Ping pong, officially known as table tennis, is one of the fastest and most accessible racket sports in the world. You can play it almost anywhere, at any age, and at any level, and it combines reflexes, precision, and social fun. In this guide you'll find everything you need to get started: what ping pong is, what gear you need, the basic rules, beginner tips, and how to find a table and partners to play with.
What exactly is ping pong?
Ping pong (table tennis) is played in singles or doubles on a table (about 2.74 by 1.525 m) with a low net across the middle. You play with a small paddle (a blade with rubber) and a light plastic ball. It's an especially fast sport built on reflexes, spin, and precision.
Why you should play ping pong
- Fast and sharpens your reflexes: the game is very fast and sharpens your reaction time and coordination.
- You can play almost anywhere: one table and a pair of paddles is all it takes, so you can play at home, at work, or in the park.
- Suitable for all ages: from kids to adults, with no extreme physical exertion.
- Social and competitive: great for a relaxed game with friends and for competitive, ranked play alike.
The gear you need to get started
Table tennis paddle (rubber on both sides)
A paddle (blade) with rubber on both sides. For beginners, a balanced paddle with a comfortable grip is recommended, as it makes it easier to control the ball.
40 mm plastic balls
Plastic balls 40 mm in diameter, the standard for the game. It's worth keeping a few balls on hand since they're light and break easily.
Lightweight indoor shoes (for competitive play)
For competitive play, lightweight indoor shoes with good grip are recommended, allowing for quick lateral movements.
The basic ping pong rules (in brief)
- Scoring: a game is won at 11 points (by a margin of 2), and the match is decided over an odd number of games (best of 5 or 7).
- Serving: the serve switches every two points.
- The bounce on the serve: the serve must bounce on both sides of the table.
- The bounce during a rally: the ball bounces only once on each side.
That's the basics, and all the finer points are best learned while playing.
5 tips for beginners
- Proper paddle grip (shakehand): a grip like a handshake is the most common and most comfortable for beginners.
- Use spin: spin changes the ball's path and makes it harder for your opponent, so start getting a feel for it early.
- Return to center after every shot: get back to the center so you're ready for the next ball from any direction.
- Read your opponent's serve: watch the paddle's motion to recognize the spin and the ball's direction.
- Play against your own level: a balanced game improves you faster, with less frustration and more fun.
How to find a ping pong table and playing partners in Israel
Ping pong tables can be found in all sorts of places: at community centers, at clubs, in parks with public tables, and of course at home too. The real challenge usually isn't the table, but finding an opponent at your level, at a time that works for you.
That's exactly why we built PlayRocket: an app that matches you with opponents by skill level and location, shows you open games to join, and helps you coordinate everything in one place, without yet another five WhatsApp groups and without endless back-and-forth. And it's not just for ping pong: also Tennis, Padel, Pickleball, Badminton, Beach Tennis, Squash, and Volleyball.
Want to start playing ping pong?
Join the PlayRocket waitlist and be among the first to find partners and tables in your area.
Join the waitlist →Frequently asked questions about ping pong
Is ping pong hard to learn?
It's very easy to pick up and start rallying, but mastering spin and pace takes practice.
What's the difference between ping pong and tennis?
You play on a table with a small paddle and a light ball; the game is fast and built on spin and reflexes rather than running.
What gear do you need to get started?
A table tennis paddle with rubber, 40 mm plastic balls, and a table with a net.
Where can you play ping pong in Israel?
At community centers, clubs, parks with public tables, and at home.
How do you find playing partners?
Through a dedicated app like PlayRocket that matches players and games by skill level and location.