First of all, the basics. Table tennis is played on a table with a net down the middle, crossed by a single white line that divides each side of the table in half. Equipment is a lightweight, hollow plastic ball and for each player, one hand-held paddle with a thin layer of rubber on each side. Table tennis can be played one person on each side, or two people on each side.

To serve, you stand on what is your right side and aim into the opposite quarter of the table (which is the far left corner as you see it, which will be your opponent’s right half as they say it). Hold the ball still in your left hand (assuming you’re right handed) and toss it just slightly. Hit it with the paddle so it bounces first in your right half, then crosses the net and hits the table in the opposite quarter. After this, which side of the line it hits does not matter at all.

For each hit in table top tennis, the ball can bounce only one time. You can hit it before it bounces, but don’t let it bounce twice or you’ll lose the point. After it hits your paddle, it must then return to your opponent’s side of the table. It can’t bounce on your side and then go over.

Players go back and forth, and whoever messes up (by hitting it off the table, into the net, missing it, or having it bounce more than once on their side) loses the point. Scoring for table top tennis goes until 15 or 21 (whichever you choose), and a player serves 5 five points (regardless of who gets them) and then the other player serves the next five.
It’s an easy to learn and fun to play game that appeals to all ages. So jump in and have fun!