Table Tennis GAME Rules

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 3

TABLE TENNIS SINGLES RULES

• A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of games.


(2 out of 3 Sets)
• A game consists of 11 points
• The initial order of serving is decided by lot, usually by tossing a coin. However, a common method used at lower levels of play is
for one player or the umpire to hide the ball in one hand, then put both hands under the table or behind their back and then ask
the opponent or players to guess which hand the ball is in.
• Each player serves twice in a row and then switch server. However, if a score of 10-10 (deuce) is reached in any game, then each
server serves only once and then the server is switched. After each set, the players switch side of the table. In the final game (3rd
set), the players switch side again after either player reaches 5 points.
• There must be a gap of at least two points between opponents If the score is 10-10 (deuce), the game goes into extra play until one
of the players has gained a lead of 2 points
• The score of the server is always announced first
Service must adhere to the following rules:
1) The ball rests freely on the open palm of the hand.
2) The hand holding the ball must be above the level of the table
3) The ball should be projected upwards (at least 16 cm)
4) The ball should be struck when it is falling and behind the table.
5) The ball should first bounce in one's court, then in the opponent's court.
6) Service can be diagonal and also in a straight line in singles
7) Service can be replayed when the ball touches the net or the supporting posts before touching the opponent’s side of the table (a
let). A let ball, which is then replayed, is called in the following cases:
a) If the served ball, in passing over the net, touches it or its supports
b) If the service would otherwise have been good or volleyed by the receiver.
c) If a service is delivered when the receiver is not ready
d) If either player is prevented by an accident not under his/her control.
Scoring:
A player scores a point when his opponent commits one of the following errors:
1. He isn't able to return the ball.
2. He returns the ball outside the opposite side of the table.
3. He lets the ball bounce more than once in his own court before returning it.
4. He touches the ball several times successively.
5. He strikes the ball in volley (without it bouncing on the table) above his side of the table.
6. He moves the table during play.
7. He touches the net or a post.
8. His free hand touches the table.
9. He makes a bad service
DOUBLES
A game is started when one player (server) makes a service before the receiver makes the return.
The Server should:
1) Start with the ball resting freely on an open palm.
2) Project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm.
3) Strike the ball so that it touches first his/her court and then, after passing over the net assembly, touches directly the receiver's
court.
4) In doubles, the ball must touch successively the right half court of server and receiver.
5) Once the ball has been served, both players are to make returns until a point is scored.
➢ In doubles, each player on the same team must take turns to make the return.
➢ After 2 points have been scored, the receiving player/pair shall become the serving player/pair and so on until the end of the game.
➢ Service in Doubles must be diagonal, from the right half court (marked by a white line) to the opponent's right half court. After
that, play can cover the whole table, but each partner must take his turn.
➢ 1st Set - A serves to C (2 services), C then serves to B (2 services), B then serves to D, D serves to A and continuing in this way for
every 2 services.
➢ Change Court, Change Receiver
➢ 2nd Set - C serves to A (2 services), A then serves to D (2 services), D then serves to B, B serves to C and continuing in this way for
every 2 services.
➢ 3rd Set - A serves to C (2 services), C then serves to B (2 services), B then serves to D, D serves to A and continuing in this way for
every 2 services. At the score of 5 points Change Court, Change Receiver - C serves to A (2 services), A then serves to D (2
services), D then serves to B, B serves to C and continuing in this way for every 2 services.
➢ Following service, each player takes turns to return the ball.
➢ DUES - Either players or pairs score 10 points each player shall serve for only 1. The game shall be won by the first player or pair
subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points.
A doubles team scores a point when its doubles opponents make one of the following errors:
1) At service, the player lets the ball bounce on the left half court, on either side of the court.
2) A player strikes the ball when it is not his turn.
3) Obstruction is not an acceptable claim for players of the same doubles team.

You might also like