Understanding ITTF Table Tennis Rules

It seems that every year ITTF table tennis rules change. One year you are allowed to do a certain thing. The next year, the ITTF table tennis rule may change. That’s why it’s important that you are informed of the changes and what it means for the sport. Many beginners don’t understand that “basement rules” and ITTF table tennis rules are different. When these players enter into a match or tournament to follow ITTF table tennis rules, many of them are overwhelmed. Below are two ITTF table tennis rules that are explained in depth.

ITTF Table Tennis Topic #1 - The ball. By definition, “to strike” the ball means to touch it with a racket. In simpler terms, the hand holding the racket must be the same hand that hit the ball. The ball can also be hit with your finger or wrist provided that it’s the same hand that’s holding the racket simultaneously. When serving, if the ball accidently rolls off the free hand prior to tossing it in the air, then the opponent doesn’t get a point. This means that the ball was never in play, so there’s no way anyone can receive a point. An obstruction is when a player intercepts the ball in such a way that the opponent can’t make a good return. This can be done with the body or the racket or both.

ITTF Table Tennis Topic #2 - Serving the ball. The ball should be tossed without spin, in an upward fashion and head downward, and visibly seen for it to be a legal hit. If the ball is traveling up, then hitting the ball isn’t allowed. If the ball travels below the playing surface, then the serve isn’t a legal hit. You can hide the racket but the ball must still be able to be seen. The ball must also be played behind the server’s end line until the ball makes contact with the racket. This means that the “whole ball” must be behind the table but any portion of the free hand can still hover above the table.

Of course there are many other ITTF table tennis rules. However, these two rules are some of the more confusing ITTF table tennis rules. Grab a copy of the official ITTF table tennis rule by downloading it from the Internet or buy a copy at your local bookstore.