Can The Ball Hit The Net In Table Tennis? (Rule Explained)

Table tennis is a fun game to play, however, it comes with plenty of rules and guidelines. There are a couple of things people ignore that can lead to a let in a table tennis game. Among other things, it is therefore beneficial if you know if a ball can hit the net in table tennis.

In table tennis, it is considered acceptable if the ball lands as a legitimate hit after touching the top of the net during a rally. When it comes to serving, though, this isn’t true. When a served ball hits the net on its way over but otherwise bounces legally in play, it is called a “let” serve. 

There is more than that to learn. Can you touch the table in table tennis? Whose point is it if the ball touches the opponent but not the opponent’s side? How do you get points in table tennis? What are the common types of shots in table tennis? Keep reading to find out.

Can The Ball Hit The Net In Table Tennis?

The point is called a let when the ball touches the net during a pass but continues on the side of the opponent’s table (meaning it needs to be repeated). As soon as the ball hits the net and does not penetrate the other part of the table, the recipient receives a point.

The rally continues if the ball strikes the net but continues to fall on the opponent’s table throughout the meeting; however, if the ball hits the net but does not reach a different portion of the table, the receiver is awarded a point right away.

The stroke is legal if the ball goes around the net, whether it’s a serve or a rally.

If the ball lands on the opponent’s playing surface without going beneath the net or between the (net post) and the net for nets that don’t contact the net post, it is regarded to have skipped over or around the net assembly.

So it doesn’t matter if the ball doesn’t travel over or around the net once you hit it, according to the principles.

This stroke is only allowed if the ball does not make contact with the table’s side (white line is acceptable, side is not).

Can You Touch The Table In Table Tennis?

Touching the table tennis table is a rule that is quite obvious. It all depends on what you’re using to make contact with the surface.

Touching It With Your Playing Hand

It’s not a penalty if you contact the table with your racket-holding hand. This includes touching the table with your body, clothing, or even the racket. This is again assuming that the playing surface has not been moved.

Using Free Hand To Touch It

When the ball is in play, touching the table with your non-paddle hand is strictly banned. If you do so, your opponent will receive a point.

The following limits on contacting the playing surface are listed in the ITTF guidebook:

A player must score a point unless the rally is a let:

If an opponent’s free hand makes contact with the playing surface, Law 2.10.1.11 applies.

Once the point has concluded, a player’s free hand can only make contact with the table.

Changing Hands

Many players are ambidextrous when it comes to table tennis. They switch from one to the other during the game. 

While the rulebook does not prohibit it, it can be inconvenient. To switch rules and hands at the same moment, you must be extremely focused.

Whose Point Is It If The Ball Touches The Opponent But Not The Opponent’s Side?

In any case, you should never hit the ball if it hasn’t initially touched your side of the table . In table tennis, this is called a volley or “obstruction,” and it is a prohibited shot. You will forfeit the point if you do this.

You are not permitted to strike the ball when it is bouncing on the table. If you do this and obstruct the ball’s course (with your paddle or any other part of your body), your opponent will be given a point.

The only time you can win a point by striking the ball before it bounces is if you hit it after it has already passed the tables’ end line.

How Do You Get Points In Table Tennis?

In table tennis, the goal is to strike the ball so that the opponent does not make contact with it, earning the player a point. This can be accomplished through sheer force, spin, or other misleading tactics.

The opponent receives a point if the ball hits the net and does not bounce over into the opponent’s half or if it hits it over the net and out of bounds without making contact with the table.

The rule becomes a little more complicated in doubles. In this game, the server and partner must switch roles while attempting to push the ball to the opponent’s side of the table. Here, too, the service alternates.

Your opponent may be given a point if you strike the ball outside the playing area or if it makes contact with any part of your body while trying to complete a stroke.

Common Types Of Table Tennis Shots

By changing the tempo and angle of their shots, players can expand their range and variety of shots. This significantly improves their performance. Here is a selection of the most popular shots:

Topspin

It’s one of the most prevalent ways to attack in the game. By gliding the bottom surface of the paddle over the ball at a 45-degree angle, the player propels the ball forward. 

The ball turns after it bounces, making a speedy return difficult for the opponent.

Block

It’s one of the first shots a table tennis player learns when they first start playing. The player stands square to the table with an open face on the paddle, returning the ball with the paddle side facing the table.

Chop

When attempting to negotiate spin, many players may use this defensive stroke. 

While staying away from the table, the player makes contact with the bottom half of the ball with the top side of the paddle, which is pushed downward at a 45-degree angle.

Depending on the player’s position upon receiving the ball, a chop can be played with the forehand or backhand.