I was bored, so figured I would brush up on my table tennis rules as there are always arguments that arise with friends, not including you guys.

One rule I didn't know about is that even if you hit a ball that is clearly going off the table, it is still your point as your opponent failed to make a legal return and it is illegel to hit it before it bounces which I didn't know about either:

Question: Are volleys allowed in table tennis, as they are allowed in tennis?

Answer: No. If you volley the ball (hit it prior to its bounce) over the table surface you lose the point. If you try to volley the ball after it has missed the table, the point is yours as your opponent failed to make a legal return.



Another good one I foudn to remember is it CAN hit the net assembly anywwhere and still be considered legal if it bounces onto right side of table and is over net. So if it hit the metal post and bounced in and hit table, it is legal.

It is legal to switch racket hands, which is good to know becuase that is how I am playing my cousins now, have to hit each consecutive shot with a different hand.


Another good one, if you attempt to serve the ball and miss completely, it is a point for opponent.

I also found out that competitively, my services are not legal, you are required to toss the ball vertically 6 inches in air and hit it on its descent. The ball must be behind the end line as well, cant be above the table for instance and cant be to the side at all. I will have to work on this =/ Never threw the ball before.

Any movement of table during play is a point to other team -- have to be careful during smashes, or leaning in to hit a short shot.