Game and match format
A game is won by the first player to 11 points with a two-point lead; at 10-all play continues until someone leads by two. Matches are the best of five or seven games.
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COURT · ITTF · TTFI
Table Tennis
Table tennis is contested across a 2.74 m table divided by a low net, with players striking a hollow celluloid-style ball using rubber-faced rackets. Rallies are decided by spin and placement at extreme speed. Games run to 11 points and matches to the best of five or seven.
group
PLAYERS
1 v 1 (singles) or 2 v 2 (doubles)
schedule
DURATION
Best of 5 or 7 games to 11 points
stadium
PLAYING AREA
Table 2.74 m × 1.525 m, 76 cm high, net 15.25 cm
scoreboard
SCORING
Rally scoring to 11, win by two
HOW IT IS PLAYED
Core Rules
The serve
The ball must rest on an open palm, be tossed at least 16 cm vertically without spin, and be struck behind the end line so it bounces once on the server's side and once on the receiver's.
Service rotation
Service changes every two points. From 10-all, and throughout the expedite system, service alternates on every point.
Service lets
A serve that touches the net assembly and still lands legally is a let and is replayed. There is no limit to the number of lets in succession.
Doubles serving
In doubles the serve must travel diagonally from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right half-court, and partners must strike the ball in strict alternation throughout the rally.
Winning a point
A point is won when the opponent fails to make a good return, lets the ball bounce twice on their side, strikes it twice, or moves the table. Hitting the ball before it bounces on your side is also a loss of point.
Edges and sides
A ball striking the top edge of the table is in play; one hitting the vertical side below the playing surface is out.
The free hand and table
A player may not touch the playing surface with the free hand, nor move the table, while the ball is in play. The free hand may rest anywhere else.
Expedite system
If a game reaches ten minutes without either player reaching 9 points, the expedite rule applies: the receiver wins the point if they make thirteen successive returns.
WATCH OUT
Fouls & Penalties
- errorIllegal service — hidden ball, insufficient toss, imparting spin on the toss, or serving from in front of the end line.
- errorVolleying the ball before it bounces on your own side.
- errorTouching the playing surface with the free hand or moving the table.
- errorDouble hit, or the ball touching anything other than the racket and racket hand.
- errorCoaching outside permitted intervals and time-wasting — warning card, then a point penalty.
WHO DECIDES
Match Officials
- sportsUmpire — controls the match, calls the score and judges service legality.
- sportsAssistant umpire — sits opposite and rules on edge balls and the far side.
- sportsTwo stroke counters — count returns when the expedite system is in force.
- sportsReferee — oversees the competition and rules on racket coverings and equipment.
GOVERNED BY ITTF · TTFI
Play Table Tennis On A Real Arena
Book a floodlit, pro-standard venue and put the rulebook to work.
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