Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a sport that has been around since the 1880s. It is a game that is played on a hard, flat surface with a net stretching across the center. The object of the game is to hit the ball back and forth over the net, with the goal of making it difficult for your opponent to return. Despite its simple rules, table tennis is a game with a great deal of strategy and technique. Unfortunately, there are many faults that can occur during a match, many of which can lead to a loss of points. In this article, we will be looking at the different types of faults in table tennis and how to avoid them.
Net Faults
One of the most common faults that can occur in table tennis is a net fault. This occurs when the ball touches the net, either during the serve or during the rally. If the ball touches the net during the serve, it is called a let and the serve must be repeated. If the ball touches the net during the rally, the point is awarded to the other player. It’s important to remember that a slight touch of the net does not constitute a fault; it must be a significant touch for it to be considered a fault.
Double Hits
Another common fault in table tennis is a double hit. This occurs when the player hits the ball twice in a row, instead of just once. It is important to note that this does not include a player’s body; if the ball hits the player and then goes over the net, it is not considered a double hit. However, if the ball is hit more than once with a racket or paddle, it is considered a double hit and the point is awarded to the other player.
Foot Faults
A foot fault occurs when a player steps over the line on the court while serving. This is a fault and the serve must be repeated. It is important to remember that the feet must remain behind the line while serving, and that no part of the foot can cross the line.
Carrying
Carrying is another common fault in table tennis. This occurs when the ball is held or caught on the racket before it is hit. It is important to remember that the ball must be hit and not held or caught, as this will result in a fault.
Hitting the Ball Out of Bounds
Hitting the ball out of bounds is a fault that can occur during a rally. This occurs when the ball is hit outside of the boundaries of the court. It is important to remember that the ball must stay within the court boundaries at all times; if it goes outside, the point is awarded to the other player.
Hitting the Ceiling
Another fault that can occur in table tennis is hitting the ceiling. This happens when the ball is hit too high and goes above the ceiling of the court. This is a fault and the point is awarded to the other player. It is important to remember that the ball must stay within the court boundaries at all times; if it goes too high, the point is awarded to the other player.
Hitting the Table
Hitting the table is also a fault in table tennis. This occurs when the ball is hit and goes onto or under the table before going over the net. This is a fault and the point is awarded to the other player.
Obstruction Foul
An obstruction foul is a fault that can occur during a rally. This occurs when a player moves or stands in the way of the other player’s shot. It is important to remember that a player must not move or stand in the way of the other player’s shot; if they do, the point is awarded to the other player.
Time Violation
Time violation is a fault that can occur during a game. This occurs when a player takes too much time to serve, or takes too long to return the ball. It is important to remember that a player must serve within a certain amount of time, and must return the ball within a certain amount of time; if they do not, the point is awarded to the other player.
Conclusion
Table tennis is a sport with a great deal of strategy and technique. Unfortunately, there are many faults that can occur during a match, many of which can lead to a loss of points. In this article, we looked at the different types of faults in table tennis, including net faults, double hits, foot faults, carrying, hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the ceiling, hitting the table, obstruction fouls, and time violations. Knowing the different faults and how to avoid them can help a player become a more successful table tennis player.