Last updated on 21-Dec-2012 07:19:17 AM
in case of a back spin, are you allowed to cross the net after playing the shot? can you cross the net and play a shot?
in case you lose balance, is it a foul if you touch the table but do not shake it? can you stand on the table and play a shot without moving the table?
Hi Ankit,
You are allowed to go on to the other side of the court as long as you don't interfere with the other player. You can do this before or after playing a shot. You aren't allowed to touch the net though.
The only part of your body that isn't allowed to touch the table is your free hand. So anything else is allowed to touch the table as long as you don't move the table. Yes you are even allowed to stand on the table but that is difficult without moving it.
lol Alois, this is a revelation! I didn't know that standing on the table was allowed. Your caveat that you are not allowed to move the table may not be such a problem with those solid, one-piece tables that are sometimes used. But obviously you could only stand on the table when receiving, not serving. This just may be the answer to beating the top Chinese players - stand on the table, when receiving, and use a 1.52 meter wide bat!
Hey Alois, I think I know the answer to this question But, what if my opponent hits it with so much backspin that it hits my side and then goes back over the net before I hit it... Does this count as his point?
Yes Collin, that counts as his point.
Regarding going on the side of the table to hit the ball, I have a situation I would like Jeff or Alois (or in fact anyone in the community) to try to answer.
So the ball near the side of the table and you move to the side and hit it, and your arm/ bat ends up above the surface on your opponent's table. Then your opponent reacts quick and returns your stroke and the ball ends up hitting your bat. If the stroke your opponent makes is supposed to be a clear shot (that it would have hit your side if your bat wasn't in the way), how would that point be judged?
Hi Wilson,
That would be a point against you for obstruction. Even if it didn't look like the ball was going to hit your side of the table it would still be obstruction and the point against you.
Hi Alois,
This is really interesting point in the rule book that you have cleared and so thank you for this post and the video.
One more thing I would like you to verify and that is - if the opponent serves with such backspin which makes the ball bounce on his court, then on my court and as the spin kicks in, the ball retreats back, so am I still allowed to crossover, if I can, to return the serve?
Hi Arnab,
That is correct. You you are best to move down one side of the table to get close enough to the ball.
But when I return the ball to other side can i block my opponent with my racket (without touching ball)?
and it will be my point?
No you are not allowed to interfere with their shot. You would lose the point in this situation.
