Tennis Table Games

Table tennis (sometimes referred to as ping pong) is a fast-paced sport that is suited to a party setting. Alternative table tennis game formats are exciting and everyone can play, no matter how skilled they are. The rules are not rigid and can easily be altered to fit the party's time frame. Although some players may try to make these games competitive, the objective is enjoyment.

Two Handed Table Tennis

Just as the game implies, both participants play with two paddles, one in each hand. The hardest part of the game is figuring out how to serve while holding a paddle in each hand. Games can be played to the customary 11 points, requiring a two-point winning margin, or players may agree to a different point structure.

Around the Table Ping Pong

Around the Table is a social game involving five to 15 players. You will need two paddles and a ball. Start with one player at each end of the table, with the remaining players spread out around both sides of the table. The game starts when one player serves, then drops his paddle on the table and moves to his right. A player from the left side of the table steps in to replace this player. The receiver hits the ball, drops his paddle, and then moves to his right. A player from his left steps in to replace this player. Once a player has two misses, he is out of the game. When there are two players left, instead of hitting and moving, they hit the ball, drop their paddles, spin around, pick up the paddle and hit the ball. Play continues until one player is declared the winner.

One Paddle Doubles

This is a version of regular table tennis doubles, but with the use of only one paddle per team. Play starts by deciding which team and player serves first. All shots must go cross-court or a point is lost. After one player from a team hits the ball, he puts the paddle on the table and his partner picks it up to hit the next shot. Play continues until someone makes an error. The game is played to 11 or to any agreed number of points.

Ball Around the Table

This game requires two ping pong tables, four players, four paddles and a ball. Slide the two tables together. As you become more proficient at the game, the tables can moved farther apart. Each player positions himself at the end of a table. Once it has been decided which player will serve first, he serves the ball as usual, across the table. Instead of hitting the ball back to the server, the receiver hits the ball diagonally to the player at opposite end of the second table. That player then then hits the ball to the player across from him at his table. That player hits the ball diagonally, back to the player at the first table, who started the point. The ball direction is in the form of a figure eight. Play continues until someone makes an error. Scoring can be creative. For example, play continues until one person has a total of 11 errors.