Optimal Table Tennis Serve Time · Physics Brawl 2025 #4
Physics · mechanics
Problem
In table tennis, it is sometimes tactical to surprise your opponent with a long and fast serve. The first impact of the ball is as close as possible to the edge of the serving table, the second impact is as close as possible to the opponent's edge. What is the shortest possible ball flight time from one side of the table to another? Do not consider air resistance or ball rotation. Look up all the necessary parameters.