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Table Tennis

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TABLE TENNIS RULES
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If either player is prevented by accident, not under his control, from serving a good service or making a good return.
  4. 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

  1. If he fails to make a good service except as provided above.
  2. If a good service or good return having been made by his opponent, he fails to make a good return, except as provided above.
  3. If he, or his racket, or anything that he wears or carries, touch the net or its supports while the ball is in play.
  4. If he or his racket, or any wearing apparel, move the playing surface while the ball is in play.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

  1. It has touched one court twice consecutively.
  2. It has, except in service, touched each court alternately without having been struck by the racket intermediately.
  3. It has touched either player or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket or his racket hand below the wrist.
  4. On the volley it comes in contact with the racket or the racket hand below the wrist.
  5. It has touched any object other than the net supports, or those mentioned above.

Questions or comments?
Contact the University of Chicago sports information office.