In ping pong, there are many rules, and based on these rules, you can win or lose points. Touching the table is one of those rules.
A lot of ping pong players are confused about whether they can touch the table during the match or not.
According to the official rules of ping pong, the players are not allowed to touch the ping pong table with their free hands. It is only the racket hands that can be used to touch the ping pong table.
In this post, I will talk about the two situations. The first one is when you are not allowed to touch the ping pong table, while the second is when you are allowed to touch the ping pong table.
Table of Contents
In which cases you cannot touch the table during a table tennis match?
In this first situation, we will show you in which cases you cannot touch the ping pong table during the match.
Which hand is the free?
Getting a clear understanding of free hand is essential before proceeding. A free hand is a hand that does not hold the racket when playing table tennis.
Left-handed people have their free hand as their right hand, and right-handed people have their free hand as their left hand.
You will lose one point if you touch the ping pong table with your free hands, and your opponent will gain one point. That’s why to be careful during the match.
Can the free hand be changed?
Yes, of course. You can change your free hand at any time during the rally, and you can change it several times during the rally.
Remember, when you change your free hand, the first racket hand has become the free hand, and you cannot touch the ping pong table with it.
Can the net be touched allowed?
As per the official rules of table tennis, you are not allowed to touch the net by racket, body, wear or carry, and clothes during the game. It is important to remember that you should not try to play near the net, as you will lose the point if you do.
An assembly of net includes what?
By the rules, a net assembly consists of three components: the net, the suspension, as well as the supporting posts, which include clamps for attaching the supporting posts to the table. And then the rules say, you cannot touch any of the three components of the net assembly.
Is the table tennis rule allow to move the table during the game?
No, that’s not allowed. The table tennis rules say if you move the table during the game you will lose the point and your opponent in the game receives one point.
Probably the next question you will want to ask is ‘when does a table “move count?’. When the table moves due to the racket hand, any body part, and worn or carried, it counts as a table movement at this time.
So, these are the situations when you cannot touch the ping pong table. Now, let’s see the second situation.
In which cases you can touch the ping pong table during a ping pong match?
In this second situation, we will show you in which cases you can touch the ping pong table during a ping pong match.
Is it allowed to touch the ping pong table with your legs?
Yes, it is allowed to touch the ping pong table with your legs. However, if the table moves because of your legs touching, you will lose a point and your opponent will gain one. But if the table does not move, there is no problem.
Is it allowed to touch the ping pong table between the points?
Yes, between sets or points, It is permitted to touch the board. A ping-pong rule regarding this hasn’t been established yet. In a professional match, you will regularly see players wiping their hands over the table before a point.
Can you touch the ping pong table with your elbow?
Yes, the rule is allowing you to touch the board with your elbow, as long as you don’t move it. If you touch the ping pong table with your elbow and move the table, you will lose a point.
Is it allowed to lean on the table?
Yes, you can lean on the table, but only with your racket hand. Remember, if you touch the ping pong table with your racket hand and move it, you will lose a point. But if you just touch it and don’t move the table, there is no problem.
Can you touch the ping pong table with your head?
Obviously, yes. According to the principle, you are allowed to touch the board with your head. You should, however, be careful not to move the table when you do this.
These are the cases in which players are allowed to touch the ping pong table during a ping pong match. Keep in mind that if you touch the ping pong table and move it, you lose a point. Therefore, be careful.
Conclusion
We hope you have learned when you are allowed and when you are not allowed to touch the ping pong table during a match. Just remember, if you touch the table and move it, you will lose a point. So be careful.
FAQS:
Why do players touch the ping pong table?
There are various reasons why players touch the ping pong table during a ping pong game. Some do it to get rid of sweat, some to adjust their grip, and some to focus on the game.
Do all players touch the ping pong table during a game?
No, not all players touch the ping pong table during a game. Some players don’t feel the need to, while some are not allowed to by the rules.
What happens if you touch the ping pong table and move it?
If you touch the ping pong table and move it, you will be penalized one point. Therefore, you should be cautious.