Table Tennis Rules You’re Probably Getting Wrong

[@Tarune__]

always appreciate your vids! and the quality is getting better and better !

[@pingskills]

Thanks so much! 😊 We’re always working on improving, so it’s great to hear you’re enjoying the progress. Happy playing! 🏓

[@moyerale]

Worth mentioning that #4 also applies on the sides (back line is infinite on both sides of the table): volleying a ball, even if clearly out on the sides of the table is considered a fault.

[@Ligatmarping]

In practice Ive seen it ignored if it's out by the side and not going in direction to the table.

[@richardwright5234]

A player got a bit salty when I awarded the point against them, they had contact over the table at the side when coming in for a lobbed shot that was going to miss hitting the table.

[@moyerale]

@richardwright5234 a rule is a rule, and the umpire has the final say anyway. When it's clear the ball is out, I go for a warning first though.

[@sergioesteban2450]

Very detailed explanation! Thanks!

[@pingskills]

Thanks! It’s important to get the rules right.

[@_bananan]

Excellent video, again and again 👍 There is one situation, in which I'm not sure about, how to interpret the rules. Let's say, the player makes a shot holding the bat with both hands, which is perfectly legal - that happens to some players from time to time, especially if their name starts with Hugo and ends with Calderano. The ball hits one of player's hands below wrist, which is legal too, as long as the hand is holding the bat. Are both hands considered to be holding the bat in this case? If not, then which one?

[@pingskills]

Great question. I am not sure of the answer. I tried to do a bit of research and from what I can see it seems that the main hand that is gripping the bat is considered the one holding the bat and the ball can hit that hand above the wrist and it is legal but it cannot hit the other hand. That's what I can gather but I'm not 100% sure on that. If anyone out there knows the answer please let us know!

[@pingskills]

We reached out to an International referee about this question and they said "This is a tricky one. Not sure but I would assume that if it hit below the wrist of either hand it would be OK."

[@_bananan]

@@pingskills Thanks a lot for clarifying, Alois! It looks like the two-handed stroke is really worth practicing: the fewer "illegal" body parts the ball can hit, the smaller the probability of an error is :)

[@pingskills]

@@_bananan haha, maybe! I'm not sure the two handed stroke is as good as the one handed in general though so this small advantage might not make up for the deficiencies!

[@russell2952]

Wow, one should never use above and below the wrist to describe this. You guys are using opposite interpretations.

[@arunc82]

Nice video...How abt the edge rule?If the ball hits the edge on the side(and not normally),is it still counted as a point for the player who played the shot?

[@khazza930]

It's only the top surface of the table that the ball can bounce off of. The side of the table is out (as good as the floor). A good rule of thumb to know whether an edge bounce was top surface or side is whether the ball was going down or up when it hit the edge... if it's going down, then it's the top surface, if it's going up, then that's the side not the top

[@pingskills]

We made a video to try and help with this question: www.pingskills.com/tutorials/table-tennis-rules/hitting-the-edge

[@khazza930]

@ ha! it’s possible that video is where i learned the rule 😂

[@richardwright5234]

@@khazza930 also if the player contacted the ball when the side wasn't visible at the point of contact - normally awarded as an edge.

[@arunc82]

Thanks!

[@kang_min_nal_ra]

So here's a tricky question about the volley rule: assume the opponent hits a high lob with a lot of topspin, the ball falls almost vertically and it looks like it's gonna be long but behold, the topspin on the falling ball makes it curve back towards the table and it falls right at the edge. A very unlikely scenario, but you might hit such a ball with your racket before it touches the table, at a point where it's still past the end of the table, although on its way back. What would the correct call be? Great video as always btw ♥

[@pingskills]

Great question. I would assume that as long as you have hit the ball past the end line you still win the point - even if for some reason it would move backwards. However, I think that in this case it would have to be such a close call that the umpire could easily make a mistake so you would certainly be better off not hitting it on the full in this case and just seeing what actually happens!

[@hhogewerf2021]

Good explanation. Rule #3 had much new information for me. I do have a question about the service rules. In the handbook it says something about the free hand and arm which I don't seem to understand (or I see many faulty services). The text is mean is: 2.6.5 As soon as the ball has been projected, the server’s free arm and hand shall be removed from the space between the ball and the net. The space between the ball and the net is defined by the ball, the net and its indefinite upward extension.

[@pingskills]

Thanks for your comment! 😊 Rule 2.6.5 can definitely be a bit tricky. Essentially, after tossing the ball, the server’s free arm and hand must move out of the way so they don’t block the view of the ball for the opponent. The ‘space between the ball and the net’ includes an imaginary vertical column extending upwards, so the ball must always remain visible. Unfortunately, many serves we see don’t fully follow this rule, but it’s great you’re paying attention to it! Let us know if you have more questions! 🏓

[@azibaluaabadi6529]

Thank you Ping skills. Please give a detailed explanation on "the net assembly".

[@pingskills]

On how to set it up? Or what happens when the ball hits it? Does this video help? www.pingskills.com/tutorials/table-tennis-rules/hitting-the-net-clamp-not-the-table

[@andrzeiskodrayton4180]

Thanks for the video. I do have a question regarding the rule about a player being absent from the court (without telling the ref or team captain); how long do we wait when their rubber is due to be played? And what is the procedure regarding their score? Do they after x minutes forfeit the set, and then another after another certain duration? Often the grade supervisor will excuse the fault of the player, but at the same time they push to finish the night as quickly as possible.

[@pingskills]

In a local competition it is a local rule. The specifics can vary by competition or league regulations, so it’s always good to check with the tournament organisers.It sounds like your grade supervisor is trying to balance fairness with keeping the schedule on track. In an International match the player has to be present when he is called to play. They usually then allow 5 minutes to wait for the player to turn up but they don’t have to. They would forfeit the whole match not just a set.

[@andrzeiskodrayton4180]

@@pingskills thank you for the quick and detailed reply. It's a pity that this rule is more of a by-law, a more concrete rule would allow for order and instil discipline around the players. It's always a good idea to have all team members present on the court to help with scoring and calling plays if a dispute arises.

[@Ligatmarping]

Nice, after all this years playing I wasnt sure about the first one (if the hand could follow the ball not touching it).

[@pingskills]

Glad we could clear that up for you! 😊 That first rule trips up a lot of players, even after years of playing. Keep enjoying the game and happy playing! 🏓👍

[@pingskills]

Actually, this rule is a bit of an interesting one. Technically as long as the ball travels up high enough once it has left the hand, your hand can follow it as long as it does not obstruct it. However if the hand is really close to the ball the umpire often deems it not to have been thrown up. Hence it is better to ensure that it is clear when the ball has left the hand. Hope this helps.

[@LeeWhite-g1o]

Excellent well done thanks😅

[@pingskills]

No problem 👍

[@plusmanikantanr]

On serve, so many people use the free-hand or head or shoulder to hide the ball toss, would be nice if players didnt do that 😀 Excellent video as always! 😀

[@pingskills]

You're right! 😀 It's definitely better when serves are clear and fair - hiding the ball can be frustrating. The rules are there to keep it fair for everyone. Thanks for the kind words, and happy playing! 🏓😊

[@satriya1078]

Nice .. 🎉 thanks

[@pingskills]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NightByFly]

Re serving height, is it permitted to hit the ball at the top of the trajectory of the toss? I.e. does the ball have to drop by at least the same amount first?

[@pingskills]

The ball just has to start falling before you can hit it. It doesn’t have to drop by the same amount though.

[@richardwright5234]

How about helping me with the net post/structure rule.

[@pingskills]

Interesting. Does this video answer your question? www.pingskills.com/tutorials/table-tennis-rules/hitting-the-net-clamp-not-the-table

[@nirbhaybhargava1509]

i want to know that in doubles match, the serve has to be diagonal. Is on the line serve still considered a serve or is it fault? The second question is if the ball is a let serve and falls into the wrong side of court (not diagonal), will that still be a let serve or will it be considered a faulty serve?

[@pingskills]

Great questions! In doubles, a serve that lands on the line is still considered legal as long as it’s diagonal. For the second question, if a let serve doesn't land in the correct diagonal court, it’s a fault serve and not replayed as a let. Hope that clears it up! 🏓👍

[@nirbhaybhargava1509]

@@pingskills thank you for that clarity

[@danielrenaud4639]

Merci

[@pingskills]

You are welcome!

[@davizuku]

please explain the passive game rule

[@pingskills]

I haven't heard of that one. Can you explain in a bit more detail what it entails?

[@moyerale]

​​@@pingskillsI think the question might be about the expedite system, as explained in section 2.15 of 2024 ITTF statutes.

[@pingskills]

@@moyerale Ah maybe - thanks. I'll post a reply.

[@pingskills]

If you are talking about the expedite rule, here is some information: www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/expedite-system

[@davizuku]

@@pingskills that's it, thank you! I did not remember the specific name, sorry about that! I think it might be one of the rarest rules in TT. Maybe it deserves a video on its own, one longer than 10 mins 😜

[@kushbaveja]

👌

[@pingskills]

Thanks for your support!

[@tasospouliezos114]

Hitting the net post is an interesting rule.

[@pingskills]

It is an interesting rule. Hitting the net post is considered the same as touching the net itself.

[@Listermintsluesh]

On another level, id like to see also banned, stomping on serve. Id also prefer if the unnecessary noises from the players also banned. This stuff probably comes under the umbrella of sportsmanship.....something i feel should apply.

[@pingskills]

A long time ago this used to be in the rules but has since been changed. I think you are right about the area of sportsmanship - it makes the game better.

[@nils-and-kat-devine]

Here’s a rule that’s often hard to call: did the ball hit the edge or the side of the table? Edge is in, side is out. What if you’re playing on a cheap recreational table with plastic bumpers on the edges wrapping around the corners? The way I’ve heard to tell if it might be a side ball is if the ball was hit low from a wide position.

[@pingskills]

Great question! That edge vs side call can be tricky, especially with those recreational tables. If the ball comes from a low position then it still is possible it hits some of the edge. If the ball hits only the side it will bounce back but if it gets some of the edge it will not bounce back on the same angle. These can be very tricky to call. Sometimes it's better to agree on a let and replay the point if both sides can't agree!

[@LeeWhite-g1o]

If I was the umpire and a player was conceling the ball whilst serving and you have warned them twice what are the procedures I can take next

[@pingskills]

The next step is to call a fault.

[@VicAusTT]

👍👍👍

[@SteveStavropoulos]

So, if you hit the ball past the table you get the point? Doesn't that mean that the ball is still in play?

[@analogeit]

If it hasn't bounced no

[@nils-and-kat-devine]

Correct. If your opponent misses the table you can catch the ball or it can hit your racket and you win the point. But since we rarely play with refs, make sure you let it go far enough that it’s clearly out if you can. And always best to assume it’s going to hit the table so be ready. I can’t tell you how many points I’ve won by loading up on topspin causing the ball to drop unexpectedly near the back edge.

[@pingskills]

Thanks @analogeit and @nils-and-kat-devine for replying and clarifying the rule!

[@skakollaettklipp]

Sweat on the ball / bat and the implications of it.

[@pingskills]

Great question. We have had some people ask about this on the "Ask the Coach" section of the PingSkills website. Take a look at these questions for some more information and leave a comment there if you still have more questions: www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/sweat-ball www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/sweat-on-ball-during-rally-2 www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/dealing-with-a-sweat-ball-serve

[@skakollaettklipp]

@@pingskills Wow! You really have tried to answer this question. I recommend everyone to visit your forum, maybe register there and add to the knowledge. The wet / sweat ball is indeed tricky. Adam Bobrow once commented during a match when a player dried the it was crucial for the server to make sure the ball was dry since if it was wet and the opponent misses the return and show a wet spot on his racket then the ball should be played again. But if he manage to return and you miss then you have lost. I liked that. But I haven't found explicit support for it in the rules.

[@pingskills]

@@skakollaettklipp Thanks for your support of PingSkills! I don't believe there is a specific rule for this particular case.

[@freizeitgestaltung]

You invented the rule in the beginning of your video saying the ball must be 16 cm away from the hand when serving. Actually the rule says: "The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards [...] so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand." You often see players who move the ball upwards while still in their hand and then more or less just let it fall. This is obviously forbidden. If the ball has left the palm, but the hand is following the ball, there is no problem. The umpire just has to be able to see when the ball leaves the hand to be sure the ball rises at least 16 cm afterwards.

[@pingskills]

Great point, and thanks for clarifying! You're absolutely right - the key is that the ball must rise at least 16 cm after leaving the palm, and the umpire needs to clearly see when it leaves the hand - that is what I was trying to explain. Serves where the hand follows the ball without obstructing visibility are indeed legal. However I have seen many times where the umpire thinks that they are simply dropping the ball. Thanks for highlighting this nuance! We’ll keep this in mind for future videos. 😊🏓

[@garylshelton2463]

Correct switching of players in doubles is a problematic area.

[@pingskills]

You’re absolutely right! Switching in doubles can get tricky, especially in the heat of the game. It’s a rule worth practising to avoid confusion and keep things flowing smoothly. Thanks for pointing that out!

[@LeeWhite-g1o]

Why would you want to put your elbow on the table.Is your opponent that boring tell them to take up crochet. HA.HA

[@pingskills]

Haha, yes that would be unusual indeed. This was just used as an example to explain that it is only your free hand which cannot touch the table.

[@steveneumann8745]

to avoid using free hand if you lose balance for example

[@CFSUnravelled1]

Is this shot legal? kzbin.infoZBiMl-v9dxU?si=TNESRM3UEedaCr3j

[@pingskills]

HI there, definitely not legal. You can double hit the ball but it needs to be on the one swing and accidental.

[@CFSUnravelled1]

@pingskills but it's not a double hit is it? Only a single contact?

[@PingSkillsAsktheCoachShow]

@@CFSUnravelled1 Not really, if you look closely you can see the ball hit the bat more than once!

[@Uri433]

What on earth was that nonsense at the beginning? No "experienced" player, as you called them, has any doubts on any of these rules, these are things you'd teach an absolute beginner who has never played before, not some "misunderstood" rules or whatever. There are actual, somewhat confusing rules, like the "serve toss must be almost vertical" (exactly what angle would that be) or how touching the edge is ok but not the side of the table, but you decided to go for the most basic rules, great job!

[@pingskills]

Sorry you didn't enjoy the beginning but thanks for your feedback. We'll keep this in mind for future videos.