what-are-the-common-faults-in-table-tennis
In table tennis, common faults can occur during service, receiving, and general play. Here are some of them:
1. Service - related Faults
- Illegal Service Action
- Non - vertical Toss: According to the rules, the server must toss the ball vertically upwards, at least 16 cm, without imparting spin. If the ball is tossed at an angle or with spin, it is an illegal service. This gives the server an unfair advantage as it can make the ball's trajectory and bounce unpredictable for the receiver.
- Hidden Service: Hiding the ball during the service motion, for example, by covering it with the body, arm, or racket, is not allowed. The server's contact with the ball must be clearly visible to the receiver. This rule ensures fairness in the game, as the receiver should be able to anticipate the spin and direction of the served ball.
- Wrong Service Footwork: The server's feet should not move during the service motion, except for minor adjustments to maintain balance. If the server steps forward, backward, or to the side in an improper way while serving, it can be considered a fault.
- Double - Bounce on Service: The served ball must first bounce on the server's side of the table and then cross the net to bounce on the receiver's side. If the ball bounces twice on the server's side before going over the net, it is a fault.
2. Receiving - related Faults
- Failure to Return the Ball
- Missing the Ball: This is the most straightforward receiving fault. When the ball bounces on the receiver's side of the table, and the receiver fails to hit it with the racket, the server scores a point. This can happen due to misjudgment of the ball's speed, spin, or direction.
- Hitting the Ball out of Bounds: If the receiver hits the ball in such a way that it goes beyond the sidelines or end - lines of the opponent's side of the table without first hitting the table surface, it is a fault. This often occurs when the receiver misjudges the spin of the ball or over - hits in an attempt to return a powerful shot.
3. General Play Faults
- Double - Hit
- A player is not allowed to hit the ball twice in succession, except in some special circumstances like a let. If a player accidentally hits the ball a second time before the opponent has a chance to return it, it is a fault. This can happen when the ball bounces off the racket frame and then hits the racket face again during a rapid swing.
- Ball Hitting the Player or Clothing
- If the ball touches the player's body or clothing before it has hit the racket during a rally, it is a fault. This can occur when a player tries to reach a difficult shot and the ball makes contact with their body instead of the racket.
- Net - Cord on Non - Service Return
- While a net - cord during service can result in a let (re - serve), during a normal rally, if the ball hits the net and fails to go over onto the opponent's side, it is a fault. However, if the ball hits the net and still manages to land on the opponent's side of the table, the rally continues.
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