Table tennis was originated during the nineteenth century in England. From there, the sport has come a long way, and at present it is considered to one of the most popular sports. Table tennis rules have been set by the International Table Tennis Federation or the ITTF, which is the supreme authority of table tennis. There are specifications for every division of the sport.
Some of the rules followed during the table tennis matches are—
- The table tennis table should be 76 centimeter high from the floor. The dimension of the table has been decided to be 2.74 meter by 1.525 meter. The dark colored playing surface has to be marked with white lines.
- The table tennis table should be divided into halves by a net. The net has to be suspended by a cord. Net posts 15.25 centimeter high can only be used during table tennis matches.
- A spherical ball of 40 millimeter diameter is appropriate for table tennis matches. The weight of the table tennis ball has been fixed to 2.7 gram. Celluloid or plastic materials should be used for making table tennis balls, which must be of yellow or white color.
The racquets used during table tennis matches can be of any size. However, the basic material of the racquet has to be wood, with a rubber pasted on it as the hitting surface. The surface of the blade should be even.
The ITTF has specified the action of service during table tennis match . During the play, the ball has to remain above of the level of playing surface.
A player is awarded points for a shot, if the opponent fails to return it. On the other hand, if one fails to make a correct service, then the opponent scores.
Players are not allowed to obstruct the ball during play. They are also prohibited to touch the net and net posts.
The table tennis match consists of any odd numbered games. The player scoring 11 points first is declared the winner of the game.
These table tennis rules are followed in matches at international level. However, the organizing committee or the local table tennis governing body can modify them during competitions.
