Table tennis rules are fundamental knowledge for all athletes participating in this sport. Table tennis is one of the most popular games in Vietnam, second only to football in terms of scale and participation.
Table tennis competitions attract a large number of athletes and enthusiastic spectators.
What Are Table Tennis Rules?
Table tennis rules are the regulations and guidelines for training and competing in this sport. In table tennis, two opposing sides compete, with each side consisting of either one or two players.
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Essential equipment includes the table, ball, paddle, and net. In each rally, a player must use the paddle to hit the ball so that it bounces once on their side of the table and at least once on the opponent’s side.
Table tennis helps improve health, agility, and endurance for participants. Nowadays, this game is popular worldwide, not just in Vietnam.
The table tennis rules presented in this article are based on the regulations of the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation). This sport is a regular feature at major events like the Olympics, Asian Games, SEA Games, and more.
Table Tennis Rules: Equipment
All elements directly affecting the outcome of a table tennis match have specific regulations. The ITTF sets basic requirements for the table, net, court, paddle, and ball.
a. Table Regulations
The table has a rectangular surface, measuring 2.74 meters in length and 1.525 meters in width. Excluding the side edges (2 cm), the table is placed flat on a stand at a height of 0.76 meters above the ground.
There are no specific rules about the table’s material, but it must provide a consistent bounce of 23 cm when a ball is dropped from a height of 30 cm onto the surface.
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Additionally, the table surface must be uniformly dark and contrast with the ball’s color. The longer edges are called the sidelines, while the shorter edges are called the endlines.
The table is divided into two equal halves lengthwise by a vertical net, the length of which matches the table’s width. For doubles play, each half of the table is further divided by a 3-mm-wide center line.
b. Net Regulations
A standard net setup, per table tennis rules, includes the net, tensioning cord, two posts, and clamps to attach it to the table. The net, with a height of 15.25 cm, is tensioned by a cord at both ends of the posts.
The top edge must always be taut at the specified height, while the bottom edge must be close to the table surface. The net’s length can extend beyond the table’s width, with each side tied to posts at a maximum distance of 15.25 cm from the table’s edge.
c. Court Regulations
According to standard rules, the court must meet criteria to ensure comfort for players and umpires. Per ITTF regulations, the court dimensions are as follows:
- Court length: 14 meters (approximately 46 feet).
- Court width: 7 meters (approximately 23 feet).
- The table is placed in the center of the court.
Additionally, conditions like temperature, humidity, lighting, and court surface have specific regulations.
d. Paddle Regulations
Table tennis rules specify detailed requirements for the paddle used in competition. The ITTF does not set specific sizes, shapes, or weights for the paddle.
However, the following conditions apply to the paddle’s two components—the handle and the rubber:
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Handle (Blade)
Per standard table tennis rules, the handle must be at least 85% natural wood. The handle can be covered with a reinforcing layer like carbon fiber, compressed paper, or fiberglass (not exceeding 7.5% of the blade’s weight).
Rubber Surface
The paddle’s surface is covered with pimpled rubber, either fully or partially, with the pimples facing outward and a thickness not exceeding 2 mm. Alternatively, it can be made of sponge rubber, with the total thickness, including adhesive, not exceeding 4 mm.
The rubber surface must be red on one side and black on the other, attached to the blade with ITTF-approved adhesive. The paddle is inspected by the umpire and opponent before the match begins.
e. Ball Regulations
The table tennis ball is a uniform sphere with a diameter of 40 mm and a weight of 2.7 grams. It is made of celluloid or a similar plastic material. The ball is typically orange or white, and players can request a replacement if they notice any defects during play.
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International Table Tennis Service Rules
Service rules are clearly defined, with each serve needing to meet specific conditions. At the start of a serve, the player’s free hand must be open flat, with the ball resting on it.
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The server tosses the ball vertically upward at least 16 cm above the table. The ball must not touch anything before being struck by the paddle and must not spin during the toss.
During the serve, the ball must first bounce on the server’s side of the table, then pass over the net and bounce on the opponent’s side. The ball must always be above the table surface and behind the endline during the serve.
The server must not use any body part or object to obstruct the opponent’s view. Additionally, the server must ensure the umpire can observe the entire process:
- The umpire’s decision is final. If a serve is deemed invalid, the umpire may request a re-serve on the first offense.
- If the server violates the rules again, the receiver is awarded a point.
In some cases, the umpire may show leniency for players with physical disabilities.
A Good Return
Per table tennis rules, a good return occurs when the receiver hits the ball so that it bounces on their side, passes over the net, and lands on the opponent’s side. If both the serve and return are good, the rally continues until a point is scored.
Replay in Case of a Let
A “let” occurs when it’s unclear which side scores a point during a serve. In this case, the umpire will have the server restart the serve.
A let in table tennis happens when:
- The serve touches the net but still lands on the opponent’s side, so it’s not a fault.
- The serve is made when the receiver isn’t ready.
- Both the server and receiver commit a fault due to an external factor.
- The server is in the act of serving but the umpire signals a pause.
Some situations that may cause the match to be paused include:
- Correcting the order of serving, receiving, or table sides.
- Initiating an expedited play rule.
- Issuing a warning or penalty to a team or player.
- Playing conditions affecting the quality of shots to an unacceptable level.
Table Tennis Rules: Scoring and Determining the Winner
Under the latest table tennis rules, the scoring system and determination of the winner have seen some changes compared to the past. However, the core principles of the sport remain intact.
Scoring a Point
A point is awarded when a rally concludes, except in the case of a let (as mentioned earlier), where neither side scores.
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A player or team scores a point under the following conditions, per table tennis rules:
- The opponent fails to make a good serve.
- The opponent fails to make a good return.
- After a good serve or return, the ball touches any object other than the net before being struck again.
- The opponent hits the ball without it touching their side or the opponent’s side of the table.
- The opponent obstructs the ball.
- The opponent strikes the ball twice consecutively.
- The player hits the ball with a paddle surface that doesn’t meet requirements.
- The opponent moves the table with their body, clothing, or any related object.
- The opponent’s body, clothing, or equipment touches the net.
- The player’s free hand touches the table surface.
- The opponent hits the ball out of the designated order.
Winning a Game
A game is decided when one side reaches 11 points first. However, if both sides reach 10 points, play continues until one side leads by 2 points.
From 1 to 11 points, the serve changes every 2 points. After that, the serve changes every point.
Winning the Match
A table tennis match consists of an odd number of games—5, 7, or 9. The side that wins the majority of the games wins the match.
If one side secures the majority early, the remaining games are not played. These are often called quick victories.
Rules on Serving, Receiving, and Table Sides
In addition to the above requirements, table tennis has rules about the order of serving and table sides.
The right to serve and choose a side is determined by a coin toss or draw. The winner of the draw can choose to serve or pick a side first, and the other player chooses afterward.
Conclusion
Table tennis rules are widely implemented by the International Table Tennis Federation. This sport offers tremendous benefits for people of all ages. Beyond understanding the rules, you need to maintain good health and practice diligently to achieve success in competitions.
