Table Tennis Net You Are Here: Home » Choosing Table Tennis Equipment » Net and Post Sets Table Tennis Net and Post Set Top tips to help you choose your ideal table tennis net. Discover what you need to know before you buy a net and post set. A table tennis net isn't one of the most exciting pieces of equipment, but it's still an important one. There are loads of different styles of net and post sets available, so if you need to buy one you'll need to know what to look for and what to avoid. Unlike some items of equipment such as the ball, a bad net won't necessarily spoil your game, but if it doesn't look good or it's difficult to set up and adjust, it shouldn't be used for serious play. So let's take a look at what you need to know about choosing a table tennis net that's suitable for YOUR needs. So what do you need to look for when choosing a net and post set? Let's start with the basics... What do the rules say about the net and posts? Law 2.02 states... THE NET ASSEMBLY The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table.

The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm outside the side line. The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing surface. The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be attached to the supporting posts from top to bottom. So this means that the net must be... 6 feet (1.83m) long 6 inches (15.25 cm) high, and that the top of the net must be the same height along its whole length and the bottom of the net must be as close as possible (but not touching) the playing surface and the ends of the net must be attached to the supporting posts from top to bottom However, when you're choosing a net, you may also need to consider the... International Regulations Before we go any further, it's important to know the difference between the The Laws of Table Tennis (commonly referred to as the rules) and the International Regulations.

The Laws are the "basic" rules of the game and are mandatory for all sanctioned table tennis events, whereas the International Regulations contain supplementary rules which are used in addition to the Laws in all international events and also in many higher-level domestic events. So the basic rules for a net are as set out above, but if your net will be used in a competition where the International Regulations are being used, it will also have to be one which has been approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). You'll find a list of approved nets below . Let's now take a look at... The function of the net Buy Your Net & Posts Here Butterfly, Stiga, Joola & more So what are some of the additional requirements needed in order to get on the list of... ITTF approved nets If your net is going to be used in sanctioned events, the net assembly must be one which has been approved by the the International Table Tennis Federation . And in order to receive ITTF approval, a net assembly must comply with lots of different criteria. These include... The upright post must be a single matt colour, and cannot be white or yellow.

The net must be made of soft dark mesh and have a white or pale yellow top (tape) not more than 15mm high. The mesh should be made of spun fibre rather than single filament and the knots should be firm and regular. The mesh should not be less than 7.5mm square or more than 12.5mm square. So, how do you choose the right table tennis net for YOU? Choosing a suitable net and post set Well, if you're looking for a table tennis net to use at home, or for a table that won't be used for serious competitive play, then there's a vast range of different nets to choose from. Although some new table tennis tables have a net and post set supplied with them, in most cases you'll need to choose your own net and post set separately. Generally, there are three types of net assemblies... Permanently affixed to the table Spring loaded clip So, the question is... What type of table tennis net do you need? Unless you have a table tennis table which has a net assembly permanently affixed to it, you'll need to choose either a spring loaded clip or a hand tightened screw clamp net assembly.

Spring loaded clip These type of table tennis nets are easy to attach to a table, and to take off ... so they're great for schools and for home use, or if you're just in a hurry. However, the spring clip can become worn over time and you'll find that it'll become more difficult to keep it in place. Hand tightened screw clamp If you're just playing for fun on a home table, you may only want a cheap table tennis net. The cheapest available in this category have a very basic clamp as shown here. However, the net is usually only 5 feet or 5 feet 6 inches long and the net height may not be adjustable. Another similar net, suitable for home use is as shown here. This also has a very basic clamp, but the net is usually the official length of 6 feet, although the height may or may not be adjustable. How To Choose Your Table Tennis Table Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six With so many table tennis tables to choose from, how do you ensure that you pick the best table? Not just the best available table, but the one that's best for YOU. After all, it's easy to think that they're all the same ...

they aren't .... and you don't want to make an expensive mistake! Tables are available at lots of different prices, from cheap to expensive, but the price alone will not indicate whether that particular table is best for YOU. You'll need to know what to look for and what questions to ask so that you can eliminate the unsuitable tables and pick the ideal one for you. OK, let's begin with one of the most frequently asked questions... What are the size dimensions of a table tennis table? Let me tell you an amusing little story... I was at a quiz evening a while ago with two friends of mine who both used to play table tennis for England. We were struggling to answer most of the questions that night when suddenly the quizmaster asked "What's the size of a table tennis table?" For once I thought ... great, here's one we all know the answer to. Well my friend ... an ex-England International suddenly hesitated. Why aren't you writing down the answer? I asked. "Because I don't know the answer" he replied. "Is it 10 feet by 5 feet?" Well, when we'd eventually finished laughing, we reminded him that it's...

9 feet (2.74m) long, But, before you buy any table, the most important question is... How will your table be used? The type of table that's best for YOU will depend upon how you intend to use it. You see, different tables are designed for different purposes, so it's important that you know what your table will be used for. For example, how robust does it need to be? A table used in a club or a school will need to be more robust than one which is just being used occasionally at home. Also, how often will the table need to be taken down and stored away? It's important that you consider all of these questions because a cheap table will generally not be as robust as a more expensive table, so you need to make sure that you're clear on it's usage before you decide which one to buy. Therefore you'll need to consider all of the following... How ... often will your table be used? Daily Who ... will be using your table? Professional players What ... space is available for your table? Will it always be erected, ready for use? Will it need to be stored away? Where ... will your table be used?

Table tennis events Official Tennis Court Dimensions | Tennis Court Length (Singles and Doubles): 78 feet (23.77 m) Tennis Court Width (Singles: 27 feet (8.23m) Tennis Court Width (Doubles): 36 feet (10.97m) Tennis net posts height: 3-1/2 feet (1.07m) Tennis net height (at center): 3 feet (0.914m) Maximum diameter of cord or metal net cable: 1/3 inch (0.8cm) Maximum width of strap for net: 2 inches (5cm) Band for top of net (on each side): between 2 inches (5m) and 2-1/2 inches (6.35cm) Tennis net post diameter: may not be more than 6 inches (15cm) in diameter (or square) Singles sticks: may not be more than 3 inches (7.5cm) in diameter (or square) Tennis net posts and singles sticks: may not be more than 1 inch (2.5cm) above top of net cord Center service line and center mark: 2 inches (5

cm) wide Other lines of tennis court: between 1 inch (2.5cm) and 2 inches (10cm) wide Baseline: may be up to 4 inches (10 cm) wide Official Ping Pong - Table Tennis Rules | Killerspin 01.

The Table 1.1 The table shall be in surface rectangular, 274 cm. (9 ft.) in length, 152.5 cm. (5 ft.) in width. It shall be supported so that its upper surface, termed the playing surface, shall lie in a horizontal plane 76 cm. (2 ft. 6 in.) above the floor. 1.2 It shall be made of any material and shall yield a uniform bounce of about 23 cm. (8 3/4 in.) when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30 cm. (12 in.) above the surface. 1.3 The playing surface shall be dark colored and matt, with a white line 2 cm. (3/4 inch) wide along each edge. 1.3.1 The lines along the 152.5 cm. (5 ft.) edges or ends shall be termed end lines, and they shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions. 1.3.2 The lines along the 274 cm. (9 ft.) edges or sides shall be termed side lines.

1.4 For doubles, the playing surface shall be divided into halves by a white line 3 mm. (1/8 in.) wide, running parallel with the side lines, termed the center line. Permanent marking of the center line shall not invalidate the table for singles play. The center line shall be regarded as part of each right hand court. 1.5 The playing surface shall be considered to include the top edges of the table, but not the sides of the table top below the edge. top ^ 02. The Net Assembly 2.1 The playing surface shall be divided into two "courts" of equal size by a vertical net running parallel to the end lines. 2.2 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table. 2.3 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25 cm. (6 in.) high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25 cm. outside the side lines. 2.4 The net, with its suspension, along its whole length, shall be 15.25 cm.

(6 in.) above the playing surface. The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts. top ^ 03. The Ball 3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 40 mm. The ball shall weigh 2.7 gm. 3.2 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastic material and shall be white or orange and matte. top ^ 04. The Racket 4.1 The racquet may be of any size, shape, or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid. 4.2 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood. An adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or compressed paper but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35 mm, whichever is the smaller. 4.3 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2 mm.

or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4 mm. 4.3.1 Ordinary pimpled rubber is a single layer of non-cellular rubber, natural or synthetic, with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a density of not less than 10 per sq. cm. and not more than 50 per sq. cm. 4.3.2 Sandwich rubber is a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled rubber not being more than 2 mm. 4.4 The covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade, except that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material and may be considered part of the handle. 4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade, and any layer of covering material or adhesive shall be continuous and of even thickness. 4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of a blade or of a side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be matt, bright red on one side and black on the other.

4.7 Slight deviations from uniformity of color or continuity of covering due to fading, wear, or accidental damage may be ignored provided they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface. 4.8 At the start of a match and if he changes his racquet during a match, a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racquet he is about to use and shall allow them to examine it. 4.9 If a player breaks his racquet during a game, he shall replace it immediately with another racquet which he has brought with him to the playing area or one which is handed to him in the playing area. A racket shall not be changed in an individual match unless it is accidentally damaged so badly that it cannot be used. If a player changes a racket during an individual match without notification, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee. 4.10 The covering material on a side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be of a brand and type currently approved by the USATT and shall be attached to the blade so that the trademark and ITTF logo (if applicable) are clearly visible near the edge of the striking surface.

4.11 If a player strikes the ball in play with a side of the blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of the Rules, his opponent will be awarded a point. 05.Definitions 5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play. 5.2 The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until it touches anything other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racquet held in the racquet hand or the racquet hand below the wrist, or until the rally is otherwise decided a let or a point. 5.3 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored. 5.4 A point is a rally of which the result is scored. 5.5 The racquet hand is the hand carrying the racquet. 5.6 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racquet. 5.7 A player strikes the ball if he touches it in play with his racquet, held in the racquet hand, or with his racquet hand below the wrist.

5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when it is traveling toward the playing surface and has not passed beyond the end line, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent. 5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally. 5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally. 5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to decide the results of each rally. 5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire. The stroke counter is the person appointed to count strokes under the expedite system. 5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he was wearing or carrying at the start of the rally. 5.14 The ball shall be regarded as passing over or around the net assembly if it passes under or outside the projection of the net assembly outside the table. top ^ 06. Service 6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free hand.

6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises as least 16 cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without touching anything before being struck. 6.3 As the ball is falling, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then, passing directly over or around the net assembly touches the receiver's court. In doubles the ball shall touch successively the right half court of the server and receiver. 6.4 From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or his doubles partner. 6.5 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a good service. 6.5.1 If there is no Assistant Umpire, and the umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service he may, on the first occasion in a match, warn the server without awarding a point.

6.5.2 If subsequently in the match a service by that player or his doubles partner is of dubious legality, for same reason or for any other reason, the receiver shall score a point. 6.5.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a good service, no warning shall be given and the receiver shall score a point. 6.5.4 Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a good service where he is satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical disability. 6.6 If, in attempting to serve, a player fails to strike the ball while it is in play, his opponent will be awarded a point. top ^ 07. A Good Return 7.1 The ball, having been served or returned in play, shall be struck so that it passes directly over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly. 7.1.1 If the ball, having been served or returned in play, returns with its own impetus over the net, it may be struck so that it touches directly the opponent's court. top ^ 08.

The Order Of Play 8.1 In singles, the server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return, and thereafter, server and receiver alternately shall each make a good return. 8.2 In doubles, the server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return, the partner of the server shall then make a good return, the partner of the receiver shall then make a good return, and thereafter, each player alternately in that sequence shall make a good return. 09. A Let A rally is a let: 9.1 If in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly, touches it, provided the serve is otherwise good or is obstructed by the receiver or his partner. 9.2 If the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his partner attempts to strike the ball. 9.3 If, the failure to make a good service or a good return or otherwise to comply with the Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player. 9.4 If play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire.

9.4.1 To correct an error in the order of serving or receiving or ends. 9.4.2 To introduce the expedite system. 9.4.3 To warn or penalize a player. 9.4.4 Because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally. Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score the point: 10.1 If his opponent fails to make a good service. 10.2 If his opponent fails to make a good return. 10.3 If, after he has made a good service or a good return, the ball touches anything other than the net assembly before being struck by his opponent. 10.4 If the ball passes beyond his end line without touching his court, after being struck by his opponent. 10.5 If his opponent obstructs the ball, except as provided in Rule 9.1. 10.6 If his opponent strikes the ball twice successively. 10.7 If his opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racquet blade having an illegal surface. 10.8 If his opponent, or anything he wears or carries, moves the playing surface.

10.9 If his opponent, or anything he wears or carries, touches the net assembly. 10.10 If his opponent's free hand touches the playing surface. 10.11 If, in doubles, his opponent strikes the ball out of sequence established by the first server and first receiver. 10.12 As provided under the expedite system. 10.13 If the umpire assesses a penalty point against his opponent. top ^ 11. A Game 11.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points. Play shall be continuous throughout a match except that any player is entitled to: 13.1 An interval of up to 1 minute between successive games of a match. 13.2 Brief intervals for toweling after every 6 points from the start of each game and at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match. 13.3 A player or pair may claim one time-out period of up to 1 minute during a match.

13.3.1 In an individual event the request may be made by the player or pair or by the designated advisor. In a team event it may be made by the player or pair or by the team captain. 13.3.2 The request for a time-out, which shall be made only when the ball is out of play, shall be made by making a "T" sign with the hands. 13.3.3 On receiving a valid request for a time-out the umpire shall suspend play. Play will be resumed when the player or pair who called it is ready to continue or at the end of one minute, whichever is sooner. 13.4 The referee may allow a suspension of play of the shortest practical duration, and in no circumstances more than 10 minutes, if a player is temporarily incapacitated by an accident, provided that in the opinion of the referee the suspension is not likely to be unduly disadvantageous to the opposing player or pair. 13.5 A suspension shall not be allowed for a disability which was present or was reasonably to be expected at the beginning of the match, or where it is due to the normal stress of play.

Disability such as cramp or exhaustion, caused by the player's current state of fitness or by the manner in which play has proceeded, does not justify such an emergency suspension, which may be allowed only for incapacity resulting from an accident, such as injury caused by a fall. 13.6 If anyone in the playing area is bleeding, play shall be suspended immediately and shall not resume until that person has received medical treatment and all traces of blood have been removed from the playing area. 13.7 Players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout a match except with the permission of the referee. During intervals between games they shall remain within 3 meters of the playing area under the supervision of the umpire. top ^ 14. The Choice of Ends and Serves 14.1 The choice of ends and the right to serve or receive first in a match shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end. 14.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice.

14.3 After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or pair shall become the serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game, unless both players or pairs score 10 points or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn. 14.4 In the first game of a match the pair who has the right to serve first shall decide which of them shall do so and in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first. In subsequent games of a match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game. 14.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver. 14.6 The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match, and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points.

14.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores. top ^ 15. The Expedite System 15.1 Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes play or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs. 15.1.1 If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted. 15.1.2 If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding rally. 15.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve 1 point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver shall score a point.

15.3 If the expedite system is introduced, or if a game lasts longer than 10 minutes, all subsequent games of the match shall be played under the expedite system. 16. Equipment 16.1 Players shall not choose balls in the playing area. 16.1.1 Whenever possible players shall be given the opportunity to choose one or more balls before coming to the playing area. The match shall be played with one of these balls, taken at random by the umpire. 16.1.2 If a ball has not been chosen before players come to the playing area, the match shall be played with a ball taken at random by the umpire from a box of those specified for the competition. 16.1.3 If a ball has to be replaced during a match, the replacement shall be provided according to the procedures of Rules 17.1.1 and 17.1.2. 16.2 Unless otherwise authorized by the umpire, players shall leave their racquets on the table during intervals. top ^ 17.

Practice 17.1 Players are entitled to practice on the match table for up to 2 minutes immediately before the start of a match but not during normal intervals. The specified practice period may be extended only with the permission of the referee. 17.2 During an emergency suspension of play, the referee may allow players to practice on any table, including the match table. 17.3 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and familiarize themselves with any equipment, which they are to use. However, this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racquet. 18.1 Advice. 18.1.1 In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone. 18.1.2 In an individual event, a player or pair may receive advice only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire. If the players of a doubles pair are from different associations, each may designate an adviser. If an unauthorized person gives advice, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area.

18.1.3 Players may receive advice only during the intervals between games, during a time-out or during other authorized suspension of play. If any authorized person gives advice at other times, the umpire shall hold up a yellow card to warn him that any further such offense will result in his dismissal from the playing area. 18.1.4 After a warning has been given, if in the same team match or the same match of an individual event anyone again gives advice illegally, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area, whether or not he was the person warned. 18.1.5 In a team match, the dismissed adviser shall not be allowed to return, except when required to play, until the team match has ended. In an individual event, he shall not be allowed to return until the individual match has ended. 18.1.6 If the dismissed adviser refuses to leave or returns before the end of the match, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee.

18.1.7 These regulations shall apply only to advice on play and shall not prevent a player or captain, as appropriate, from making a legitimate appeal nor hinder a consultation with an interpreter or association representative on the explanation of a juridical decision. 18.2 Misbehavior. 18.2.1 Players and coaches shall refrain from conduct that may unfairly affect an opponent, offend spectators or bring the game into disrepute. Examples are: abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, kicking the table or surrounds or disrespect to match officials. 18.2.2 If at any time a player or coach commits a serious offence the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. For less serious offences the umpire may, on the first occasion, hold up a yellow card and warn the offender that any further offence is liable to incur penalties. 18.2.3 If a player who has been warned commits a second offence in the same individual or team match, the umpire shall award one point to the player's opponent and after a further offence he shall award two points to his opponent, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together.

18.2.4 If a player against whom 3 penalty points have been awarded in the same individual or team match continues to misbehave the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. 19.2.5 A warning or penalty incurred by either player of a doubles pair shall apply to the pair, but not to the non-offending player in a subsequent individual match of the same team match. At the start of a doubles match the pair shall be regarded as having incurred the higher of any warnings or penalties incurred by either player in the same team match. 18.2.6 If a coach who has been warned commits a further offence in the same individual or team match the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area until the end of the team match, or in an individual event, the end of the individual match. 18.2.7 The referee shall have power to disqualify a player from a match, an event, or a competition for seriously unfair or offensive behavior whether reported by the umpire or not. As he does so he shall hold up a red card.

18.2.8 A player who is disqualified from 2 individual matches of a team or individual event shall automatically be disqualified from that team event or individual competition. 18.2.9 The referee may disqualify for the remainder of a competition anyone who has twice been sent away from the playing area during that competition. 18.2.10 Cases of serious misbehavior shall be reported by the referee to the USATT disciplinary committee. top ^ 19. Clothing (Dress Code) 19.1 Playing clothing shall normally consist of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a track suit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee. 19.2 Clothing may be of any color or colors except that: 19.2.1 The main color of a shirt, skirts, or shorts, other than sleeves or collar of a shirt and trimming along side seams or near the edges, shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use.

19.3 A playing garment may carry: 19.3.1 The maker's normal trademark, symbol, or name contained within a total area of 24 sq. cm. 19.3.2 Not more than 3 clearly-separated advertisements contained within a combined total area of 200 sq. cm. on the front or side of a shirt and one advertisement, contained within a total area of 200 sq. cm. on the back of a shirt. 19.3.3 Not more than two advertisements contained within a combined total area of 80 sq. cm. on shorts or a skirt. 19.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewelry worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent. 19.5 Players must wear socks and soft-soled shoes. 19.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offense or bring the game into disrepute. Absolutely no playing without a shirt, no cutoffs, no jeans, and no tank shirts. Women may wear sleeveless blouses.

19.7 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. If the players or pairs cannot agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by toss. 19.8 Any question of the legality or acceptability of playing clothing shall be decided by the referee. 19.9 Warm-up suits should not be worn during play unless with special permission of the referee. It is his discretion of conformity to the above requirements. 20. Disabled Competition 20.1 Disabled table tennis players are divided into ten divisions or classes using a functional classification system. 20.2 Classes one to five compete in wheelchairs and classes six to ten play standing. 20.3 Separate events may be held for each class and sex or various combinations may be used. 20.4 For more information on classification of disabled athletes, contact the USATT Disabled Players Committee. 20.5 Standing disabled players follow all standard rules; there are a few modifications for wheelchair play. Wheelchair Rules 20.6 The table shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles matches (no cross bars between end legs).

20.7 The court length may be reduced, but should not be less than 8 meters long and must be enclosed by surrounds. 20.8 A service in singles shall be as in Paragraph 6 except that a let shall be called if in service the ball: 20.8.1 Leaves the table by either of the receiver's side lines (on one or more bounces) or 20.8.2 On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net or 20.8.3 Comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface. 20.9 However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a side line or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface, the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called. 20.10 Class 1 and 2 players are not required to project the ball upward from the palm of the free hand. Players in these classes may hold the ball and project it upward in any manner. Regardless of the method, no spin may be imparted to the ball and the ball still must rise at least 6 inches from the hand.

20.11 Responsibility still rests with the server to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can check the legality of the serve. 20.12 During play, a player may touch the playing surface with the free hand, only to restore balance after striking the ball (provided the playing surface is not moved). 20.13 The playing surface shall not be used as a support with the free hand while playing the ball. 20.14 A player or pair shall score a point if the footrest or a foot of their opponent touch the floor during play. 20.15 In team and class singles events, no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. Below knees, strapping is allowed. 20.16 Should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons, this should be noted on their classification card and will be taken into account when assessing the player's class. 20.17 In open events, strapping and other aids are allowed. 20.18 No player shall compete in a wheelchair event unless he has been given an appropriate disabled classification.

Wheelchair Doubles 20.19 Service shall be as above for singles play, but the ball may leave the table by the side line of the receiver's right half-court. 20.20 The server shall first make a good service and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may return the ball. 20.21 During play, no part of a player's wheelchair shall cross the vertical plane of an imaginary extension of the table's center line. If it does, the opposing pair shall score a point. top ^ 21. Playing Conditions 21.1 Space. The normal playing space for each table should be 14 m. (46 ft.) long, 7 m. (23 ft.) wide and 5 m. (16 ft.) high. 21.2 For further information on Playing Conditions, please refer to the USATT Tournament Guide. top ^ 22. Match Officials 22.1 For every competition as a whole as referee shall be appointed. The referee shall be responsible for: 22.1.1 Interpretation of laws and regulations for competition.

22.1.2 Assignment and, if necessary, replacement of match officials. 22.2 An umpire shall be appointed for each match or at the request of any player or pair in that match. Where practical an assistant umpire will also be appointed. 22.2.1 The umpire shall sit or stand in line with the net and the assistant umpire shall sit directly facing him, at the other side of the table. 22.2.2 The umpire shall be responsible for: 22.2.2.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee. 22.2.2.2 Taking a ball at random in accordance with the rules. 22.2.2.3 Conducting the draw for choice of serving, receiving and ends. 22.2.2.4 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein. 22.2.2.5 Deciding each rally as a point or a let. 22.2.2.6 Calling the score in accordance with specified procedure. 22.2.2.7 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time.

22.2.2.8 Maintaining the continuity of play. 22.2.2.9 Taking action for breaches of the advice or behavior regulations. 22.3 The assistant umpire shall decide whether the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table top nearest to him. 22.4 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide: 22.4.1 That a player's service action is illegal. 22.4.2 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it. 22.4.3 That a player obstructs the ball. 22.4.4 That the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally. 22.4.5 Time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals. 22.5 Either the assistant umpire or a separate official may act as stroke counter to count the strokes of the receiving player or pair when the expedite system is in operation. 22.6 The umpire may not overrule the assistant umpire or stroke counter on a decision of fact made within their area of responsibility.

top ^ 23. Doping 23.1 There shall be no doping before or during play in any competition. For the purpose of these regulations, doping is the introduction into the body in any way of any of a list of prohibited substances as provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and/or the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). A player who fails a doping test shall be subject to disciplinary action per the USATT Bylaws and Standing Rules. It is the athlete's responsibility to remain informed of lists of banned substances through the USADA Drug Reference Line. As of this printing, the Drug Reference Line is 800-233-0393. Tennis Net Height Rules | LIVESTRONG.COM Tennis Net Height Rules Last Updated: Nov 09, 2015 Kevin Dowd Kevin Dowd began his professional writing career in the summer of 2009, when he wrote for Flexibooks, of Macmillam Education Australia. He graduated from William Paterson University in 2008 with a degree in history. A man is swinging a tennis racket.

Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Stockbyte/Getty Images Overview The net is the single most important structure in tennis. It is the main obstacle of the game, and the aspect that makes it most challenging. Hitting the ball over the net is the cardinal rule of tennis. A player’s skill, quickness and power mean nothing if he can’t properly land the tennis ball over the net and into his opponent’s court. Structure The tennis net is placed directly in the center of the court. It is suspended by net posts, splitting the court into two equal halves. The net forms a criss-cross pattern, and the small square holes must be tiny enough that the tennis ball can’t pass through it. Likewise, the net must touch the ground so the ball can’t travel under it. It must be held down in the center by a white strap. It must also have a cord or metal cable running along the top of the net, which must be covered by a white band. Height The tennis net stands 3 feet high at the center, the lowest point of the net. Where the net is attached to the posts, the top of the net is 3 feet, 6 inches from the ground.

It sags slightly from the net posts at each end, but no more than 6 inches at the center of the court in order to maintain the proper height. Width The tennis net must be wide enough to cover the entire court from sideline to sideline. Net posts are placed 3 feet outside either sideline, depending on the type of matches. Most courts are built for doubles matches, as well as single matches. The doubles sidelines are drawn outside the singles sidelines and the distinction is understood. In most cases, the net posts will be 42 feet apart. They stand at 3 feet, 6 inches high and can’t be more than 1 inch above the net band. Related Searches Lose Weight.

Feel Great Change your life with MyPlate by LIVESTRONG.COM GOAL Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week GENDER The Proper Technique of the Tennis Serve Toss Search The Proper Technique of the Tennis Serve Toss The tennis serve toss is perhaps one of the most important phases of the serve in tennis. Learning a proper tennis serve toss will build consistency and accuracy into a player’s tennis serve motion. Can anything be more discouraging on the tennis court than a tennis serve toss that seems to constantly betray you? The serve cannot be overestimated in its importance to your total game. Your serve can be classified in one of three ways: a weapon, a stroke that simply puts the ball into play or a motion that actually costs you point after point after point. What many players don’t realize is that the tennis serve toss is supremely important to making your serve a weapon and not a liability. Is Your Tennis Serve Toss to Blame?

Most of the time, players that struggle with the consistency of their serve often have issues with their tennis serve toss. If they cannot get the ball toss for the serve in the right spot on a consistent basis, the contact point will be altered, and thus an inconsistent serve will be the result. I have seen players nearly come to tears as they grow in frustration with their serve. One double fault leads to another; a first serve hit out leads to 10 more first serves hit out or into the net; the affected player can sometimes be reduced to contemplating an underhanded serve simply to get the ball in. The serve is a fairly complicated stroke that requires excellent hand-eye coordination and an outstanding sense of timing. Tennis is a technique sport, and the serve continues to be one of the most difficult strokes to master for players of all ages and skill levels. Refining Your Tennis Serve Toss The first step to improving your serve, however, is refining your toss. The tennis serve toss becomes the foundation for a serve that will terrorize your opponents or, at least, enables you to avoid all double faults and actually get your first serve in on a consistent basis. Do we need to discuss the importance of getting that first serve in?

We know that pounding first serves into the box, even if they are not at rocket speed, helps you to establish a winning rhythm and forces your opponent to be on the defensive throughout the match. You can cull any database that you’d like as you analyze match results—you will find that percentage of first serves in proves to be an absolutely crucial statistic in correlation to winning percentage. Take note of that first serve percentage the next time that you watch a match on television. You will quickly see that the player who consistently puts the first serve into play wins most or all of his/her service games. Developing a Better Serve Through a Better Tennis Serve Toss Thus, we are aiming for two simple and primary goals as we work to improve your serve: we want you to succeed in smacking a fairly hard serve that lands consistently in on the first attempt; we want you to forget what a double fault feels like because they will become so rare. With that said, let’s consider some advice from an assortment of pros as to improving your tennis serve toss: Tennis Serve Toss Tip #1: Relaxation of the Tossing Arm- Relaxation of the Tossing Arm- Many players and pros confess that problems with their tennis serve toss actually begin between the ears.

That is, if they are not totally concentrating on their serve, their toss will be wayward and their problems will compound from there. As you toss to begin the service motion, be sure that you are relaxed and focused on the serve, not the score, not the wind, not your opponent’s loud father in the stands. Tennis Serve Toss Tip #2: Ball Positioning in Hand- Take a look at how you are holding the ball. The ball should rest between the end of your thumb and the ends of two or three of your fingers. You should hold it lightly in this pincer-like grip. The ball should be well removed from your palm. The old adage about thinking of tossing an egg works pretty well here. Make sure the ball is on the ends of your fingertips as you go to toss it. As you practice your toss, try to release the ball in a way that all of your fingers lose contact with the ball at the exact same time. This is not as hard as it might sound, but it is important. The ball should leave your thumb and 2-3 fingertips simultaneously. Practice to make this part of the toss perfect.

Tennis Serve Toss Tip #3: Avoid Bending the Tennis Serve Tossing Arm- Most players and pros who instruct on this matter advise players to keep their arms straight with their elbow locked. Think of your arm as the catapult that will power the ball up into the air as you raise it and open your fingers somewhat like a flower. The motion of your arm upwards should be enough to give you a toss of decent height. Tennis Serve Toss Tip #4: Ensure the Correct Tennis Serve Toss Height- If your tennis serve toss is too low, then increase the speed of your arm being lifted into position. You should release the ball at eye level as your arm is held straight out. This will also help you to get a reasonable height on your tennis serve toss. It will also keep you from releasing the ball too late or too early, which will cause the ball to be tossed too far in front of you or too far behind you, both of which will result in unnatural body positions for the striking of the serve. Remember: arm straight + ball released at eye level=toss at correct height and position.

Tennis Serve Toss Tip #5: Do Not Drop Your Head as You Toss- As you are now thinking of your straight arm and soft release at eye level, it is important to remind you that you should be watching the ball at all times. You might not see it when it is at your waist or wherever you begin your service motion, but once it is tossed, you should know exactly where it is. You should never take a peek at your opponent or at the court or at the sparrow in the alley. Your eye should be on the ball until contact occurs. By the way, many times when you take your eye off the ball at this point, it is because you have excessive nerves or are planning too much with your serve. Stay relaxed and watch the ball. Don’t tense up and make a huge plan in the millisecond that it takes for you to toss the ball. Tennis Serve Toss Tip #6: Tossing Arm Position Many pros recommend that your toss be up a shaft slightly to the right of your tossing arm, that is to say that the toss might not be entirely vertical in a straight line.

This will leave the ball at the height of your toss more towards your right shoulder, a good position for it as your right arm swings through and strikes the ball. To practice this type of placement, place your racquet or a used CD on the court about one racquet face to the right of your left foot in the service motion. You should be able to toss the ball onto the racquet face or CD again and again. Once you have mastered this placement, you can know with confidence that you are tossing the ball into a spot where your right arm can strike it with maximum effectiveness. How High Should Your Tennis Serve Toss Be? Now that we have established where the tennis serve toss should be made vis-à-vis your shoulders, now we need to decide how high your toss should be. As you have watched tennis and played against a wide variety of opponents, you have discovered that players toss the ball at an amazing array of heights. Some like a super high toss (which can be adversely affected by the wind) and some like a very low toss (requires even better hand-eye coordination than normal). Both the very high and the very low toss have advantages in terms of the receiver’s timing.

Nothing can throw the receiver off more than waiting, waiting, waiting for the ball to descend to the server’s outstretched racquet. Similarly, a quick toss and smash serve can catch the receiver off guard. If you are more concerned with getting the serve in rather than disrupting your foe’s timing, find a height that feels good to you. Experimenting With Your Tennis Serve Toss Most pros would recommend hitting the ball when it is at its highest point or shortly afterward. Toss the ball at different heights and see what feels best for you. You might be one of those skyscraper tossers, or perhaps you will go with the hurry-up tennis serve toss. Most players toss the ball somewhere in between, a couple of feet into the air and then strike it soon after it begins to descend. Whatever toss you decide to utilize, one final point bears noting: this toss should be completely automatic for you if you want to have a consistent serve. That means that you are going to have to practice it for hours. You don’t have to rehearse the toss separate from the service motion for hours, but you do need to hit thousands of serves to make the toss automatic and your service motion a smooth one.

What a Perfect Tennis Serve Toss Feels Like A great serve begins with a toss that is right for the server, gently launched upward slightly to the right in most cases. As that ball sits for instant on that invisible ledge caused by gravity—whoosh!—comes the racquet through to strike it with terrifying force. The toss rose to a comfortable height and now the ball is landing squarely in the box, again and again and again. You have now mastered the tennis serve toss. Improve Your Tennis Technique Now! If you want to play like the PROS, then you need to have the game. Check out our Tennis Ebooks and be on the way to improving all of your tennis strokes without the trial and error. Click Here to Improve Your Tennis Tennis Court Facts Tennis Court Facts The tennis most of us are familiar with, is not real tennis. Modern tennis was derived from real tennis during the latter part of the 19th century, and became a staple of the upper-class in England. From the English version called lawn tennis, its popularity grew rapidly into the game of tennis played around the world today.

Other than the idea of using a racket and a ball, very little else resembles the real tennis that became popular during the 1500's in Europe. Today, we have a well defined set of parameters for the layout of the court. A regulation tennis court will have dimensions of 27' X 78' for singles matches and 36' X 78' for doubles matches. There are specifications for the clear space around the court, of 21' on the ends, 12' on the sides and up to 36' above the court, to provide room for play. Allowances are made for some variation in the clear spaces but the court size cannot deviate by more than 1/4”. Orientation of a tennis court is an important consideration for several reasons. The rising and setting sun, shadows from nearby buildings, prevailing wind patterns and any potential obstructions can impact play and need to be addressed to ensure the optimum layout. The general rule is a north-south orientation with some small deviation based on local conditions. The best surface color is a balance between what may be, conflicting interests. A dark surface for the court with a slightly lighter color for the surrounding area works well for seeing the ball.

Darker surfaces absorb more heat which can be more debilitating for the players. A dark surface indoors will require more lighting to create proper visibility. The tennis net gets a lot of attention due to the concern about how high it should be on the ends versus the middle. The posts for the net are to placed 3' outside the lines of play and the finished height of the net at the posts, including the posts, should be 42”. The strap securing the net in the middle should be 36” in height. Tennis courts may look flat but some slope is required to accommodate proper drainage. The amount of slope will depend on the type of surface. Clay surfaces have a minimum slope of 1” per 30 lineal feet and a maximum slope of 1” per 24 lineal feet. Although, the numbers will differ somewhat by type of surface, the idea is to have a consistent slope that drains any water away from the court. These are tight tolerances requiring a professional to accomplish a proper finish. As a comparison, the average concrete deck slopes from 3 to 6 inches in 24 lineal feet.

For planning purposes, the rule of thumb is one tennis court will usually support a population of around 10,000 people. Whether it is one court or an entire complex, the best approach to creating a tournament worthy court, is to consult an expert. Ping Pong Table Size Open Mic Ping Pong Table Size Ping pong is a sport which is played on a table of a specific size. Read the article to learn about the ping pong table size, the dimensions of the ball and racket used in the game. Ping pong, or table tennis, probably the most played racket sport around the world, is played on a hard table where two or four players hit a hollow ball, back and forth with rackets. The table is split in the middle by a net. Apart from the serve, a players should hit the ball in such a manner that it bounces once on the opponent's side, after which the opponent returns the ball in the same way. When any player is unable to return the ball within the rules of the game, the other player gets a point. It is a fast game demanding quick reflexes and reactions from players.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the governing body of the sport, and since 1988 it is even been included in the Olympics. The game originated in Britain in the 1800s where it was known as whiff-waff. It wasn't a full-fledged sport back then and was usually played as an activity game after dinner. Books were used as rackets, a pile of books served as the net and a golf ball was used to play the game. The rules and equipment used in the game has undergone a tremendous change ever since. However, size of the ping pong table has remained more or less similar since inception. Ping Pong Table Measurement A ping pong table is made from Masonite, a kind of hardboard comprising wooden chips. These wooden chips are treated with steam, prior to being used, so that they form long fibers. These fibers are then used for making boards and the actual table. Length A ping pong table should be 9 feet in length. When converted into meters, the length comes out to be 2.74 m. This length is standard across for all tables, as specified by the ITTF. A net divides the table into two equal halves.

Width A ping pong table is 5 feet wide. When converted to metric terms, it becomes 1.525 m. A white colored straight line divides the width into two equal halves. These sections are essential while playing a doubles game. Height A ping pong table stands 2 feet 6 inches (30 inches) above the ground. Net The net place in the center of a ping pong table should be 6 inches (15 cm) tall. The net assembly consists of clamps and two supporting posts which aid in joining the net to the table. The net is made of nylon and is suspended from the supporting posts with help of a chord. An important aspect of the ping pong game is that there should be uniform ball bounce throughout the table. For this, the ITTF has set a standard that when a ping pong ball is dropped onto the table from a height of 12 inches, it should bounce up to 8¾ inches in height. Ping pong tables usually have a dark-colored surface either green, red or blue in color. Lines on the table are white in color. The white line which divides the width of the table is 3 mm in thickness. The border lining all around the table is 2 cm thick.

In spite of a border lining on the table, the playing area on the table not only includes the border lining, but also extends up to the edges of the table. Ping Pong Ball and Bat Sizes Apart from knowing the ping pong table's size, it is important to know the ball and bat dimensions as well. The ping pong ball is made of celluloid and is hollow. Earlier, the ping pong ball use to be 38 mm in diameter which has now been revised and standardized to 40 mm. A 3-star rating for the ball indicates that its bounce and roundness are consistent. The weight of a ping pong ball should be 2.7 g. The ping pong racket should be 10.6 cm in length, 15.24 cm in width and 19.36 cm in height. Its weight should be about 180 g. The hard, pimpled rubber bats used initially gave way to the sponge rubber bats used these days. The ping pong racket is also known as 'paddle' in the USA and 'bat' in Europe.

Knowing the table tennis table's size is important for people looking to build a table at home by themselves, along with ones who have found a recent interest in the sport itself. It is an excellent sport which can not only be a good exercise, if played regularly, but can also improve a person's hand-eye coordination and reflexes to a great extent. By Suketu Mehta

Question: In inches, how high should the net be in a game of table tennis?
Answer: SIX