Ping Pong is a fun and competitive game, but not everyone knows how to calculate the score. The rules for scoring in table tennis are quite simple. You only need to prepare a piece of paper and a pencil so you don't miscalculate.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Setting Game Basics
Step 1. Decide who will serve first
In a game of ping pong/table tennis, you must first determine who will serve. The person serving is the person who hits the ball first to start the game. You can toss a coin or play simple games like scissors, paper, rock to determine who serves. Whoever is chosen has the right to choose which side he will play on.
Step 2. Learn the service rules
If selected to serve, you must. There are some specific rules about how to serve the ball that you must obey in the game of table tennis.
- For starters, hold the ball with your palms open. Position your hands parallel to the table.
- You have to throw the ball up and hit it as it floats on the table. The ball that is hit must bounce once into your playing area, then bounce in the opponent's playing area.
- You can only repeat the service under certain conditions. You can repeat the serve if the ball hits the net before it falls into the opponent's playing area, the opponent hits the ball that has not bounced in his playing area, or the opponent feels unprepared when you serve.
Step 3. Determine the number of rounds to be played
In the game of ping pong, the number of rounds played must be odd. The winner is the person who wins the most. For example, if you play in 7 innings, the winner must win at least 4 innings.
Step 4. Decide whether you will play with 11 or 21 points in each round
In each round, both players must continue to compete until one of them reaches a specific score. Most people play up to 11 points, but you can also play up to 21 points. If you want to play longer, 21 points is the best option.
- Whoever gets 11 or 21 points first, with a minimum distance of 2 points from his opponent, will win. For example, a score of 9-11 can end a game 11 points, but a score of 10-11 cannot.
- If the score in one round is tied at 10-10 or 20-20, you have to do extra time. This means, you have to keep playing until one of the players is ahead by 2 points. Whoever manages to lead by 2 points wins.
Step 5. Find out how to determine if the ball is in or out
One of the most important things for calculating the score of a table tennis game is understanding the rules of the ball in or out. Often times, points are awarded when a player hits the ball into or out of the game table. If the ball hits the table, it is considered in. If it hits the side of the table or falls outside the table, the ball is considered out.
Method 2 of 3: Calculating Score
Step 1. Record when you earn points
When you start playing ping pong, calculate each player's score. In essence, you can earn points by keeping the ball on the table longer than your opponent.
- If your opponent fails to hit the serve ball or the ball you hit, you get one point.
- Remember, in the game of ping pong you have to hit the ball until it bounces in your own playing area, then bounces off your opponent's playing area. If your opponent doesn't hit the ball but it doesn't bounce in his area of play, you don't get a point.
Step 2. Record when you lose points
You can also lose points in the game of ping pong. Be sure to take notes when you lose points. If any of the following occurs, your points will be deducted by one.
- If you don't hit the ball, you lose one point.
- If your ball hits the net and then falls into your own playing area, you lose one point.
- If you hit the ball too hard until it falls off the table, you lose one point.
- You may not hit a ball that has not bounced in your own playing area. If this is done, you will lose one point.
- If the ball you hit bounces twice in your own playing area, you lose one point.
- If you accidentally move the table in the middle of the game, you lose one point.
Step 3. Change the serving player
Whenever you or your opponent fails to hit the ball, you must repeat the serve. In ping pong, service changes are made once every 2 points.
- For example, you serve to start the match. You get a point because your opponent failed to hit the ball. You can also serve again. Then, the opponent managed to score. You have to serve one more time. Now, you are considered to have reached a total of 2 points in the match. One point for you and one point for the opponent.
- After one of the players scores the next score, it's your opponent's turn to serve. He will continue to serve until 2 points are scored. After that, it's your turn to serve again.
Method 3 of 3: Win the Match
Step 1. Keep playing until one of the players scores 11 or 21 with a difference of 2 points from his opponent
Keep playing and keep score. The match will continue until one of the players gets 11 or 21 points, depending on the number of points selected. You need to have a difference of at least 2 points from your opponent to win. So a score of 10-11 or 20-21 doesn't make you win.
Step 2. End the tight game
Remember, if the score is 10-10 or 20-20, the round will go into extra time. Keep playing until one of the players gets a difference of 2 points. For example, a score of 10-12 will end the half in extra time.
Step 3. Play an odd number of rounds
The game of ping pong must be played in an odd number of rounds. The player who wins the most will win the match. For example, suppose you play in 5 innings. To win, players must win at least 3 of the 5 innings played.
Tips
If you're having trouble calculating the score, find someone to score the game. After the game ends, you can switch players so that everyone has a chance to compete
Warning
- Try not to hit the ball towards other people or objects around you. This can cause injury and property damage, as well as anger your parents.
- Don't stand too far from the table. Sometimes, your opponent will hit the ball into the area near the net so you will have a hard time returning it.
