Made in China by Hebei Manufacturing Plant: Table tennis rules in a nutshell

The rules of table tennis are the foundation of the game and knowing and following them is essential to participating in the game and enjoying the sport. The following is a brief introduction to the rules of table tennis:

I. Basic Setting of the Game

Venue and Equipment:

Table tennis is played on a rectangular table that is 2.74 metres long, 1.525 metres wide and 0.76 metres high.

The table is divided into two equal halves by a net which is 15.25 cm high.

The balls used for the game are white or orange balls with a diameter of 40 mm.

Participants:

Matches are usually played in singles (one against one) or doubles (two against two).

Both players or teams need to prepare for the match at the designated position.

II. Match Procedure and Scoring Rules

Serving Rules:

The serving team needs to throw the ball up at least 16cm and hit the ball as it descends over the non-handling hand.

The ball must first touch the opponent's table, then go over or around the net device and touch the opponent's table.

If the ball touches the opponent's table after the ball has grazed the net, a new serve is required; if it touches the opponent's table or does not go over the net, a point is awarded to the opponent.

Hitting & Rounds:

Both players take turns hitting the ball over or around the net device to touch the opponent's table.

The ball must not touch anything in flight other than the racket or the netting device.

If one player fails to hit the ball legally during the round, a point is awarded to the other player.

Scoring Decision:

When the opponent fails to serve or return a legal shot, the team scores.

If the ball touches the opponent's table but does not pass over the net or touches an object other than the net device, the player scores.

A point is scored when the opponent blocks, connects, or hits the ball with a non-compliant racket face, or commits an offence.

The game is usually played on an 11-point scale, with the first player to score 11 points and be ahead by at least 2 points winning the game.

Special Rules and Penalties

Exchange of court and rest:

At the end of each game, both players must exchange courts.

The break between sets is usually 1 minute, which is used for adjusting condition and strategy.

Time-outs and Penalties:

During a match, a player or coach may request a time-out, but only for a specified period of time (e.g., once per game, not to exceed 1 minute).

For infractions (e.g., delaying the game, interfering with the opponent, etc.), the referee may impose penalties such as a warning, awarding a point, or disqualification from the game.

Special Match Situations:

Rotation method of serving: If the match is too long (e.g. more than 10 minutes), the rotation method of serving may be applied, i.e. each person takes turns to serve one ball until the end of the set.

Unforeseen circumstances: such as damage to the table, lighting failure, etc., the referee may suspend the game and decide whether to replay the game or award a penalty according to the situation.

Etiquette and Spirit of the Game

Respect for opponents and umpires:

Players should respect their opponents and avoid using impolite words or behaviour.

Obey the referee's judgement, and if there is any disagreement, appeal through legal channels.

Maintain good manners:

Remain calm and focussed during the match, avoiding emotional fluctuations that may affect your performance.

Do not be proud of your victory or discouraged by your defeat, and face the results of the match with a positive attitude.