How does point scoring work in table tennis?

At the Table tennis table is often discussed: „Does the net serve count?“ or „Until how much do we actually play?“ We clear things up! The official system is simpler than you might think. Here are the rules so that your next match in the Sportcenter Wittenau runs fairly and smoothly.

1. the target: 11 points (not 21!)

Forget the old „up to 21“ rule. In modern table tennis, you win a set if you are the first to 11 points achieved. The condition: You must two points ahead have.

An 11:9 is a victory.
An 11:10 score is not enough. The game goes into extra time until one player leads by two points (e.g. 12:10, 13:11, etc.).

A match usually consists of several sets. In our leisure area, many people play „best of three“ (whoever has 2 sets first) or „best of five“ (whoever has 3 sets first). This usually fits perfectly into a 45-minute booking.

2. the serve: change every 2 points

The serve always changes after two points played - no matter who made the point.

Exception: At 10:10 (extra time), the serve changes to each Point.

How do you serve correctly? The ball must first land on your own half of the table, fly over the net and then touch the opponent's half. A wrong serve is immediately a point for the opponent.

3. when do you get a point?

You receive a point if your opponent makes a mistake. The most common mistakes are

The opponent hits the ball into the net.
The opponent hits the ball over the edge of the table and out of bounds.
The ball bounces twice in the opponent's half.
The opponent touches the table with his free hand (the hand without the racket).
The opponent serves incorrectly.

Tip: Count out loud (e.g. „7 to 4“), always stating your own score first. This avoids confusion.

4. what happens in the event of a net serve?

If the ball touches the net on the serve and nevertheless lands correctly on the other side, this is a „let“ (repetition).

The serve is repeated. Nobody gets a point.
This applies as often as it happens (theoretically an infinite number of times).

Attention: If the ball touches the net while of a normal rally (not on the serve) and goes over, the game simply continues!

5. do not forget to change sides

The players switch sides after each set. If it comes to a deciding last set (e.g. the 5th set at 2:2 sets), the sides change as soon as one of the players 5 points has achieved.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does the edge count? Yes, if the ball touches the top (edge) of the table, it is „good“ and the point counts. However, if it touches the side (below the edge), it is „out“.

Can I touch the table? Only with the racket or the racket hand. If you are using the free hand on the table, you will immediately lose the point.

What if we both make a mistake at the same time? This is extremely rare, but if, for example, a second ball rolls into the field and irritates both players, the point is repeated („Let“).

Ready for the next match?

No matter whether you want to play according to official rules or just have a relaxed round of „Rundlauf“: In the Sportcenter Wittenau you will find the best conditions for this.

No equipment with you? No problem. At our counter you can Racket (4,00 €) and Balls (1,00 €) simply borrow.

Book your table tennis table online now