Table Tennis Rules
Rules to Table Tennis
If the ball touches the table surface, it is declared in
If it touches the side of the table, it is declared out
A player is not allowed to strike the ball in volley, unless the opponent's ball leaves the table and I strike the ball in volley behind the table, in which case the point would be given to me.
Points
The winner of a match is the one who wins the first THREE or FOUR games (according to the competition)
A game consists of 11 points
There must be a gap of at least two points between opponents
If the score is 10-10, the game goes in to extra play until one of the players has gained a lead of 2 points
The point goes to the player who successfully ends a rally
The score of the server is always announced first
Scoring
A player scores a point when his opponent commits one of the following errors:
He isn't able to return the ball.
He returns the ball outside the opposite side of the table.
He lets the ball bounce more than once in his own court before returning it.
He touches the ball several times successively.
He strikes the ball in volley (without it bouncing on the table) above his side of the table.
He moves the table during play.
He touches the net or a post.
His free hand touches the table.
He makes a bad service (see service)
Service & Serving
The initial order of serving is decided by lot. Service changes every 2 points, except during periods of extra play where it changes each time. Service must adhere to the following rules :
The ball rests freely on the open palm of the hand.
The hand holding the ball must be above the level of the table.
The ball should be projected upwards (at least 16 cm)
The ball should be struck when it is falling and behind the table.
The ball should first bounce in one's court, then in the opponent's court.
Service can be diagonal and also in a straight line in singles
Service can be replayed when :
The ball touches the net then is struck in volley by the opponent without it touching his court.
The receiver was not ready at the time of service.
