Table Tennis Rules
SCORING:
 The game is played to 21 points and you must win by two points.
 Serves are alternated to the other player every five points.
SERVING:
 Stand behind your end of the table.
 Contact must be above the table level and behind the end line.
 Let serves (serves that touch the net but hit the other side of the table) are taken over. You can serve any
number of points without losing a point.
 If, in attempting to serve, a player fails to strike the ball while it is in play, he shall lose the point.
RALLYING:
 You may not volley the ball (hit it before it bounces on your side of the table).
 The rally continues until someone fails to return the ball.
 You may not move the table or touch it with your non-playing hand.
WIN A POINT:
 If the opponent fails to return your shot you win the point. Your shot can hit the boundary lines (white lines) on
the opponent’s side or the edge of the table and it is legal as well.
 If you hit the ball off the table but it lands on your opponent’s racket while the opponent’s racket is over the end
of the table (in front of the opponent’s white line), then you win the point.
LOSE A POINT:
 If when attempting to serve or make a return…….you miss the ball.
 If you hit the ball into the net or the top of the net and it comes back to your side of the table.
 If you hit the ball wide or too far and it misses the table.
 If you hit the ball before it bounces on your side of the table. No volleying is allowed.
 If the ball bounces twice on your side of the table before hitting it.
 If you move the table or touch the net during play.
LEGAL POINT:
 It is legal to hit the ball around the side of the net to land the ball on your opponent’s side.
 It is legal for the ball to hit the top of the net and go over.
DOUBLES PLAY:
 The players on each team must alternate hitting the ball every other time.
 Servers must serve diagonally to the opponent.
SAFTETY RULES AND REGULATIONS:
 Do not sit on, lean on, or hit tables with paddles.
 Nets are not to be touched.
 Paddles are not to be tossed or banged against other paddles or the table.
 Table tennis balls are not to be hit, except when in the assigned table area.
 Use caution when walking behind someone playing a game.
 Retrieve table tennis balls immediately to prevent damage.
 Seek help from a teacher immediately if there is a problem with your table.