---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "69c3dff24342b94f533abd6d"
title: "Basic Service"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 8"
subject: "Physical Education and Well Being"
book: "Khel Yatra"
chapter: "Basic Service"
chapter_slug: "basic-service"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-8-physical-education-and-well-being-khel-yatra-basic-service"
markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-8-physical-education-and-well-being-khel-yatra-basic-service.md"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Basic Service
This chapter covers the essential techniques for executing a proper service in table tennis. It emphasizes the importance of a legal and effective serve as foundational skills for beginners to master in the sport.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Physical Education and Well Being |
| Book | Khel Yatra |
| Chapter | Basic Service |
| Pages | 107-119 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter focuses on the technique involved in basic service in table tennis, explaining stance, backswing, strike, and follow-through processes.

### Detailed Summary
Basic Service comprises the essential components of performing a legal serve:
1. **Stance**: The player holds the ball on an open palm, ensuring it is flat and steady to maintain legality.
2. **Backswing**: The player should toss the ball at least 16 cm (6 inches) vertically and start moving the racquet back.
3. **Strike**: The racquet swings forward to strike the ball while it descends, ensuring it first hits the player’s side and then crosses the net.
4. **Follow-through**: The player continues the racquet motion forward, preparing for the return.
The chapter also highlights fair play’s significance in sports and provides variations for practicing services, including a lead-up activity where players aim to land the ball in a tub.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Stance
The player must rest the ball on an open palm to ensure a legal serve.

### Backswing
Toss the ball at least 16 cm vertically from the hand while moving the racquet back for better control.

### Strike
Swing the racquet forwards to strike the ball as it falls, ensuring it touches the player's side before passing over the net.

### Follow-through
Maintain upward racquet movement to prepare for subsequent strikes.

### Importance of Fair Play
Discuss and promote respect and integrity in sports by addressing foul play while maintaining team spirit.

### Variations of Service
Introduce different serves including faster serves and targeting corners of the table to challenge opponents.

### Lead-up Activity
Players take turns serving at a tub positioned on the opponent’s side, aiming for points based on successful landings.

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## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Effective Service | A legal serve greatly influences scoring in table tennis, crucial for player success. |

---

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Legal Serve | A serve must follow specific rules to be recognized as valid in table tennis. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* The ball must be held on a flat, open palm to ensure a legal serve.
* The racquet must be positioned behind and above the end line before serving.
* A proper stance includes shoulder-width feet and slightly bent knees for balance.
* The ball should be tossed at least 16 cm vertically before striking.
* The ball must touch the player’s side before going over the net.
* The follow-through action is critical for preparing the player for the next shot.
* Fair play is essential in maintaining sportsmanship and respect among players.
* Different service techniques can include variations in speed and direction to confuse opponents.
* The lead-up activity aims to improve serving accuracy through fun competition.
* Regular practice of these techniques increases the chances of scoring early in matches.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Fair Play | Adhering to rules and promoting respect in sports activities. |

---

## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What is the recommended height for tossing the ball during a serve?
2. Describe the stance a player should take before serving.
3. What happens if the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side?
4. Explain the importance of the follow-through in serving.
5. Why is fair play important in sports?

### Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the complete process of performing a legal serve in table tennis. Include all necessary components.
2. Discuss how variations in service can affect an opponent’s game strategy.
3. Explain the significance of practicing basic service techniques and how they contribute to scoring points in table tennis.

---

## Related Concepts

| Concept | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Effective Serving Techniques | Advanced methods for executing successful serves in competitive play. |

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 69c3dff24342b94f533abd6d |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-8-physical-education-and-well-being-khel-yatra-basic-service |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-8-physical-education-and-well-being-khel-yatra-basic-service.md |