Summary
Highlights
Winning a Point and Rally Basics00:00:37
A point is won by hitting the ball onto the opponent's side of the table. You lose a point if you hit the net, hit off the table, or allow the ball to bounce twice on your side. Volleying—hitting the ball before it bounces on the table—is also a point loss for the person who volleys, unless the ball was already clearly heading out of bounds.
Net Serves and Scoring00:02:13
If a ball hits the net during a rally and lands on the opponent's side, play continues. If it hits the net on a serve, it is a 'let' and the serve is replayed with no limit on consecutive lets. Games are played to 11 points, with each player serving twice. At 10-all, serving rotates every single point, and a player must win by a two-point margin.
Table Etiquette and Rules00:04:17
The ball is considered 'in' if it touches the top or edge of the table, but 'out' if it hits the side. Touching the table with your free hand is prohibited, though you may touch it with other parts of your body or clothing as long as you do not move the table.
Doubles Rules00:05:51
In doubles, partners must alternate shots. Serves must be delivered diagonally from the right-hand box to the opponent's right-hand box. Teams swap receiving partners after their two-serve rotation is complete, maintaining the same scoring system as singles.
Equipment Standards00:07:14
There are no strict size regulations for table tennis bats, though standard sizes are generally used because they offer the best balance between maneuverability and hitting surface.