A question about table tennis?

Question

I actually have a couple of questions. so just answer whatever you can please...

...1... When playing singles do you have to serve diagonal or straight across?

...2... When in a rally does the ball have to touch your side of the court before you hit it?

...3... And whose point is it when the ball skims the edge of the table?

Thank-You!

Answer 1

1. I think you can serve it anywhere... but probably diagonal. That would be the safest and most logical choice!

2. It can't. Only the serve does that.

3. The person who skimmed the edge of the table! =)

Answer 2

Hi there,

1) when playing single, you don't have to play diagonally, the only imperative is that the ball touches your side of playfield first, and then 'somewhere' on the playfield of your opponent.

2) YES the ball must always bounce before you play it. In other words: you are not allowed to volley in table tennis.

3) if you play a ball and it skims the edge of the table on the opponent's side and he can't return it, then the point is yours. But do note that there is a difference between the "edge" of the table and the "side" of the table: when the ball touches the side of the table (without touching the actual horizontal playfield), then the ball is out.

Kind regards,

Thomas

Answer 3

1.) When playing with all rules, you must serve to the opposite side starting on the right side.  

2.) Technically, the ball is supposed to touch your side, but if you are playing with someone who doesn't care, then you shouldn't have to.  Also, if the ball is already going to fast to bounce on the table, it will probably go out.  

3.) If the ball, anywhere, hits the table and goes off, then the point goes to the person who hit the ball. :-)