How to Serve in Ping Pong

Ping pong (or table tennis) has been popular since its creation in the 1880s. The game was first played by upper-class Victorians as after dinner amusement. The game has come a long way since then; it was originally played with books as a net, cork as a ball and cigar boxes as paddles. Learning how to serve is the first step you must take in learning the game of ping pong. With just a few simple steps, you can become a real ping pong wizard.

Instructions

1

Stand on one side of the ping pong table. You can have an opponent at this point if you choose. It would be ideal, however, to learn how to serve the ball on your own before challenging someone and looking like a novice.

2

Hold the ping pong paddle in one hand. It should be held in your right hand if you're right handed and vice-versa for lefties. Hold the ping pong ball in the opposite hand.

3

Place your left foot forward, facing the table, if you are right handed. If you are left handed, place your right foot towards the table.

4

Toss the ping pong ball into the air at about chest level. If your stance is correct, your front should not be facing directly towards your opponent (or the other side of the table). The ball should should fall downwards in front of you if you tossed it straight up.

5

Strike the ball as it comes down in front of you. You should strike slightly below the ball to ensure you account for the ball's acceleration downwards. As you hit the ball, you should hit it in a forward/upward motion.

6

Practice until you've mastered hitting the ball. Once you can hit the ball in this fashion, practice your aim. When serving like this, you should try to hit the side of the table as close to your side as possible. Ensure the ball hits your side as far from the net as you can manage.