Table tennis is a sport with simple basics and advanced nuances. Whether you coach kids, run a recreational section, or prepare competitive players for matches — knowing the rules is the starting point for every training session and tournament.
Scoring system and sets
A match is played to a set number of won sets — usually best of 7 (first to 4) or best of 5 (first to 3). Each set is played to 11 points. At 10:10, the two-point-lead rule applies — play continues until one player has a two-point lead.
Serve rules
The serve has the most rules attached to it. An illegal serve = a point for the opponent.
- Open palm: the ball rests on a flat, stationary palm — not held between the fingers. The hand must be visible at all times.
- Toss of at least 16 cm: nearly vertical, without spin. Roughly the width of a palm above the hand.
- Visibility: the ball must be visible above table level throughout its flight. Hiding the ball with your body is a serve fault.
- Behind the end line: the whole body and the contact point stay behind the end line of the table.
- Bounces: once on your own side → over the net → once on the opponent's side.
Change of serve
The serve changes every 2 points. Exception: at a 10:10 tie — it changes after every point.
Let — a point to be replayed
A let means the point is replayed without being scored. The most common cases:
- The serve clipped the net and landed correctly on the opponent's side
- The receiver wasn't ready (but didn't attempt to play the ball)
- External interference beyond the players' control
A ball clipping the net during a rally (not a serve) is not a let — the ball stays in play.
Edge of the table
A ball hitting the edge (the top playing surface) — a point for the player who hit it. A ball hitting the side of the table — a point for the opponent. One of the most frequently disputed calls in matches without an umpire.
Doubles — additional rules
- Diagonal serve: from the right half to the right half
- Players alternate hitting the ball: A, B, A, B...
- The serve rotates to the other pair every 2 points
Changing ends
Players change ends between sets. In the deciding set, ends are changed the moment either player reaches 5 points — immediately, without a break.
Quick reference — common situations
| Situation | What happens |
|---|---|
| Serve clipped the net, landed correctly | Let — replay the serve |
| Ball hit the edge of the table | Point for the player who hit it |
| Ball hit the side of the table | Point for the opponent |
| Toss too low on the serve | Serve fault — point for the opponent |
| Ball clipped the net during a rally | Ball stays in play — no let |
| Player touched the table with their free hand | Point for the opponent |
| Tied 10:10 | Two-point-lead rule, serve changes every point |
Teach the rules from the very first session — but not as a lecture. Play sets with a full scoring protocol and explain the rules the moment a situation comes up. Context works better than theory.