How to Follow Tennis Table Rules
Table tennis, like any sport, has strict rules and guidelines that must be respected during play. In competitive table tennis, an umpire can help make sure that rules are adhered to, but until you reach that point it is up to you and other players to follow the rules.
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Instructions
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Learn all the rules of table tennis before you begin to play competitively. When you're just playing at home with friends and family it's not crucial, but if you are playing competitively, failure to follow the established rules will result in your disqualification and earn you disdain from serious players.
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Start by reviewing the rules relating to playing surface and equipment. A regulation table tennis table is 76 cm tall, 1.525 m wide and 2.74 m long. Note that all official table tennis measurements are given in centimeters, meters and grams rather than inches, yards or ounces.
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Print a copy of USA Table Tennis rules, known commonly as the Laws of Table Tennis, for quick reference when playing at home. You can find a copy of the Laws at the USA Table Tennis website (see Resources below).
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Refer to USATT Laws of Table Tennis Section 2.05 "Definitions" before you begin to play. This is where all approved definitions and lingo will be found.
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Defer to the game's umpire or assistant umpire if you have any questions or require clarification. At lower levels you may not have an umpire present, which is another good reason to keep a copy of the Laws of Table Tennis handy at all times.
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Study the rules for service as set forth in Section 2.06 very carefully. The serve is where most beginning players make their mistakes and fail to conform to established rules. During your service, the ball must be held in an open palm, remain above the table's surface, behind the back edge and must be tossed without spin.
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Follow rules for order of play as established in Section 2.08. This is another area where new players are often confused, especially when playing doubles. In doubles play, each player on the team must alternate hitting the ball, no matter where it is hit on the table.
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Tips & Warnings
Doubles play rules are slightly different than singles play rules.
