly Tables

Not all table tennis tables are created equal! At California Table Tennis, we only use top-of-the
line Butterfly tables. Our head coach, Gao Jun, is a Butterfly-sponsored player and our operation
is also officially sponsored by Butterfly.
Professional Rubber Flooring

We imported our entire rubber flooring directly from China. Our flooring material is identical to
that used by the Chinese Table Tennis team and flooring used at the highest competition level.

Equipment For All Skill Levels

We carry a large collection of paddles and we can always help our players find the most ideal
paddle that suits his/her skill level and style.

Basic Table Tennis Rules

Ive summarised the official (and very long) rules of the ITTF in these basic table tennis rules.
These should be all you need to start playing a game.

Service
o The serve must start with the ball in an open palm.
This stops you from throwing it up with spin.
o The ball must be thrown vertically, at least 16 cm.
This stops you from serving straight out of your hand and surprising your
opponent.
o The ball must be above and behind the table throughout the serve.
This stops you getting any silly angles and gives your opponent a fair
change at returning.
o After throwing the ball, the server must get their free arm and hand out of the
way.
This is to allow the receiver to see the ball.
Doubles
 o The service must go diagonally, from the servers right hand side to the receivers
right hand side.
This stops you from getting the opposing pair tangled up before theyve
even hit a ball.
o A doubles pair must strike the ball alternately.
This makes doubles challenging. None of that front court/back court tennis
nonsense.
o At the change of service, the previous receiver becomes the new server and the
partner of the previous server becomes the receiver.
This make sure everybody does everything. After eight points youre back
to the start of the cycle.
General match play
o You have two serves before it is your opponents turn to serve twice.
This used to be five serves each but since changing to 11 its now just two.
o At 10-10 its deuce. You get one serve each and must win by two clear points.
This is sudden death or table tennis equivalent of a tie break.
o If you are playing a best of 3, 5 or 7 (as opposed to just one set) you have to
change ends after each game.
This makes sure both players experience conditions on both sides of the
table. You also change ends when the first player reaches five points in the
final game of a match.
A Let is called if
o An otherwise good serve touches the net.
This ensure youre opponent has a chance at making a return.
o The receiver isnt ready (and doesnt try to hit the ball).
This is just common sense really!
o If play is disturbed by something outside of the players control.
This allows you to replay the point if your cat jumps onto the table, etc.
A point is lost if
o The service is missed.
o The service is not returned.
o A shot goes into the net.
o A shot goes off the table without touching the court.
o A player moves the table, touches the net or touches the table with their free hand
during play.