The return of ping pong is fun for all the family
A fantastically fun game for all the family – Ping Pong is back!
Whether rain or shine, young or old, everyone can certainly get stuck in and enjoy a game of ping pong. A great way to bring the family together for an active afternoon or simply a good escape for the boys who want to get away for a little bit of competition – integrating table tennis in to your holiday is always a popular option. Anchor House-Mount Pleasant in North Devon or North Bosent in South Cornwall both have the facilities you need to get started!
For those who haven’t played before and want to know a little bit more about the rules, here at Farm and Cottage Holidays and with thanks to: allabouttabletennis.com we’ve provided you with some of the basic guidelines!
To start a game…
You first need to decide who’s going to serve first – either toss a coin, or if you’re only playing for fun you could hide the ball under the table or just come to an agreement!
To win a point…
In order to score a point, you need to keep the ball in play longer than the opposition.
You lose points if;
• You do not serve the ball correctly
• The ball bounces twice on your side of the table
• You do not hit the ball after it has bounced on your side of the table
• You do not make the ball bounce on your opponents side of the table
• You hit the ball before it has bounced
• You make a double hit
• Touch the table with your non-playing hand
• You hit the ball when it is not your turn in doubles (You must alternate which partner hits the ball)
To win a game…
The winner of a game is the first player or pair to get to 11 points. You can win a point by the ball bouncing on your opponent’s side of the table, and them being unable to return the ball before it bounces again.
The only time this differs is when both players (or pairs) tie on 10 points each (called deuce) and then one must win by 2 clear points.
Matches are normally either 3, 5 or 7 games long – however, you can mould these rules to whatever you want!
The serve…
What most people struggle with in table tennis is how to complete a legal serve…
To complete a serve you need to throw the ball up a small distance from the palm of your hand and use your bat to make the ball bounce once on each side of the table.
Unlike in tennis, you don’t need to have the ball bounce in any particular part of the table so you can aim wherever you like. (Unless you’re playing doubles, in which case you should serve diagonally.)
Each player has 2 serves each alternating unless the players are tied at deuce. If this occurs then the players have 1 serve each until one of the players wins by getting 2 points clear.
With the sport becoming more popular all the time, holiday homes with ping pong tables are certainly in high demand.
Properties like Treworra in Cornwall, and Manor Retreat near Bath in Somerset provide the perfect holiday getaways for all the family.
We’re sure you’re bound to love this brilliant sport as much as we do, so pick up a bat and enjoy a game or two whilst on holiday in the South West!