A Table Tennis Rule Explained ...
The Volley

One table tennis rule refers to volleying the ball. So is volleying the ball allowed? Yes ... and No. Let me explain ...

Table tennis rule - the volley by courtesy of the ITTF

One of the table tennis rules which you'll need to be familiar with is the rule which deals with volleying the ball.

The technical term is "obstruction" but what it refers to is ... hitting the ball before it bounces.

This "volley" rule was changed a few years ago.

Previously, if a player volleyed the ball at any time he lost the point, but the definition of "obstruction" has now been changed slightly, so that's no longer the case.

 

TABLE TENNIS RULES ... EXPLAINED

Rules of table tennis

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.

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The obstruction rule

Rule 2.05.08 states ...

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.

The crucial test

The crucial test for whether a player wins a point after volleying the ball is ... was the ball moving towards, or away from, the playing surface?

Let me explain with a question and answer ...

If I hit a ball to my opponent, and it doesn't hit their half of the playing surface (table) because it's a bad shot ... but they hit the ball anyway, who gets the point?

Well, it depends ...

If your opponent hits/volleys the ball whilst it's still travelling over the playing surface, you win the point.

But if it's already passed over the playing surface and it's obviously not going to hit the table, your opponent wins the point.

In other words, if there's a chance that the ball might hit the table because it's still travelling towards it, your opponent would lose the point if he prevented it from doing so by hitting/volleying it.

But ...

If the ball has already passed over the table and/or is travelling away from the table, your opponent wins the point whether he hits/volleys it or not.

Don't forget ... as well as hitting the ball with your racket, if you touch the ball with any part of your body or with anything you carry, the same rule applies.

Unfair rule

Under the old table tennis rule, a player volleying the ball at any time lost the point - which was particularly unfair in certain situations.

For example, if your opponent played a really bad shot and the ball didn't hit the table but hit you instead (because you were unable to get out of the way in time), you would still lose the point.

A fairer rule

Under the current rule, the intention now is that a player will only be penalised if he intercepts the ball in a way that is likely to prevent an opponent from making a good return.

A player therefore no longer causes an "obstruction" if the interception occurs when the ball has already passed beyond his end line, or has passed outwards over the sideline or is otherwise moving away from the playing surface.

A much more sensible rule!

 

 

TABLE TENNIS RULES ... EXPLAINED

Rules of table tennis

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.

Click here for more details

 

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?

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  • 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...

 

 

 

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