Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fast-paced and exciting sport enjoyed by people of all ages. While it may seem simple at first glance, there are actually quite a few rules that govern the game, including how to keep score. If you’re new to table tennis, don’t worry — we’re here to help. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to keep score in table tennis so that you can enjoy the game to the fullest.
The first thing you need to know is that table tennis is played to 11 points. This means that the first player or team to reach 11 points wins the game. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game goes into extra points, known as deuce. During deuce, the first player to win two consecutive points wins the game. Additionally, if the game reaches 19-19, the first player or team to win two consecutive points wins the game, regardless of the score.
To keep score in table tennis, you will need to use a score sheet. The score sheet is typically divided into two columns, one for each player or team. Each column is further divided into two rows, one for the player’s or team’s score and one for the player’s or team’s service. To record a point, simply write the point number in the appropriate box on the score sheet. For example, if Player A wins the first point, you would write “1” in the box under Player A’s score column. If Player B wins the next point, you would write “1” in the box under Player B’s score column.
Understanding the Basics of Table Tennis Scoring
Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a fast-paced and exhilarating sport that requires skill, precision, and a keen understanding of the scoring system. The game is played on a rectangular table divided in half by a net, with each player using a paddle to hit a small, hollow ball over the net and onto their opponent’s side of the table.
Points and Games
The basic scoring system in table tennis is simple: a point is scored each time the ball either lands on your opponent’s side of the table or your opponent fails to hit the ball back over the net. Points are also awarded if your opponent double-hits the ball, touches the ball twice, or moves the table or net during play.
A game is won by the first player to reach 11 points, with a minimum lead of two points. If the score is tied at 10-10, the game continues until one player gains a two-point lead. A match is typically played as a best-of-three or best-of-five game series.
Serving and Receiving
The player who serves the ball first is determined by a coin toss or a spin of the racket. The server must start behind the baseline of their side of the table and toss the ball vertically at least six inches into the air before hitting it with the paddle. The server’s opponent must then hit the ball back over the net before it bounces on their side of the table twice.
Alternating Serves
After the first two points, the players alternate serving after each point is scored. The server continues to serve until they lose a point. If a player wins a point while receiving, they become the server for the next point.
Utilizing an Electronic Scoreboard
Electronic scoreboards are widely used in professional table tennis matches and tournaments. They provide a clear and efficient display of the score, making it easy for players, spectators, and referees to follow the progress of the game. Here are some key features of electronic scoreboards:
- Automatic Scoring: Electronic scoreboards automatically track the score as each point is played. This eliminates the need for manual scoring, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accuracy.
- Live Display: The score is displayed in real-time, allowing players and spectators to keep track of the match without having to wait for official announcements.
- Point-by-Point Display: Electronic scoreboards often provide a breakdown of the match, showing each point scored by the players. This allows spectators to follow the progression of the game and identify key moments.
- Set and Match Scores: Electronic scoreboards display the scores for individual sets and the overall match, providing a comprehensive overview of the game.
- Player Names and Rankings: Some scoreboards display the names and rankings of the competing players, offering additional information for spectators.
- Time Clock: Electronic scoreboards may include a time clock that counts down the time remaining in each set. This helps players manage their time and ensures the game proceeds at a fair pace.
- Remote Control: Electronic scoreboards can often be controlled remotely by a referee or tournament official. This allows for quick and easy adjustments to the score or other settings.
| Advantages of Electronic Scoreboards | Disadvantages of Electronic Scoreboards |
|---|---|
|
Automatic scoring ensures accuracy and reduces errors |
Costlier to purchase and maintain |
|
Live display provides real-time updates |
Reliance on technology can lead to potential malfunctions |
|
Point-by-point display offers detailed tracking |
May require training or instructions for proper use |
|
Comprehensive display includes set and match scores |
Technical issues can disrupt the game if not resolved promptly |
|
Remote control allows for convenient adjustments |
Following the Set and Match Structure
Table tennis matches typically follow a best-of-odd-number-sets format, with the most common being best-of-five or best-of-seven sets. Each set is played until one player reaches 11 points, except in the final set (also known as the decider), where the game continues until one player has a two-point advantage. Points are awarded to the player who wins a rally.
A rally is a sequence of shots that continues until one player fails to return the ball or commits a fault. Faults include hitting the ball off the table, hitting the net, or touching the ball twice in a row. The player who wins the rally scores a point.
The first player to reach 11 points wins the set. However, if the score reaches 10-10, the game enters a “deuce” situation. In deuce, each player must win two consecutive points to win the set. The game continues in this manner until one player wins by two points.
The player who wins the most sets wins the match. In the event of a tie, a deciding set is played to determine the winner.
Point Scoring System:
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | The player loses the rally and does not score any points |
| 1 | The player wins the rally and scores one point |
| 2 | The player wins the rally and scores two points |
| 3 | The player wins the rally and scores three points |
Scoring a Point by Winning a Rally
A point can only be won by the server or the receiver, based on the following conditions:
- The server or receiver hits the ball over the net and onto the opponent’s side of the table.
- The opponent fails to return the ball over the net and onto the serving side within two bounces.
- The opponent touches the ball twice consecutively.
- The opponent hits the ball outside the table’s boundaries.
- The opponent obstructs the opponent’s shot.
Hitting the Ball over the Net
To hit the ball over the net, the player must use a paddle to strike the ball in a way that causes it to travel over the net and land on the other side of the table. The player cannot touch the net or the ball with any part of their body or clothing while doing so.
Touching the Ball Twice Consecutively
A player cannot touch the ball twice in a row. If a player hits the ball, their paddle must leave the ball before they can hit it again. If a player hits the ball twice in a row, it is considered a double hit, and the opponent wins the point.
Hitting the Ball Outside the Table’s Boundaries
The table’s boundaries are marked by white lines on the edges of the table. If a player hits the ball outside of these lines, it is considered out, and the opponent wins the point.
Obstructing the Opponent’s Shot
A player is not allowed to obstruct their opponent’s shot. This means that a player cannot move their paddle or body in a way that blocks their opponent’s ability to hit the ball. If a player obstructs their opponent’s shot, the opponent wins the point.
Handling Deuce Situations
When the score reaches 10-10, the game enters a deuce situation. To win, a player must score two consecutive points. If the score reaches 14-14 or higher, the first player to score two consecutive points wins the game.
Side Swaps
Players must swap sides every two points. This ensures both players play on both sides of the table, providing fairness and ensuring no player has an unfair advantage due to lighting or table conditions.
Point Swapping (Alternate Serving)
In competitive matches, players also alternate serving every five points. The player who served first in the first game will serve first in the subsequent odd-numbered games. The other player will serve first in the even-numbered games.
Point swapping helps maintain fairness and prevents one player from dominating the service. It gives both players an equal opportunity to control the rally and apply pressure on their opponent.
| Game Number | Serving Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Player A |
| 2 | Player B |
| 3 | Player A |
| 4 | Player B |
Calling a Line Call
If you believe that your opponent’s shot has landed out of bounds, you can call a line call. To do this, simply raise your paddle and say “out.” The referee will then come down and check the ball mark. If the ball mark is out of bounds, your opponent will lose the point. However, if the ball mark is in bounds, you will lose the point.
Review
If you believe that the referee has made an incorrect call, you can request a review. To do this, simply say “review.” The referee will then review the video footage of the point and make a final decision.
Procedure for Review
In order to review a call:
1. Any player involved can request it.
2. The request must be done in 15 seconds after the call has been made.
3. Only one review is allowed per game.
4. If the referee had to make a 1st reviewing and the call is judged to be correct, the player who requested loses the point in singles or that game in doubles, if the request was incorrect, the error is corrected and play continues
5. If there’s a 2nd request the point is given to the opposition or the game in doubles.
|
Number of Reviews Available per Match |
Reviews in a 3 – Game Match |
Reviews in a 5 – Game Match |
Reviews in a 7 – Game Match |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
N/A |
1 |
2 |
|
3 |
N/A |
N/A |
3 |
Enforcing the Service Rule
The server must toss the ball at least 6 inches into the air and hit it so that it first bounces on their side of the table and then on the receiver’s side. The server’s paddle must contact the ball below the level of the table surface and behind the end line. The ball must then travel over the net and land on the receiver’s side of the table. If any of these service rules are violated, the receiver will win the point.
Points Loss
In table tennis, a player can lose a point if they make an illegal serve, fail to return the ball onto the opponent’s side of the table, or hit the ball out of bounds. A player can also lose a point if they double hit the ball or if they obstruct their opponent’s view of the ball.
Illegal Serves
There are a number of different ways to serve the ball illegally in table tennis. Some of the most common illegal serves include:
| Illegal Serve | Description |
|---|---|
| Short Serve | The ball does not bounce on the server’s side of the table before crossing the net. |
| Long Serve | The ball bounces on the server’s side of the table but does not cross the net. |
| Wide Serve | The ball lands outside the sidelines when it bounces on the receiver’s side of the table. |
| Paddle Above the Table | The server’s paddle is above the level of the table surface when they hit the ball. |
| Paddle Behind the End Line | The server’s paddle is behind the end line when they hit the ball. |
Tracking Games and Sets for Victory
In table tennis, matches consist of a series of games, typically played up to a score of 11 points. Each point won by a player counts as a rally, and the player who wins a certain number of rallies in a row wins a game.
Games are tracked on a scoreboard, which typically displays the score for each game separately. The player who wins the first two games wins the match; however, in some tournaments, matches may be played up to five or seven games.
Winning a Game
To win a game, a player must score 11 points. Players must win by a margin of at least two points. For example, a player cannot win a game 10-11; they must win by a score of 12-10 or higher.
Winning a Set
Matches are typically played in sets of three or five games. To win a set, a player must win a certain number of games. In a best-of-three match, a player must win two games to win the set; in a best-of-five match, a player must win three games to win the set.
Winning the Match
To win a table tennis match, a player must win a majority of the sets played. In a best-of-three match, the player who wins two sets wins the match; in a best-of-five match, the player who wins three sets wins the match.
| Game Score | Player 1 Score | Player 2 Score | Winner | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 9 | Player 1 | ||||||||||
| 2 | 9 | 11 | Player 2 | ||||||||||
| 3 | 12 | 10 | Player 1 | ||||||||||
| Set 1 | 2 | 1 | Player 1 |
How to Keep Score in Table Tennis
Scoring in table tennis is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few rules that you need to know in order to keep track of the game properly. The basic unit of scoring is the point, and each point is worth one point. A game is won by the first player to reach 11 points, and a match is won by the first player to win two games.
There are a few different ways to score a point in table tennis. One way is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent’s court, so that they are unable to return it. Another way to score a point is to force your opponent to hit the ball into the net or off the table. You can also score a point if your opponent hits the ball twice in a row, or if they touch the table with their free hand while the ball is in play.
If you win a point, you will serve the next point. The serve must be hit diagonally over the net and into your opponent’s court. Your opponent must then return the serve, and the rally continues until one player scores a point.
