Dropping the ball
Table Tennis Rules
Last updated 8 years ago
Yap Zhi De Asked 8 years ago
Hi Alois
If a person drops the ball from his palm accidentally before throwing the ball, is this counted as the opponent's point?
Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago
Hi Yap,
In theory it would be a fault however, if the player hasn't made an attempt to throw the ball up, the umpire and opponent usually allow the server just to serve again.
Thoughts on this question
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Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago
Hi Yap,
I have had a correction from Graeme Ireland our rules expert. He is the Technical Commissioner for the ITTF and is the mentor to the Umpires and Referees Committee. So obviously a very knowledge man on the rules of the game.
He has pointed out this rule to me. Thanks again Graeme.
Graeme says... accidentally dropping the ball isn’t a fault as the rally hasn’t started. Following is the relevant rule (my highlight):
2.5.2 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 the rally is decided as a let or a point.
Yap Zhi De Posted 8 years ago
Thanks