Rules in Table Tennis
Some of the rules in table tennis are very complex, particularly the service rules. So let's answer some common questions.
The service rules in table tennis are probably the most complex of all the table tennis rules ... so it's probably no surprise that the questions I'm asked the most, relate to the service rules.
So let's take a look at a few of these rules and I'll answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
TABLE TENNIS RULES ... EXPLAINED
Have you got a table tennis rules question?
Well, all your table tennis rules questions are answered in this new book. And if you want to be a serious player, then this book is essential reading.
It contains all you'll need to know about the rules of table tennis, and it's all explained SIMPLY and CLEARLY.
So here are some ...
Common Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the service rules in table tennis ... with the answers!
- Can my serve bounce more than once on my opponent's side of the table?
Yes ...
As long as your service bounces once on your side of the table, and at least once on your opponent's side of the table, it will be legal (assuming you have complied with the other service rules which I explained here).
Of course ... although your service can bounce more than once on your opponent's side of the table, if it does, you win the point because your opponent must hit it before it bounces twice.
This means that you can choose whether to serve "short" or "long".
A good tactic would be to serve "short" (i.e. make the ball bounce just over the net) if your opponent is standing away from the table, or serve "long" (i.e. make the ball bounce near to the white end line) if your opponent is standing close to the table and expecting a "short" serve.
- Can my serve go off the side of the table on my opponent's side?
Yes ...
As long as your service bounces once on your side of the table, and at least once on your opponent's side of the table, it can then go off the side of the table.
The only two occasions when your service cannot go off either side of the table are ...
- If your opponent is a wheelchair user
or
- If you are playing doubles. In doubles you can only serve to the right half of the table, so obviously your serve cannot go off the left hand side of the table.
- If your opponent is a wheelchair user
- Can I serve from anywhere?
No ...
You must serve from behind the white line at your end of the table.
So, in other words, you cannot stand by the side of the table to serve. You must be behind the white end line or an imaginary extension of it in both directions.
- What happens if my serve hits the net?
Rule 2.09 says that if the ball hits the net, but still hits your opponent's side of the table or he obstructs/volleys it before it hits the table, it will be a "let".
NB. A player obstructs the ball if he, or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent.
No point will be scored and your serve must be replayed (assuming you have complied with the other service rules in table tennis which I explained here).
- What happens in doubles if my serve hits the net and is deflected into the left hand court? Is it a "let"?
No. You lose the point ...
A serve will only be a "let" if it's good in all respects apart from touching the net ... or if your opponent obstructs/volleys it after it touches the net.
- Can I serve on match point?
Yes, absolutely ...
This was a question I'd never been asked before!
I was asked whether you can serve when you have game or match point, or whether you can only win the game or match when your opponent is serving.
The rules in table tennis state that you have two serves, and then your opponent has two serves. So if you happen to be serving at game/match point ... all the better!
By the way ... if you played table tennis prior to 2001, you'll probably know that each player used to have five serves each and that games used to be up to 21 points.
TABLE TENNIS RULES ... EXPLAINED
Have you got a table tennis rules question?
Well, all your table tennis rules questions are answered in this new book. And if you want to be a serious player, then this book is essential reading.
It contains all you'll need to know about the rules of table tennis, and it's all explained SIMPLY and CLEARLY.
More information about the rules ...
For more information about the rules of table tennis, take a look at my other articles which explain the Official Laws of Table Tennis and the additional Regulations in more detail.
- The basic rules of table tennis
If you're just starting to play and you need to know the basic rules of table tennis, you'll find them here... - The official laws of table tennis
The official rules of table tennis are known as The Official Laws of Table Tennis ... so if you need to check the official wording, you can read them here... - Table tennis table dimensions
What size is a table tennis table? Do you know what the official rules say about the size dimensions of a table tennis table? - What do the rules say about your racket?
Do you know what the rules say about your racket? What size can it be? Which colours are allowed? When can you change your racket? Find out here... - What do the rules say about the serve?
The table tennis serve is one of the most controversial aspects of the game. Make sure you know the service rules. Read them here... - Frequently asked questions about the serve
The service rules are very complex, so let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Read them here... - What is a good return?
What do the rules say about a good return? Can you use your hand to play a shot? What happens if you touch or move the table? Find out here... - Expedite system
How long can a game of table tennis last? If both players keep the ball in play, can they continue playing forever? What do the rules of table tennis say about this? Find out here... - Yellow Cards and Red Cards
Yellow and red cards are a recent addition to the rules of table tennis. But what do they mean? Find out here... - Are players allowed to take breaks during matches?
What time limits are specified in the official table tennis rules?
What happens if a player is time-wasting? Find out here... - New rules on VOC-free glue
During 2008 the ITTF introduced new rules relating to table tennis rackets (paddles / bats), rubbers and VOC-free glue. Make sure you know the rules. Read them here... - When is the ball in or out?
What do the table tennis rules say about the ball hitting the white lines, net or edges of the table? Is the ball in or out? Find out here... - What do the rules say about playing doubles?
Whether you're playing singles or doubles, the rules of table tennis are essentially the same. However, for doubles play there are a few subtle variations to the rules of table tennis. Read them here... - What do the rules say about volleying the ball?
Do the table tennis rules allow you to volley the ball? Yes and No... Let me explain - Table tennis room size
What table tennis room size do you need? It's probably more than you think! Find out here... - Table tennis terminology
Do you know your table tennis terminology or are you confused by your chops, pimples and twiddles? Here's my table tennis glossary...
Go to Rules of Table Tennis page from Rules in Table Tennis
Go to All About Table Tennis home page from Rules in Table Tennis
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