Obstruction rule

Jasper Low Asked 6 months ago

https://youtube.com/shorts/LGKWoxAnSYw?si=fbPb4wEmmnlXExum

Look at this amazing ghost push right off a net ball by Alexis Lebrun, it was done at the side of the table, if Truls were to go around the side to catch that but Alexis were still standing there,  would that count as obstruction?

Alois Rosario Answered 6 months ago

Hi Jasper,

That was an amazing get and an amazing shot by Alexis.  He has some incredible touch and feel for the ball.  It is usually Truls that is pulling those types of shots.

There is nothing in the rules about Obstruction using your body to stop an opponent.  The Obstruction rule pertains to you stopping the ball from going back onto the table.

In the Definition section of the ITTF Rules it states:
2.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he or she, or anything he or she wears or carries, touches it in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his or her court since last being struck by his or her opponent.