Basic Service Techniques
The following are the basic rules of service:
- The ball must be held above the table level in order for the opponent and umpire to see it.
- The ball must be held in the palm of the hand with fingers stretched, and tossed vertically at least six inches.
- The ball must be struck only on the way down.
- The ball must be struck behind the end line.
Being Ready
The ready position is a neutral starting position from which all table tennis strokes can be played. Whenever you are receiving service in table tennis you should take up the ready position. It's also the neutral position which you should try to return to after playing your stroke during a rally. From this position, you are able to watch and wait to see what your opponent will do and be ready and able to move in any direction. So if you want to improve your table tennis, you'll need to master this technique as the ready position is the starting point for all your table tennis strokes.
