Table Tennis Etiquette & Sportsmanship

Table tennis is not just about skill—it’s also about respect, fair play, and good sportsmanship. Whether you're playing a casual hit, pennant match, or tournament, following proper etiquette ensures a better experience for everyone involved: players, officials, and spectators alike.

Below are some simple but important customs and rules to follow on and around the table.

🏓 Nets & Edges

If you win a point due to a lucky net cord or edge ball, it’s customary to raise your index finger as an apology. It’s a polite way to acknowledge that the point was won through luck, not skill.

Spectators should also avoid clapping or cheering for these “lucky” points—doing so can frustrate players.

🔊 Celebrations & Noise

It’s common to hear players shout “Cho!” or similar words after winning a point. Celebrating is fine—but be mindful not to overdo it. Excessive or overly loud celebrations can distract players on nearby courts and come across as disrespectful.

Avoid shouting or cheering too much when your opponent faults a serve. A good rule of thumb: celebrate in a way that matches the level and tone of the event. In other words—read the room.

Strictly NO high-pitched squealing

It’s not only damaging to your vocal cords, it’s disruptive and universally disliked. It’s unnecessary and considered rude by both players and spectators. Please keep your celebrations respectful.

✅ Follow the Rules

Winning by breaking the rules isn’t winning. The most commonly broken service rules include:

Service Toss

You must toss the ball at least 16cm (approx. the height of the net) from the palm of your stationary, open hand before striking it. Simply dropping or hitting it out of your hand is not allowed.

Service Visibility

The ball must remain above the level of the table, behind the end line, and visible to your opponent throughout the serve. It must not be hidden by your body, arm, or clothing.

🤝 After the Match: Handshakes

At the end of a match, it’s customary to shake hands—or offer a fist bump—with your opponent, the umpire, and both coaches (yours and theirs). This shows mutual respect, regardless of the result.

Avoid slapping hands or leaving without acknowledging your opponent—it reflects poorly on your sportsmanship.

✋ Honesty Goes a Long Way

If a point is wrongly awarded to you and you know your opponent’s shot clipped the edge or table, speak up and give them the point. Being honest earns respect and promotes fair play.

🏋️‍♂️ Warming Up Etiquette

The 2 min warm-up is not the time to win points—it’s to help both players prepare. Here’s how to do it right:

Block for your opponent Let them warm up their loop by playing passively, not smashing or going for winners.
Be consistent Rally in a way that helps your opponent find rhythm.
Apologise for mishits If you hit a wild ball by accident during warm-up, just apologise and continue.

Typical 2 minute warm-up routine:

Forehand-to-forehand rally (20 seconds)
One player loops, the other blocks (20 seconds)
Swap roles (20 seconds)
Repeat the same flow on backhand side (60 seconds)

🔍 Checking Opponent’s Racket

It’s okay to inspect your opponent’s racket before the match, but don’t touch the playing surface. Touching the rubber—especially the sweet spot—can leave oils from your fingers and affect its performance. If you must touch it, only do so near the label or handle.

In most cases, a quick visual check is all you need.

🚫 Verbal & Equipment Abuse

Throwing your bat, slamming the table, shouting, or swearing is not acceptable and can result in a yellow card or disqualification. Respect your equipment, your opponent, and the officials.

📣 Scoring & Umpiring

Umpires (or players if self-umpiring) must clearly call the score at the start and after each point.
Scoreboards are for the benefit of players and spectators—keep them up to date.
Umpires must enforce the rules, especially repeated or blatant infractions (e.g., illegal serves).

🏃 Ball in Another Court

If a ball rolls into another court during a rally, only the umpire can call a let. Players must not shout “let” or enter the court until play has stopped or permission is given. Always make eye contact before retrieving a ball from another game.

💧 Water Bottles & Gear

Keep water bottles off the playing court —they can spill or become a tripping hazard. Use a towel if needed, but:

Store it in the towel box or near the umpire's chair.
Don’t hang towels on tables or barriers.
Damp floor sponges should be kept under the net and removed after the match.

✋ Don’t Wipe Your Hands on the Table

Wiping your hands on the table is strictly forbidden. It’s unhygienic and disrespectful to everyone who plays after you.

Think about it: you don’t know who else has wiped their hands there—and they don’t know where your hands have been either. Sweaty hands leave behind body oils, bacteria, and germs, which can easily spread illness, especially in shared spaces. On top of that, oily residue affects how the ball bounces, causing it to slip or skid unexpectedly.

It’s also sometimes seen as a delaying tactic and can be penalised in formal settings.

Instead, use your towel during the allowed towel breaks (after every 6 points). If you accidentally sweat on the table, use your towel to wipe it off—not your hand.

For everyone’s health and safety: please do not wipe your hands on the table.

Wash your hands after your match, especially if you’ve been sweating heavily.

Following these etiquette guidelines helps create a respectful and enjoyable playing environment for everyone—from grassroots to elite level. A little courtesy goes a long way.