Rules of Play

In official competition matches, service is decided by a coin toss with the winner of the coin toss choosing whether they serve or receive. The service is then alternated between players, changing every two points regardless of who wins the points.

To begin the game, the opponent must hit the ball upwards at least 16 cms and over the net. The ball must bounce once on the server’s side of the net and once on the opponent’s side before being returned.

In singles matches, there are no specifications as to where the ball must be served from or land, but in doubles the ball must be served from the player’s right-hand side of the table to the opponent’s ride-hand side of the table.

When returning the opponent’s shot, the player must allow the ball to bounce once. Unlike in tennis, volleys are not allowed and a point will be awarded to the opponent if the player hits the ball before it bounces.

A game finishes once one player gains 11 points with at least a two point lead. If both players reach 10 points the players switch service after every point.

After every game the players must switch sides of the table

A match is completed when one player wins three games in a five game match or four games in a seven game match.