Let's learn the rules of table tennis!

Table tennis also has many rules.
When enjoying rallies like in hot spring table tennis,
I enjoy "continuing" no matter the situation, so the rules are
You haven't really thought about it, have you?

But...when it comes to matches and competitions...
Rules are necessary.

If you don't know that rule, you won't be able to play smoothly during the match.
Be careful!

This time, we'll explain the rules along with the flow of the match.

Also, please note that not all of these are correct rules, and some may be considered "violations."

《Competition Rules》

The basic format is a best-of-five sets match, first to 11 points wins.
(The first to win 3 sets wins)
Major tournaments and local competitions often feature 7-set or 3-set matches.
Please read the tournament guidelines and make sure you remember them.

Many tournaments use a best-of-five sets format, with each set being won by the first player to reach 11 points.

① How to start the game

You and your opponent will play rock-paper-scissors to decide who serves and who receives.
You can choose the serve, receive, and court. (If you lose at rock-paper-scissors, you can choose the serve, receive, and court that your opponent did not choose.)
Afterward, we exchange rackets to check what equipment the opponent is using.

After changing rackets, there's a time for some light forehand-to-forehand rallies as a warm-up.
The duration varies depending on the tournament, and is set at a certain number of minutes or balls.

"Play rock-paper-scissors, exchange rackets → practice"
"Practice → Rock-paper-scissors, racket exchange"
The order in which the actions are performed may be reversed.

Once that's done, you greet your opponent, the referee, and everyone on the bench, and then the match begins!!

The serving and receiving rights will be decided by rock-paper-scissors.

② Serve

There are various rules regarding serves to ensure a fair game, so be sure to remember them.

The correct serve

☆Open your palm (don't grip the ball)
☆Hit the ball after raising it vertically at least 16 cm.
☆ Toss the ball above the table
☆ Do not hide the ball with your body or hands.
☆Serve from a stationary position.
☆ Don't shout when hitting the ball.

Assume a serving position with your palm open, and raise the ball vertically at least 16 cm before hitting it.

③ When to use towels

Even towels for wiping away sweat have designated times when they can be used.
It can only be used when the total score is a multiple of 6 (6, 12, 18, etc.).
Use for any other purpose is prohibited.

You are only allowed to use a towel during the match if your total score is a multiple of 6 (6, 12, 18, 24, etc.).

④ Other rules

There are various rules that apply during gameplay, depending on the situation.

- It is not allowed for the hand that is not holding the racket to touch the table.
(If your elbow touches the ground when you hit the ball, but your wrist doesn't, it's SAFE.)
- If a ball hit during a rally hits the net and goes in, play continues.
(Only the serve needs to be re-hit)
- If the ball hits the corner of the opponent's court (above the white line), play continues; if it hits the side of the court, it's a miss.
If the ball hits a net supporter and enters the field, or if it passes outside the supporter, play continues in both cases.
- If the ball hits the racket or your fingers in one swing, continue playing.
(Intentionally stopping the ball before hitting it is not allowed.)
- It is not allowed to return the ball after it has hit your body or clothes.

If the ball hits the corner (edge) of the opponent's court, it's a safe shot. If it hits the side of the opponent's court, it's a miss.

⑤ Between sets

After finishing a set, you greet your opponent, the referee, and the bench, place your racket on the opposite court, and then return to the bench to receive one minute of advice.
In one minute, we'll return to the opposite court and start the next set.

After finishing a game, greet your opponent, the umpire, and the bench players, place your racket on the opposite court, and then return to the bench.

⑥ End of match

Once the winner is decided, you greet your opponent, the referee, and everyone on the bench, and shake hands with your opponent.
(This may be canceled due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.)

After the match ends, you should greet your opponent, the referee, and the bench players, and then shake hands with your opponent.

Recommended Links

Please also refer to this page.
[External Site] Basic Rules of Table Tennis (Japan Table Tennis Association)