|
TABLE
TENNIS RULES
- THE GAME
The player who first wins 21 points, unless both players shall have
scored 20 points, in which case the one who first wins 2 points more
than his opponent, shall win a game.
- The choice of ends
and who shall first serve shall be by toss of coin. If the winner's
choice is ends, the other shall have choice of service, and vice-versa.
- The change of ends
and service shall take place after 5 points have been scored. The striker-out
shall become server, and the server striker-out, and so on after each
5 points until the end of the game or the score 20 all. At the score
20 all, the striker-out shall become the server, and the server striker-out,
and so on after each point until the end of the game.
- In the start of
a new game the player who served in the first game shall become striker-out
in the second game and the striker-out shall become server, and so alternating
after each game.
- The players also
exchange ends after each game, and or, where it consists of more than
one game, in the deciding game of the match, the players shall change
ends at the score of 10.
SERVICE
- The server releasing
the ball by hand only, without imparting a spin shall deliver a good
service. The ball is then struck so that it touches first the server's
court, and then passing directly over or around the net, touches the
striker-out's court. At the moment of impact of the paddle on the ball
in service, both shall be behind the end line of the server's court
and between and imaginary continuation of the sidelines.
- A good return of
a served ball struck by the receiver must pass directly over the net
or around the net and touch directly on the opponent's court; provided
that if the ball, having been served or returned in play, returns with
its own impetus over the net or around the net, it may be struck, while
still in play, by the player so that it touches directly the opponent's
court.
A LET
- If the ball served
in passing over the net touches it or its supports, provided the service
be otherwise good or be volleyed by the striker-out.
- If a service were
delivered when the striker-out is not ready, provided, always, that
he might not be deemed to be unready if he attempts to strike at the
ball.
- If either player
is prevented by accident, not under his control, from serving a good
service or making a good return.
- If either player
loses the point, as provided below, owing to an accident not within
his control.
A POINT - Either player
shall lose a point
- If he fails to
make a good service except as provided above.
- If a good service
or good return having been made by his opponent, he fails to make a
good return, except as provided above.
- If he, or his racket,
or anything that he wears or carries, touch the net or its supports
while the ball is in play.
- If he or his racket,
or any wearing apparel, move the playing surface while the ball is in
play.
- If before the ball
in play shall have passed over the end lines or sidelines, not yet having
touched the playing surface or his side of the table since being struck
by his opponent, it comes in contact with him or anything he wears or
carries.
- If at any time
he volleys the ball, except as provided above.
SCORING
A point is scored by the side, which makes the last successful return
prior the end of a rally. In an unsuccessful return, the ball is missed,
hit off the table, into the net, or onto your own half of the court on
the return. Failure to make a good serve also scores a point against the
serves unless it is a let as above.
In Play - The ball
is in play from the moment at which it is projected or dropped from the
hand in service until
- It has touched
one court twice consecutively.
- It has, except
in service, touched each court alternately without having been struck
by the racket intermediately.
- It has touched
either player or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket
or his racket hand below the wrist.
- On the volley it
comes in contact with the racket or the racket hand below the wrist.
- It has touched
any object other than the net supports, or those mentioned above.
|