Like any sport, table tennis has official rules. For table tennis, the International Table Tennis Association (ITTF) is the world governing body. ITTF regulates all aspects of sanctioned tournament play. This includes all equipment used, players conduct, and anti-doping.
Every sport or game has rules and table tennis is no exception. The International
Table Tennis Association (ITTF) is the world governing body for the sport and
as such sets the rules and regulations for sanctioned tournaments. ITTF regulations
cover every possible aspect of a table tennis game.
Game Rules
A match consists of the best of an odd number of table tennis games. The shortest
number of games that can make up a match is three. The player who scores eleven
points first is the winner of the game. The exception is if both players are tied
at ten points, then the player who achieves a two-point lead is the winner. Players
clothing must be significantly different from the table tennis ball color. This is to ensure that both players can clearly see the ball.
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Equipment Regulations
Equipment regulations are very specific. Butterfly table tennis tables must allow the table tennis ball to bounce uniformly, must be of a dark color, have white sidelines, and be divided into equal half courts by an approved net. For USA Table Tennis Association (USATT) sanctioned tournaments, the table tennis ball must have a diameter of 40mm. However, the ITTF rules do not mention a ball diameter. Both do require that the ball weigh 2.7 grams, are made of celluloid or a similar plastics material, that it is either white or two-toned orange and matt. The table tennis blade of the must be flat, rigid, and at least 85 percent natural wood.
If you plan to compete in sanctioned tournaments, purchase approved equipment.
Practicing with approved equipment will enhance your consistency. Check the ITTF
or USATT websites for complete regulations.
