🔢 Table Tennis Scoring
Table tennis scoring is simple and fast-paced. Players score points by winning rallies, and games are played to a set number of points.
🧮 How Points Are Scored
A player scores a point when their opponent:
• fails to return the ball
• hits the ball out of bounds
• hits the net without it going over
• allows the ball to bounce twice
• breaks a rule
Every rally results in a point, regardless of who served.
🎯 Game Format
• games are played to 11 points
• a player must win by at least 2 points
Example:
• 11–9 = win
• 11–10 = continue until 2-point lead
🔁 Service Rotation
• each player serves 2 points in a row
• then service switches
at 10–10 (deuce), serves alternate every 1 point
⚖️ Deuce Rule
When the score reaches 10–10, this is called deuce.
• players must win by 2 points
• service alternates every point
Example:
• 12–10 = win
• 15–13 = win
🏆 Match Format
Matches are usually played as:
• best of 5 games
or
• best of 7 games
The player who wins the most games wins the match.
👥 Doubles Scoring
Scoring is the same as singles, but:
• players alternate serves every 2 points
• teammates alternate shots
⚡ Why Scoring Matters
Table tennis scoring rewards:
• consistency
• quick reactions
• smart shot placement
Because games are short, every point is important.