What are the different formats of play in table tennis?
Versatile and adaptable, table tennis has the advantage of being playable in different ways. From traditional formats, individual play, competitive matches, to fun versions for children there is something for everyone! Table tennis can be discovered and reinvented at all levels. How can enjoyment be combined with physical activity? What are the different game formats to adopt?
Traditional table tennis play
With two or four players, what could be more enjoyable than a game of table tennis? Whether beginner, amateur, or professional, this format of play suits the widest audience. For indoor use, choose an indoor table that fits the available space. Outdoor table tennis tables, which are much stronger and more durable, are better suited for a dynamic playing experience. For professionals, opt for competition tables that ensure robustness and stability.
The rules of the game
The first step is to hold your racket correctly. Very popular in Asia, the penhold grip allows you to hold the handle of your racket in the same way as a pen. The classic “European” grip involves wrapping the three lower fingers around the handle and pinching the blade with the thumb on one side and the index finger on the other. Choose the grip that feels most comfortable for you. In any case, make sure your wrist remains as flexible as possible. Your hand should be relaxed and loose. This will give you more power and precision in your movements. Once your racket is in hand, decide who will serve first. You can choose between singles or doubles play. In the first case, the ball can be sent to any area on the opponent’s side of the table.
If you are playing doubles, the first server is decided by the team that won the serve, and the first receiver is then chosen by the opposing team. The server must serve diagonally to the right, meaning the ball must first bounce on the right half of the server’s table and then on the right half of the receiver’s table. After that, each player must hit the ball in turn. The change of server then works as follows: the receiver becomes the server, and the server’s partner becomes the receiver, and so on…
The round-robin game in table tennis
The round-robin game is played with a minimum of three people. Players position themselves on either side of the table. The side with the most players serves first. The principle of the game is to return the ball while rotating around the table. When a player misses a ball, they place their racket on the table. If a player still in the game causes the ball to bounce on the racket, the eliminated player can rejoin the game. Once only two players remain, a match is played to determine the winner.
Beer Pong: table tennis at parties
Beer Pong is a skill game very popular among students during parties. The game consists of throwing a ping pong ball into a cup. Each time the ball lands inside a cup, the opposing team loses that cup. The cups are arranged in a triangle on both sides of the table tennis table and must be touching each other. The designated player must keep their elbows behind the edge of the table when throwing the ball. It is possible to reposition the cups at any time during the game. Simply place them back where they would have been if they had not moved. The team that manages to hit all of the opposing team’s cups wins the game. It is recommended to use an outdoor table tennis table, which is much more resistant and better suited for fun and party games like this one.
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Solo table tennis practice
Table tennis can be played alone, even if it is true that having real partners is much more fun. A single player can also benefit from the physical and mental advantages of this activity. All our tables are designed to allow solo practice. They offer the possibility of folding one half of the table into a vertical position. Once raised, the panel allows you to train by bouncing the ball against a flat, elevated surface. The advantage of this practice is that it allows training adapted to your level. You can adjust your speed and movements according to your preferences.
All Cornilleau table tennis tables (except fixed public tables) are designed to support solo practice: discover our full range of tables.
Fun game formats for children
Long rallies can sometimes be difficult for children. Rather than creating frustration or irritation, why not offer new game formats? There are a variety of exercises that provide maximum fun while developing dexterity and racket control!
The hoop game
The hoop game is an excellent example of entertainment. To begin, place five hoops at different distances. The first hoop represents the hitting zone. The goal is to manage to send the ball from the hitting zone into the second hoop, then into the third, and so on until the last one. Fun and enjoyable, this game helps develop concentration and precision.
Discover our Hobby Mini table, specially designed for children.
The multi-ball game
The multi-ball game is ideal for older or more experienced children. Each player holds a ball in their hand. The designated player counts to three, then both players serve at the same time. The players try to keep the rally going with both balls for as long as possible. This continuous exchange encourages a sense of cooperation. When only one ball remains in play, the two players become opponents and compete until one wins. There are no limits to table tennis practice! Your curiosity and imagination will be your greatest assets when creating your games. Discover, try, and adopt the game formats that bring you the most enjoyment.