Does the ball have to touch the table before striking it in ping pong?

Answer 1

No, you can't. The ball must land on your side of the table first before you can return it.

Answer 2

No, ITTF rules say that you must let the ball hit your side of the table before returning it. If you hit it before it hits your court, its called an obstruct.

Answer 3

Yes, the ITTF rules say you have to let the ball hit your side of the table in any return. If you do hit the ball before it hits your court, it is called a obstruct.

Answer 4

Yes, it does. - i.e. it must land on the opponent's side of the table before the opponent can hit it back to you (unlike tennis).

Answer 5

No, the only time that the ball can/must hit your side of the table after hitting it, is on a serve. If it is not a serve, then it can not hit your side after hitting it.