TABLE TENNIS
T H E O R D E R O F T H E P L AY, T H E E X P E D I T E
SYSTEM & SAFETY ETIQUETTE
Presented by:
Group 6
Ma. Leah Bagalso
Jhona Mae Furio
Mark Jacob Xyrus De Guia
THE ORDER OF PLAY
• In singles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return and
thereafter server and receiver alternately shall each make a return.
• In doubles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return, the
partner of the server shall then make a return, the partner of the receiver shall then make a
return and thereafter each player in turn in that sequence shall make a return.
• In doubles, when at least one player of a pair is in a wheelchair due to a physical disability, the
server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return but thereafter either
player of the disabled pair may make returns. However, no part of a player’s wheelchair nor a
foot of a standing player of this pair shall protrude beyond the imaginary extension of the
centre line of the table. If it does, the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.
A LET
The rally shall be a let:
1. if in service the ball touches the net assembly, provided the service is
otherwise correct or the ball is obstructed by the receiver or his or her
partner;
2. if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not
ready,
provided that neither the receiver nor his or her partner attempts to
strike
the ball;
3. if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with the
Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player;
4. if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;
5. if the receiver is in wheelchair owing to a physical
disability and in service the ball, provided that the service
is otherwise correct,
a. after touching the receiver’s court returns in the
direction of the net;
b. comes to rest on the receiver’s court;
c. in singles leaves the receiver’s court after touching it
by either of its side lines.
Play may be interrupted
6. to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;
7. to introduce the expedite system;
8. to warn or penalise a player or adviser;
9. because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which
could affect the outcome of the rally.
A POINT
Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point
1. if an opponent fails to make a correct service;
2. if an opponent fails to make a correct return;
3. after he or she has made a service or a return, the ball
touches anything
other than the net assembly before being struck by an
opponent;
4. if the ball passes over his or her court or beyond his or her
end line without
touching his or her court, after being struck by an opponent;
5. if the ball, after being struck by an opponent, passes through
the net or
between the net and the net post or between the net and
playing surface;
6. if an opponent obstructs the ball;
7. if an opponent deliberately strikes the ball twice in
succession;
8. if an opponent strikes the ball with a side of
the racket blade whose if an opponent, or
anything an opponent wears or carries, moves
the playing surface;
9. if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears
or carries, touches the net assembly;
10. if an opponent’s free hand touches the playing
surface;
11. if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the
sequence established by
the first server and first receiver;
14. if both players or pairs are in a wheelchair due to a physical
disability and
a. his or her opponent does not maintain a minimum contact
with the seat
or cushion(s), with the back of the thigh, when the ball is
struck;
b. his or her opponent touches the table with either hand before
striking
the ball;
c. his or her opponent’s footrest or foot touches the floor during
play.
A MATCH
• A match shall consist of
the best of any odd
number of games.
• Play shall be continuous
throughout, except for
authorized intervals.
THE ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS
1. The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and
ends shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to
serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end.
2. When one player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first
or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall
have the other choice.
3. After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or
pair shall become the serving player or pair and so on until the
end of the game, unless both players or pairs score 10 points
or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequences of
serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall
serve for only 1 point in turn.
4. In each game of a doubles match, the pair having the right to serve first
shall choose which of them will do so and in the first game of a match the
receiving pair shall decide which of them will receive first; in subsequent
games of the match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver
shall be the player who served to him or her in the preceding game.
5. In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the
server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver.
6. The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game
of the match and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due
to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair
scores 5 points.
7. The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in
the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the
players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5
points.
THE CHOICE OF ENDS AND SERVES
• The choice of ends and the right to serve or receive first in a
match shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to
serve or receive first or to start at a particular end.
• When one player or pair has chosen to serve or receive first or
to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have
the other choice.
• After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or
pair shall become the serving player or pair and so on until
the end of the game, unless both players or pairs score 10
points or the expedite system is in operation, when the
sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but each
player shall serve for only 1 point in turn.
• In the first game of a match the pair who has the right to serve first shall
decide which of them shall do so and in the first game of a match, the
opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first. In
subsequent games of a match, the first server having been chosen, the first
receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game.
• In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become
the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver.
• The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next
game of the match, and in the last possible game of a doubles match the
pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first
one pair scores 5 points.
• The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end
in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the
players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores.
THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM
Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the
expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10
minutes play or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs.
• If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with
service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted.
• If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart
with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding
rally.
• Thereafter, each player shall serve 1 point in turn. If the receiving player or
pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver shall score a point.
If the expedite system is introduced, or if a game lasts longer than 10 minutes,
all subsequent games of the match shall be played under the expedite system.
ETIQUETTE RULES
Table tennis has a set of customary social manners and rules
that players should follow which makes playing the game fun
and enjoyable for everyone involved in ARARAT TT practice
games, sponsored friendship games, team matches and
tournaments. The players are expected to conduct themselves on
the court in a sportsman-like way and respect their opponent.
Failure to follow the rules could result in suspension, or
termination, of the player’s privilege to play at Ararat, at the
discretion of the leadership team and the board. Following this
etiquette will ensure your matches go over smoothly without
conflict.
1. Table Match Protocol –The winner of the match is allowed to
remain at the table or may choose to allow the loser to stay. This
protocol ensures that: everyone gets table access, can play a
variety of different people and skill levels, and promotes building
friendships
2. At the start of a game – Shake your opponents hand, introduce
yourself and the club you belong to, and say “may the best player
win the game”.
3. Play time warm up – During practice sessions when either player
has not warmed up at all a longer warm-up is acceptable. But if
players are waiting for the table then the warm-up should never be
longer than 10 minutes.
4. During games if you feel your opponent has made a bad call
judgment, you may ask the opponent once, if they were sure you
may not argue, refuse to play or unconditionally state that calls are
bad.
5. Serving Time - While the rules provide for 20 seconds serving
time, a player should not abuse the serving time allotted and the
receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the server (about 10 to
12 seconds) if the server is ready.
6. Service Toss A - During the service toss, the ball must be visible
while resting on player’s open palm ready for server. A player must
toss the ball 6” high before striking it. It must remain visible above
and behind the table at all times
7. Service Toss B - When tossing the ball, your body must not cover
the point of contact between the ball and paddle. By hiding this
contact, the server is able to disguise the serve illegally.
8. Verbal and equipment abuse - Hitting your racket to the table or
throwing your racket, screaming, swearing, hitting balls away from
an opponent are forms of verbal and equipment abuse and are not
tolerated and are grounds for default.
9. Apologizing for Table Edge/Net Serve - If the opponent's shot
barely notch the table be honest about it and award the point to your
opponent who earned it. If your winning serve scratch the net table,
it is customary to lift your index finger as an apology since the point
wasn't won due to skill, but rather luck.
10. During practice games you may "challenge" the winner at a table
for the next game. Generally, players should try to only challenge
opponents who are close to you in ability.
11. Racket Inspection - You are permitted by the rules to inspect
your opponent's racket before your match. Don't touch the
rubber on the playing surface (it's okay to touch it at the
bottom where the labeling is).
12. Keeping Score - The server must announce the score at the
start of each game and at the start of the second point and each
subsequent point in each game. If the receiver cannot hear the
server's announcement of the score, he must ask the server to
speak louder.
13. Towel Breaks, Timeouts, & Coaching Advice - Each player
is allowed only a single one-minute timeout per match.
Likewise, the break between games should never exceed one
minute.
14. Winning Point Celebration - Many players, including
professionals, will shout their winning point with the common
sound of “Cho" or “Yeah”.
15. When a match is over shake the opponent hands, the
umpire(s), and the opponent's coach (as well as your own
coach). This is the proper sign of respect.
SAFETY TIPS
Table Tennis is a serious sport with potential for injury when playing a
game or a match. The following are a list of safety tips that will help keep you
injury free and out on the table.
• A proper warm up is necessary before starting play. Warming up involves 5-15
minutes of light physical activity to elevate your heart rate and make your
muscles warmer. Then follow up with some gentle stretching to finish the
warm up.
• When using more than one ball during practice drills, don't leave balls under
or near your feet, where you might easily stand and break or trip over them.
During multiple ball drills be careful when picking up the balls that are rolling
around the court, You should stay clear of the players doing the drills because
you might end up getting hit by a racket, or have one of the players tripping
over you.
• Don't walk onto or through other players' courts until you make eye
contact with the players involved. A player with his back to you may
not even know you are there, and may suddenly move backwards
during a point, causing a collision with the potential to injure both of
you.
• When playing doubles, keep aware of where your partner is, so that you
don't accidentally hit him with your bat, or run into each other without
expecting it. Sooner or later you will run into each other, so at least be
prepared so that you can soften the impact.
• Don't jump over the barriers between courts. You may accidentally
catch your foot on the barrier and end up tripping over it or if there is
ball on the other side of the barrier, you may just to land on a ball and
fall down and hurt yourself
• Don't take your water bottle onto the court because it is very easy to
spill water without noticing it. It is also illegal by many professional TT
organization standards. When changing ends take a quick look around
to see that there are no opponent’s sweat all over the floor. Use paper
towels or floor towels to clean water spill or sweat from the floor.
Please do not use your own towel.
• Be careful around tables and make sure that roller tables have their
brakes on and that their bracing struts are in proper position. Also,
please do not sit or lean on tables. Also most of our tables require
two people to set up safely. Always ask a friend to help you in
setting up and folding down the tables.
• Do not use a cracked blade because you never know when it might
finally snap and have the racket head go flying away, possibly
endangering others and hitting someone else. Also don't ever throw
your racket around or hit the table as a sign of frustration. This is a
form of equipment abuse and is not tolerated at our court.
• When you are on court, show proper courtesy and good manners at
all times. Don’t mess around while others are trying to play
matches. You may accidently get hit by the players racket and hurt
yourself.
• While playing if you experience sharp pain stop for a short break.
As we get older due to wear and tear on our bodies, we may turn a
small injury into a large one by ignoring our body's warning signs
and flare up new pain. So listen to what your body is telling you and
play safe and have fun
