Intramural Ping Pong
Fall 2008 Standings
Ping Pong Schedule
Northwestern College Intramural Ping Pong Rules
Scoring:
The player, or doubles team, who first scores 21 points, wins the game. However, you must win by two points so a game could go on to 30-50 points before being decided. A match is the best two out of three games.
Choice of Ends and Service:
A random choosing (i.e. rock-paper-scissors) or a coin-flip will determine which player will have the choice to serve or receive first. The alternate player will then choose which side they would like to play from in the first game. After each game you will alternate the ends. Should there be a tie, for instance, one game to one game, the players will change ends after the first player reaches 10 points in the final game.
The Serve:
As the ball comes off your paddle, it must land on your half of the table (one bounce) before landing on the other side of the table. If the serve touches the net, but goes over, it is considered a let, and you will have the opportunity to serve again without penalty. If it touches the net and lands on the floor, you will lose a point. If the serve goes into the net, you lose the point. You serve until five points have been scored, and then the other player gets to serve for the next five points. At 20 to 20 (you must win by two points), you alternate the serve after each point.
The Server:
The server is the player who starts the game by being the first to put the ball into play.
The Receiver: The receiver is the player who receives the ball from the server and returns it over the net.
If you are the receiver, remember: The ball must not bounce twice on your side of the table and you can hit the ball only once to return it. If your return touches the net and goes over, it's okay.
If your return goes over the net but misses the table, you lose a point. As long as the ball hits part of the top of the table while dropping, it counts. Should the ball hit the side of the tabletop, it is not a valid point.
Win A Point:
If the opponent fails to return your shot. Your shot can hit the boundary lines (white lines) on your opponent's side and it is legal. If you hit the ball off the table but it lands on your opponent's paddle before it touches the floor or wall. This may seem odd that you can win a point by missing the table, but this rule is to prevent any volley play. You can return a shot without the ball touching your side of the table.
Lose A Point:
If when attempting to serve or make a return, you miss the ball.
If you hit the ball into the net, including the top of the net, and it comes back to your side of the table.
If you hit the ball wide or too far so the first bounce hits the floor or the wall.
If the ball bounces twice on your side of the table before hitting it.
If you move the table or touch the net during play.
Legal Point:
It is legal to hit the ball around the side of the net to land the ball on your opponent's side.