Within the game of table tennis there are many misconception revolving around the basic rules of table tennis. I would like to explain exactly what these rules are and give a bit of clarification as to why these misconceptions arise. It is important to note that we are talking about the rules of table tennis here and not the rules of ping pong. While, games are similar on the surface they have some intricacies that make these games massively different.
Scoring The Game
A common belief is that table tennis games are won by achieving 21 points before your opponent. This is incorrect. In 2001 the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) changed the rules so that all games were now to be won by achieving 11 points. In a shorter game, more of the points become more significant. The goal of the ITTF was to make the games more exciting to watch because there would be more crucial points within these games.
Another significant change was the number of games played in one match. The rules previously had games up to 21 points and a match was the best of three of these games. However, since the games are much shorter the standard match size is now the best of five games, first to 11. Although, some competitions will play best of seven or best of three depending on the time constraints.
The Number Of Serves
Similar to my previous misconception this rule is often misunderstood due to the same rule change from 2001. Prior to 2001, the number of serves each player had before passing that responsibility on was five. When the ITTF adapted the rules of the game they changed the number of serves in a rotation from five down to two, this was to accommodate the shorter games. So, while there was a time each player was allowed five serves the current rules state that you have two until you must allow your opponent to serve.
What Is A Point?
A point begins with a serve which then becomes open play. Open play consists of players alternating shots until one player fails to complete a shot. The point is then awarded to the other player. So, it begs the question: what is a shot? A shot requires 3 stages:
1 – Receiving the ball. The ball must be allowed to bounce on your side of the table from the opponents shot. This is unlike tennis where you may hit the ball without it first bouncing on your side of the court. If you do not allow the ball to bounce on your side of the table and it was clear that without your interference that the ball would have bounced on your side then the point is awarded to the other player.
2 – Hitting the ball. The ball must be hit with the bat. This may seem obvious but there are some intricacies to this. While, you are holding your bat anywhere above your wrist is considered an extension of the bat. This means that if the ball hits your fingers or hand during a point and the rest of the criteria for a shot are met, this is in fact a legal shot. However, if the ball strikes anything else like the floor, a wall or even your shirt then the point is awarded to the other player.
3 – Completing your shot. To complete a shot the ball needs to hit your opponents side of the table. Once it has done this your shot phase has ended and it is now over to them to restart the cycle. If the ball does not reach your opponents side then the point is awarded to your opponent. This could happen through many ways the most common being hitting the ball into the net or the ball missing the table completely.
As you repeat this process you create a rally, the winner of the rally is granted one point.
The Serve
Serves have many rules wrapped around them and because of that the intricacies of serving deserves its own post. However, for now I will just discuss the basic rules of serving. A serve is unlike any other shot in table tennis as you are required to hit the ball first into your own side of the table then into the opponents side. Whereas, a shot only requires you to hit the opponents side. There are four stages to legal serve:
1 – The Toss. To begin your serve you must throw the ball up using your non-playing hand. Again there are a few things that we need to ensure to make this completely legal but for now try to incorporate three things into your toss. Firstly, start your toss above table height and not over your side of the table. Secondly, try to throw the ball upwards as close to vertically as possible. Finally, you should be throwing the ball up at least 6 inches (15 cm).
2 – Hitting the ball. Just as you had to ensure you didn’t start your toss over your side of the table you also can’t hot the ball over your side of the table. If you are throwing the ball up vertically then you shouldn’t have any problems with this anyway. When you make contact with the ball it follows the same rules as hitting the ball for a shot.
3 – The first bounce. Unlike a shot the first bounce needs to be on your side of the table. This is to stop players from smashing the ball onto the opponents side. Because of the short distance of the table it is almost impossible to react to and would make for a quick match without this necessary first bounce.
4 – Completing the serve. Just like with a shot, the serve is completed by the ball bouncing on the opponents side. This then starts the cycle of shots for your opponent.
If your serve fails to meet the requirements of any part of these four stages then the serve is deemed to be a fault. If the serve is a fault a point is awarded to your opponent. Unlike tennis there are no second serves in table tennis. No second chances. If your serve is a fault that is it, point over. So take your time on your serves – you don’t want to waste them.
The Net
The net is an independent part of table tennis with its own rules. During a rally, the net is there to impede your shot and prevent the ball making it to your opponents side. However, occasionally the ball will strike the net and then carry onto your opponents side of the table anyway. This does not end the point. The ball is allowed to hit the net and still complete the shot process as long as all other requirements for a shot are met.
This is different however, for a serve. If a serve hits the net and proceeds to hit your opponents side, completing the serve a let is played. A let is where a point has been stopped with neither player being awarded a point. In this instance the point is replayed. This can happen for many reasons but the most common is from a serve. This is similar to a let in tennis as the same procedure is followed in both sports.
Now it is over to you! The best way to get used to these rules is to play. The more you play the more you get exposed to them and the more familiar they become. If you forget any of them you can always come back to this post to double check them.
If you have any questions about the rules feel free to drop a comment under this post and I will do my best to answer them. I have lots of experience within table tennis and I am more than happy to help you out. Also, I would love to hear about any strange interactions with the rules you have had while playing table tennis so also tell me about those in the comments below.
Who doesn’t like ping pong? I haven’t played for a long time and I’m pretty sure I didn’t follow any rules. Just hit the ball until someone said they won. I didn’t realize the rules were actually fairly intricate. Practicing the serve seems to be one of the most important parts of becoming proficient at the game. I did know that the hall had to bounce on the servers side of the table before being hit to the opponent’s side to make a complete serve but the rest of the rules were foreign to me before now. Thanks for writing this article.
Im looking forward to more of the same
Deedee
Hi Deedee,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article, next time you find yourself at a table you can start to incorporate some these rules. The most important part of playing is to have fun so if you’re just playing casually don’t let the rules get in the way of that!
Fascinating and educational. I have been serving incorrectly. Thanks for the post.
Hi Tyronne, I am glad you enjoyed this post and learnt something new. Going forward I hope you can correct technique to start serving correctly.
You’ve covered various aspects like scoring, the number of serves, what constitutes a point, serving rules, and the role of the net in the game. This information is helpful for beginners like me and also those looking to improve their knowledge of table tennis rules. I have never played table tennis but have always been interested in it, I will come again to revise what you have written here before playing my first match 🙂
Hi, you will pick up the rules incredibly quickly. Generally, table tennis is an easy game to follow, however, there may be times when something odd happens in a match and you may need to double check what the rules are on that specific situation, that’s when I think you may need to refer back to this post.
This post was very informative and helpful for me. I played ping pong for many years and I didn’t know that ping pong and table tennis are not the same, and they have different rules.
This post clearly explains the basic rules of table tennis, the scoring system, the service, the rally, and the net. It also explains how rules have changed some years ago, so they may be different than those you are used to.
I think this post is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about table tennis and have fun playing it. Thank you for sharing this post and your insights and opinions on this topic.
Hi, I am glad you enjoyed the post. It is always really interesting to see how people who come back to the game after not playing for many years have an expectation of what the rules are. It can be quite a shock for these players.
Your detailed explanation of the rules and misconceptions surrounding table tennis is both informative and insightful. It’s crucial to clarify these rules, especially the change in scoring to 11 points and the adjustment in the number of serves, to ensure a fair and exciting game. The breakdown of what constitutes a point, including the three stages of a shot, is particularly helpful in understanding the game’s dynamics.
You’ve also touched upon the intricacies of serving, emphasizing the importance of a proper toss, hitting the ball, and the first bounce. It’s evident that you have a deep understanding of the sport, and your willingness to offer assistance and hear about others’ experiences with the rules is commendable.
As someone interested in table tennis or looking to improve their understanding of the game, this article is a valuable resource. If I ever encounter any questions about the rules, I’ll be sure to reach out. Thank you for sharing your expertise! 🏓🤝 #TableTennisRules #SportsInsights #GameClarity
Thank you for your comment, I am glad you have found this article on the basic rules of table tennis informative. We will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the future!
I was introduced to table tennis by my dad when I was a kid, and I’ve always loved the game. I didn’t quite rise up to my potential, but today, I am definitely one of (if not the best) at table tennis among my friends.
I always thought that a table tennis game can either be played to 11 points or 21 points and that this was up to preference. Thanks to your article, I now understand that it was simply a new rule imposed by the ITTF. It also makes a lot of sense that players switch serves every 2 points with this scoring system, as 5 points is too long for an 11-point game.
Hi, it is great to hear you are one of the best players among your friends. This is a great achievement. I have played at many different venues and clubs over the past few years. I still find some players will play to 21 with 5 serves each. This tends to be when I go to play at local churches with players who have been playing since this was the norm. Any tournament or local league will play with the new rules with games up to 11 with 2 serves each.
Although I’ve heard “table tennis” before, I didn’t give it much thought. All along it was Ping Pong to me as it was one of my school’s PE activities decades ago. With such thorough explanation on the rules of table tennis, it is so much easy to follow. I like to share this with my kids. Perhaps, they’ll take interest.
Hi Sharon, thank you for your comment. Many people often get ping pong and table tennis confused and think they are the same thing. However, they are different sports with different rules and equipment. You can find a post here on the differences between the two.