Rules and Regulations of Table Tennis

In this guide, we’ll explore the essential rules and regulations of table tennis, including scoring, serving, and specific regulations for net and let situations.

Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, this guide will provide you with the knowledge you need to play by the rules and have fun.

Table Tennis Rules for Singles

1. Scoring

• A player wins a point if the opponent fails to return the ball or hits it before it bounces on their side.
• A game is won by the first player to reach 11 points, with at least a 2-point lead.
• Matches are typically best-of-five or best-of-seven games.

2. Service Rules

• The server must throw the ball vertically at least 16 cm and hit it so it bounces once on their side and once on the opponent’s side.
• After each two points, the serve switches to the other player.
• If the score reaches 10–10, players alternate serves after each point until one player achieves a 2-point lead.

3. General Play

• Players must alternate hits, striking the ball after it has bounced once on their side.
• A point ends when the ball fails to return legally, hits the net without going over, or bounces more than once on a side.

4. Legal Table Area

• The edges of the table are part of the legal playing surface, but not the sides.

Table Tennis Rules for Doubles

1. Scoring and Serving

• Doubles games follow the same scoring rules as singles, with games played to 11 points and a 2-point margin required to win.
• Each team serves for two points before the serve switches to the opposing team.
• Partners must alternate serving and receiving every two points.

2. Service Order

• The serve must go diagonally across the table from the right-hand half of the server’s court to the right-hand half of the receiver’s court.
• The sequence starts with the right-hand server serving to the right-hand receiver. Then, the receiver’s partner serves to the original server’s partner.
• The serving order rotates every two points and continues until the end of the game.

3. General Play

• Teammates must alternate shots. If a player hits the ball twice in succession, their team loses the point.
• The ball must bounce once on the opponent’s side before being returned.

Net and Let Rules

1. Net Rules

• The net should be 15.25 cm high and extend across the entire width of the table, with each end attached to a post.
• If the ball touches the net during a rally but still lands in the opponent’s court, play continues.
• If the ball touches the net and fails to land in the opponent’s court, the point is lost by the player who hit the ball.

2. Let Rules

• A “let” is called and the serve is retaken if the ball touches the net on a serve but still lands correctly in the receiver’s court.
• A let is also called if the receiver is not ready and makes no attempt to return the serve.
• Let situations do not count towards the scoring, and the serve is replayed.

Additional Regulations

1. Match Format

• Singles matches are often best-of-seven games, while doubles matches can be best-of-five games.
• Team matches typically include four singles matches and one doubles match, each best-of-five games.

2. Fouls

• A player loses a point if they fail to make a legal serve, fail to hit the ball over the net onto the opponent’s side, touch the table with their free hand, move the table, or obstruct the ball with any part of their body or clothing.

Conclusion

Knowing the rules and regulations of table tennis is crucial for anyone looking to play the game seriously, whether in singles or doubles formats. By following these guidelines on scoring, serving, and general play, as well as understanding the specific regulations for net and let situations, players can ensure fair and enjoyable matches.

Whether you’re playing for fun with friends or taking part in a tournament, following these rules will make your game better and more enjoyable. With this comprehensive guide, you’re well-equipped to step up to the table with confidence and enjoy the thrilling game of table tennis.