A Table Tennis Rule Explained ...
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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.
The "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 and that's no longer the case.
So what does the current table tennis rule say? ...
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.
So what does that mean? ...
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 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.
So why did this table tennis rule change? ...
Unfair rule
Under the old table tennis rule, a player volleying the ball at any time lost the point.
This 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.
So the current table tennis rule is ...
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!
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Want to know more about the table tennis rules? ...
Take a look at my other pages which explain the rules 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 can 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 ...
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 frequently asked questions. 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 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 ...
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 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 ...
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
Expedite system
Do you know how long a game of table tennis can 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 ...
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?
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 Table Tennis Rule
Go to All About Table Tennis home page from Table Tennis Rule
