Game Rules
TABLE TENNIS:
In singles, the server first makes a good service and then the receiver makes a good
return. Thereafter, server and receiver alternately each make a good return. In
doubles, the server first makes a good service and the receiver returns the ball. Then
the partner of the server makes a good return, followed by the partner of the receiver
returning the ball. Thereafter, each player alternately in that sequence makes a good
return.
Serving
After hitting it, the ball must first touch the server's own court and pass directly over
the net or around the net assembly, then touching the receiver's court. In doubles, the
ball must first touch the server's right half-court or center line, pass over the net, and
then touch the receiver's right half-court or center line. If, in attempting to serve, a
player fails to strike the ball while it is in play, he loses a point. Return After the ball is
served or returned in play, it is struck so that it passes directly over the net and its
assembly and touches the opponent's court. A returned ball which touches the net or
its supports on the way over to the other side, is considered a good return. The ball is
in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the server's free
hand before being projected in service until:
-- a point is scored.
-- it touches the same court twice consecutively.
-- it has been volleyed.
-- it touches a player, or anything he wears or carries, other than his racket or his
racket hand below his wrist.
-- it touches any object other than the net or its support (referred to above).
-- it is struck by a player more than once consecutively.
-- it touches, in a doubles service, the left half-court of the server or receiver.
-- it is struck, in doubles, by a player out of sequence, except where there has been a
genuine error in playing order.
ball continues play until missing or committing a Foul. Once a player's ball group
(stripes or solids) is pocketed, the player may play the 8 ball. Again, the player must
clearly indicate the intended pocket, even if it appears obvious. A player who legally
pockets all of his ball group and the 8 ball is the winner.
FOULS
1. Failure to execute a legal shot as defined above.
2. A scratch shot (shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off the table)
3. Moving or touching any ball by means other than legal play.
4. Shooting an intentional jump shot over another ball by scooping the cue stick under
the cue ball. (A jump shot executed by striking the cue ball above center is legal.)
5. Using the 8 ball first in a combination shot when the table is not open.
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