A guide to table tennis etiquette

When playing table tennis matches there are a few unwritten behavioural conventions which players should observe.

We can call this collection of behavioural conventions ‘table tennis etiquetteâ€. I donâ€t really know when or how some of these behavioural conventions evolved, but they play a key role in keeping the peace. Without these behavioural conventions, there would be a lot more conflict or players punching each other in the face!

Not all players follow the behavioural conventions and thatâ€s when tension can arise. Some players are unaware of the behavioural conventions, especially if they are new to competitive play. Other players are just idiots. They know what the behavioural conventions are, but ignore them on purpose to annoy an opponent.

Iâ€m not great with conflict, so I always follow the behavioural conventions. I like table tennis to be competitive, but played with fairness and good humour. The classic British attitude.

So here is my guide to table tennis etiquette. I encourage you all to try hard, but play fair and play nice.

1. The warm-up

Before a match you have a couple of minutes to warm-up with your opponent. This warm-up should be forehand to forehand and then backhand to backhand. You can play drives, topspins and blocks. Try to be accurate with your placement. The purpose of the warm-up is to get used to the ball, the table and the lighting.

DO NOT smash the ball. DO NOT hit the ball randomly to any position. Itâ€s NOT a competition to see who can hit the ball the hardest. It is a warm-up.

If your opponent is whacking the ball all over the table during the warm-up, ask him if you can play forehand to forehand and then backhand to backhand. If he continues to hit the ball randomly, request to start the match straight away. There is no point letting your opponent smash lots of balls at you. He gets to warm-up and you get to pick up the ball from the floor. This isnâ€t fair. Donâ€t let him do it.

2. Nets and edges

If you win a point with a shot which clips the top of the net or clips the edge of the table, you should acknowledge your good fortune and offer a quick apology. Simply raise your hand and say sorry. Do this in a sincere way, but you donâ€t need to labour the point.

If you lose a point because of your opponentâ€s net or edge, do not complain. Yes, it is frustrating, but your opponent hasnâ€t hit the net or edge on purpose. Itâ€s just bad luck for you. Over the course of a match it generally evens out. Accept it and get on with the next point.

Please play fair. If you believe your opponentâ€s shot has clipped the edge of the table, even the slightest of contacts, acknowledge this to your opponent and the umpire. It is your opponentâ€s point.

3. Celebrating points

If you play a good shot or win an exciting rally, it is fine to show some emotion and celebrate. But donâ€t go over the top. A simple fist pump and a moderate ‘come on†is plenty enough.

If you shout too loudly or celebrate too wildly, you will start to annoy your opponent. And if you are playing in a venue with multiple matches your loud shouts will disturb other tables. Be pleased with your play, but keep your voice down.

Do not celebrate your opponent’s unforced errors. For example, if your opponent misses a serve or an easy high ball, do not cheer or mock your opponent. Keep your joy to yourself and get on with the next point.

4. Calling out illegal serves

Every player should serve legally. The key rules are clear. Toss the ball up vertically (16cm). Hit the ball as it is falling. Hit the ball behind the table. Make sure the ball is visible to your opponent throughout the service action. If you don’t serve legally, learn how to do so.

In reality, there are far too many illegal serves in league matches and tournaments. If there is an official umpire, with proper accreditation, you should allow the umpire to do his/her job. The umpire will call out any illegal serves.

But if you are playing a match with an unofficial umpire, e.g. another player with no accreditation, illegal serves are unlikely to be called out. What should you do in this situation?

If your opponent is serving illegally but gaining no advantage – you can read the spin and return the ball fine – you donâ€t need to make a fuss during the game. Maybe raise it after the match if you wish, but do so in a constructive way, rather than making an accusation of cheating.

If your opponent is serving illegally and gaining an advantage, then it is OK to raise this with either your opponent or the umpire. This should be done in a matter-of-fact way. Explain clearly why you think the serve is illegal.

Some opponents will take on the feedback without complaint. Other players will get very angry. You need to be comfortable with the possible conflict which may arise. But to reiterate the first point … every player should learn to serve legally.

5. Neutral umpiring

In league matches and tournaments, you will often have to be an umpire. You should remain neutral. Your role is to keep score and ensure both players are sticking to the rules.

DO NOT celebrate your team-mates winning shots. DO NOT coach your team-mate in between points.

There is a grey area about whether you can give your team-mate advice during changeovers in between games. I prefer not to give advice and remain completely neutral. But many players will do so. I donâ€t have a strong feeling either way. Iâ€ll leave it up to you.

6. The handshake

At the end of a match, you should shake hands with your opponent. In the process of shaking hands you should also say “well playedâ€, “good game†or some other short platitude. And then both players shake hands with the umpire.Â

Some players prefer a fist pump or a high five, rather than a handshake. This is also fine. Sometimes it can get a bit messy, with one player wanting to shake hands and the other playing wanting to pump fists. It ends up with one player shaking the other playerâ€s fist! Itâ€s all fine. Itâ€s just a simple gesture to reaffirm friendship after a competitive encounter.

7. Post match discussion

It is absolutely fine to discuss the match with your opponent. This should be done in a friendly and constructive way. Be humble. Praise the skills of your opponent.

If you won the match DO NOT talk at length about your opponentâ€s shortcomings in an overly negative way. This will not be welcome. In some cases, your beaten opponent may seek some feedback about what he/she needs to do to improve. Be constructive in your feedback.

If you lost the match, swallow your pride and speak to your opponent. Ask about the tactics he/she used to beat you. Get feedback on your game. Be open to criticism. You can learn a lot.

Don’t be an idiot

If you follow this advice, then you will get along absolutely fine with almost all players you face. No one likes playing with someone who is constantly trying to niggle and cause upset. Don’t be this person. Don’t be an idiot.

Is there a danger that if you follow these behavioural conventions that youâ€ll become too nice and lose your competitive edge? I donâ€t think so. You can still be fiercely competitive and play completely fairly with utmost respect for your opponent. Set a good example for others to follow.

Thereâ€s probably many more aspects of table tennis etiquette I could cover, but the list above addresses the main areas of the game. If you think there is something else which should be considered, please leave a comment below.

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