Service rules of Table Tennis5 Sep

A sport of intense speed and jaw-dropping precision, table tennis is one of the most exciting sporting spectacles.

Here’s a look at table tennis rules, regulations, equipment used, and how you play the game, let’s go!

1. Starting the Service

• Ball Placement: The ball must rest freely on the open palm of the server’s free hand (the hand not holding the paddle).
• The opponent must have a clear view of the ball and no part of the body or clothing can block it.

2. Tossing the Ball

• The server must throw the ball straight up without spinning, making sure it rises at least 16 cm (6 inches) from their hand.
• Do not toss the ball sideways or backward; it must be near vertical to comply with the rules.

3. Striking the Ball

• Contact Point: The server must strike the ball as it is descending, not at its peak or while it is still rising.
• Initial Bounce: The ball must first bounce on the server’s side of the table, then clear the net, and bounce on the opponent’s side.
• Net Clearance: The ball must not touch the net or the net assembly. If the ball lands correctly on the opponent’s side, the players consider it a “let” and replay the serve.

4. Valid Serve

• Correct Execution: The serve is valid if it complies with the tossing, striking, and bouncing rules.
• In Double Bounce, the server wins the point if the ball bounces more than once on the opponent’s side without the opponent returning it.

5. Ilegal Serves

• Hidden Serve: The server must not hide the ball with their body, arm, or anything else during the serve.
• If the player does not throw the ball up correctly (for example, not high enough or not straight), the serve becomes illegal.
• Do not grip or spin the ball with your fingers before the toss; release it from a flat hand.

6. Doubles Specific Rules

• Diagonal Service: In doubles, the serve must be diagonal, from the server’s right-hand side of the table to the opponent’s right-hand side.
• Service Rotation: The serve alternates between players after every two points, with each player serving diagonally.

7. Let Serve

• Definition: A let is called if the serve hits the net and lands correctly in the opponent’s side. The player then replays the serve without penalty.
• Multiple Lets: There is no limit to the number of lets a player can serve consecutively.

8. Service After 10-10 (Deuce)

• Single Serve: After the score reaches 10-10, each player serves only one point before switching the serve back to the opponent.

9. Server’s Responsibility

• Fair Serve: The server is responsible for serving fairly, adhering to all the rules. If there is any doubt or complaint about the service, the umpire may warn the server or award the point to the opponent.
• These rules make sure that table tennis serves are fair, giving both players a chance to play and return the serve equally. Proper adherence to these rules is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game.

So, now you have the table tennis service rulebook let’s play! Remember to reserve a table at Brio Leisure here! We have a variety of tables across Cheshire West for you to enjoy! If you’re looking for more in depth rules in table tennis we have a handy guide here!

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