TABLE TENNIS

THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS

Courtesy of the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation)

2.1 THE TABLE

2.1.1 The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, shall be rectangular, 9 ft
long and 5 ft wide, and shall lie in a horizontal plane 2.5 ft above the floor.
2.1.2 The playing surface shall not include the vertical sides of the tabletop.
2.1.3 The playing surface may be of any material and shall yield a uniform bounce of about
9.1 in when a standard ball is dropped on to it from a height of 11.8 in.
2.1.4 The playing surface shall be uniformly dark coloured and matt, but with a white side
line, 0.79 in wide, along each 9 ft edge and a white end line, 0.79 in wide, along each 5 ft
edge.
2.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into 2 equal courts by a vertical net running parallel
with the end lines, and shall be continuous over the whole area of each court.
2.1.6 For doubles, each court shall be divided into 2 equal half-courts by a white centre line,
0.12 in wide, running parallel with the side lines; the centre line shall be regarded as part of
each right half-court.

2.2 THE NET ASSEMBLY

2.2.1 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts,
including the clamps attaching them to the table.
2.2.2 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 6 in high,
the outside limits of the post being 6 in outside the side line.
2.2.3 The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 6 in above the playing surface.
2.2.4 The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing
surface and the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts.

2.3 THE BALL

2.3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 40mm.

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 2.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.7g.
2.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and shall be white or
orange, and matt.

2.4 THE RACKET

2.4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid.
2.4.2 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood; an adhesive layer within
the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fibre, glass fibre or
compressed paper, but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm,
whichever is the smaller.
2.4.3 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary
pimpled rubber, with pimples outwards having a total thickness including adhesive of not
more than 2mm, or sandwich rubber, with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total
thickness including adhesive of not more than 4mm.
2.4.3.1 Ordinary pimpled rubber is a single layer of non-cellular rubber, natural or synthetic,
with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a density of not less than 10 per sq. cm and
not more than 30 per sq. cm.
2.4.3.2 Sandwich rubber is a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer
of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled rubber not being more than 2mm.
2.4.4 The covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade, except
that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered
with any material.
2.4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering material or adhesive on
a side used for striking the ball shall be continuous and of even thickness.
2.4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of the blade, or of a side of the blade if it
is left uncovered, shall be matt, bright red on one side and black on the other.
2.4.7 The covering material should be used as it has been authorised by the ITTF without any
physical, chemical or other treatment, changing or modifying playing properties, friction,
outlook, colour, structure, surface, etc.
2.4.7.1 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due to accidental
damage or wear may be allowed provided that they do not significantly change the
characteristics of the surface.
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 2.4.8 At the start of a match and whenever he changes his racket during a match a player
shall show his opponent and the umpire the racket he is about to use and shall allow them to
examine it.

2.5 DEFINITIONS

2.5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play.

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.
2.5.3 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored.
2.5.4 A point is a rally of which the result is scored.
2.5.5 The racket hand is the hand carrying the racket.
2.5.6 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket; the free arm is the arm of the free
hand.
2.5.7 A player strikes the ball if he touches it in play with his racket, held in the hand, or with
his racket hand below the wrist.
2.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he, or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when
it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his court since last
being struck by his opponent.
2.5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally.
2.5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally.
2.5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to control a match.
2.5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire with certain
decisions.
2.5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he was wearing or
carrying, other than the ball, at the start of the rally.
2.5.14 The ball shall be regarded as passing over or around the net assembly if it passes
anywhere other than between the net and the net post or between the net and the playing
surface.
2.5.15 The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions.
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2.6 THE SERVICE

2.6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary
free hand.
2.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin,
so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without
touching anything before being struck.
2.6.3 As the ball is falling the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then,
after passing over or around the net assembly, touches directly the receiver's court; in
doubles, the ball shall touch successively the right half court of server and receiver.
2.6.4 From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing
surface and behind the server's end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by the
server or his doubles partner or by anything they wear or carry.
2.6.5 As soon as the ball has been projected, the server's free arm and hand shall be removed
from the space between the ball and the net. The space between the ball and the net is
defined by the ball, the net and its indefinite upward extension.
2.6.6 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the assistant umpire
can see that he complies with the requirements for a correct service.
2.6.6.1 If the umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service he may, on the first occasion in a
match, declare a let and warn the server.
2.6.6.2 Any subsequent service of doubtful legality of that player or his doubles partner will
result in a point to the receiver.
2.6.6.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a correct
service, no warning shall be given and the receiver shall score a point.
2.6.7 Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a correct service where he is
satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical disability.

2.7 THE RETURN

2.7.1 The ball, having been served or returned, shall be struck so that it passes over or around

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 the net assembly and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net
assembly.

2.8 THE ORDER OF PLAY

2.8.1 In singles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return and
thereafter server and receiver alternately shall each make a return.
2.8.2 In doubles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return,
the partner of the server shall then make a return, the partner of the receiver shall then make
a return and thereafter each player in turn in that sequence shall make a return.
2.8.3 When two players who are in wheelchairs due to a physical disability are a pair playing
doubles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return but
thereafter either player of the disabled pair may make returns. However, no part of a player's
wheelchair shall protrude beyond the imaginary extension of the centre line of the table. If it
does, the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.

2.9 A LET

2.9.1 The rally shall be a let

2.9.1.1 if in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly, touches it, provided
the service is otherwise correct or the ball is obstructed by the receiver or his partner;
2.9.1.2 if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that
neither the receiver nor his partner attempts to strike the ball;
2.9.1.3 if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with the Laws is due to
a disturbance outside the control of the player;
2.9.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;
2.9.1.5 if the receiver is in wheelchair due to a physical disability and in service the ball,
provided that the service is otherwise correct,
2.9.1.5.1 leaves the receiver's court after touching it in the direction of the net;
2.9.1.5.2 comes to rest on the receiver's court;
2.9.1.5.3 in singles leaves the receiver's court after touching it by either of its sidelines.

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 2.9.2 Play may be interrupted
2.9.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;
2.9.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;
2.9.2.3 to warn or penalise a player or adviser;
2.9.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome
of the rally.

2.10 A POINT

2.10.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point

2.10.1.1 if his opponent fails to make a correct service;
2.10.1.2 if his opponent fails to make a correct return;
2.10.1.3 if, after he has made a service or a return, the ball touches anything other than the
net assembly before being struck by his opponent;
2.10.1.4 if the ball passes over his court or beyond his end line without touching his court,
after being struck by his opponent;
2.10.1.5 if his opponent obstructs the ball;
2.10.1.6 if his opponent strikes the ball twice successively;
2.10.1.7 if his opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface does
not comply with the requirements of 2.4.3, 2.4.4 and 2.4.5;
2.10.1.8 if his opponent, or anything his opponent wears or carries, moves the playing
surface;
2.10.1.9 if his opponent, or anything his opponent wears or carries, touches the net assembly;
2.10.1.10 if his opponent's free hand touches the playing surface;
2.10.1.11 if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the sequence established by the first
server and first receiver;
2.10.1.12 as provided under the expedite system (2.15.2).

2.11 A GAME
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 2.11.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or
pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently
gaining a lead of 2 points.

2.12 A MATCH

2.12.1 A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of games.

2.13 THE ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS

2.13.1 The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and ends shall be decided by
lot and the winner may choose to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end.
2.13.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular
end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice.
2.13.3 After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or pair shall become the
serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game, unless both players or pairs score
10 points or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequences of serving and receiving
shall be the same but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn.
2.13.4 In each game of a doubles match, the pair having the right to serve first shall choose
which of them will do so and in the first game of a match the receiving pair shall decide which
of them will receive first; in subsequent games of the match, the first server having been
chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game.
2.13.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server
and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver.
2.13.6 The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the
match and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall
change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points.
2.13.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next
game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change
ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points.

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2.14 OUT OF ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING OR ENDS

2.14.1 If a player serves or receives out of turn, play shall be interrupted by the umpire as
soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with those players serving and receiving who
should be server and receiver respectively at the score that has been reached, according to
the sequence established at the beginning of the match and, in doubles, to the order of
serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first in the game during which the error
is discovered.
2.14.2 If the players have not changed ends when they should have done so, play shall be
interrupted by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with the players
at the ends at which they should be at the score that has been reached, according to the
sequence established at the beginning of the match.
2.14.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall
be reckoned.

2.15 THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM

2.15.1 Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the expedite system
shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes' play or at any earlier time
at the request of both players or pairs.
2.15.1.1 If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached, play shall be interrupted by the
umpire and shall resume with service by the player who served in the rally that was
interrupted.
2.15.1.2 If the ball is not in play when the time limit is reached, play shall resume with service
by the player who received in the immediately preceding rally.
2.15.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve for 1 point in turn until the end of the game and if
the receiving player or pair makes 13 returns the receiver shall score a point.
2.15.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation until the end of the
match.

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 LAWN TENNIS RULES
The lawn tennis rules and regulations presented in the article should help understand the game
in a better manner. One can follow the game with interest by obtaining proper knowledge of
these rules.

The sport of tennis is meant for those who are ready to spend a great deal of time and effort on
getting trained and for those who aim to become professional players. This demanding sport
require extremely high level of fitness. The rules for this sport are enlisted below. For beginners
these forms the guidelines proves to be helpful at the time of implementing whatever they
know about how to play lawn tennis properly. Whether it is a doubles or singles match also has
bearing on the rules invoked and applied. It also affects the playing area of the tennis court in
use. The tennis court is 78 feet in length and 36 feet in width. Dividing the court in two halves
makes it 39 feet x 36 feet. There are 4.5 feet wide strips along the length of a tennis court.
These strips are used only for the doubles/mixed doubles games. It means, the dimensions of
playing area for singles matches is 39 feet x 27 feet (36 feet for doubles).

Basic Rules for Lawn Tennis

Understanding the rules for tennis is quite easy and not at all difficult in comparison to playing
this demanding sport. The basic lawn tennis rules are presented in this article.

Scoring Rules for a Single Point

The server has to serve from a point behind the baseline. The ball after serving should fall in the
box, on the opponent’s side, that is diagonally opposite from the server's position. A service is
considered wrong if it falls outside this box. A service is ruled out faulty if it falls on the server's
side after hitting the net. The situation in which a player commits two faults one after the other
is referred to as double fault; a point is awarded to the opponent in case a double fault is
committed. A correct service leads to a rally i.e. exchange of shots. In a single's game a shot is
considered valid if it falls within the tennis court which excludes the 4.5 feet strips that runs
along the length of the court. However, these strips are part of the tennis court in case of a
doubles game.

Rules for Scoring in a Match

A tennis match is played in a 'best of 3 sets' or 'best of 5 sets' format. The men's matches are
generally played in a 'best of 5 sets' format, while the other format is used for women.

Set
To win a single set, one has to win at least 6 games. However, the difference of games won by
the winner and loser of a given set should at least be 2. It means that a set cannot be won at '6-
5'; upon reaching a situation in which both players win 6 games each, the tie-breaker is
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employed. It is necessary to score minimum of 7 points in order to win a tie-breaker. Again a
difference of 2 points is needed for winning the tie-breaker.

Game
A game is won by winning 4 points. Winning the first point takes a player's score to 15. The
score of 15 is followed by 30, 40 and game. The scoring pattern is a bit weird in a sense that it
doesn't incorporate the pattern of 1, 2, 3 and game. If the score is at 40-40, it is a tie which is
referred to as 'deuce'. In order to win a game after the deuce, one has to score a point referred
to as 'Advantage' to the winner of the shot. The player who gains the 'advantage' can win the
game on the very next point. If the opponent scores a point while one has reached/gained
advantage, the scores are reset to 'deuce'.

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament played on lawn/grass. The rules for last i.e. the
5th set played in a Wimbledon match are different from those employed in other tournaments.
There is no tiebreaker used if the score for the 5th set stands at 6-6 games. It means that if the
difference of 2 games (4-6 or 6-4) in the 5th set is not attained; the set can continue as long as
it takes. Hope, the article covers all the basic tennis rules for understanding this game. There
are many other aspects of the sport of tennis which makes it interesting to play and watch.
Understanding the basic lawn tennis rules should help you enjoy the game in a better manner.
FOR BEGGINNER
For those of you who do not know much about tennis or are just beginning to learn the basics,
we'll cover everything from the equipment to the playing part. First though, we will only
mention the obvious points, like you do need a tennis court (or somewhere similar to play), a
person to play with, a tennis racket, and a ball. Initially, a net is optional if you are just learning
to hit the ball to the other person, but for any real game, it would be a necessity, and these
items are all available at any local sports store, or for rent at a recreation area for a minor fee.

Tennis Equipment
The balls used in tennis can either be yellow, green or white. Though, in almost all official
matches, yellow balls are used. The racket used is around 27" in size. The strings of the racket
should have all its stitches attached and unbroken, and cannot have any energy source
attached which can affect the play. Neither can the strings have more than one set of stringed
patterns on the racket. Shorts and a T-shirt for men, and shorts/skirt and a T-shirt/top for
women is the normal dress worn in tennis matches. Generally, tennis outfits are white because
they reflect the sun better, and are thus cooler. Although, in the past decade, many famous
tennis players have been wearing other colors too. It is best to wear what is comfortable for
you while playing, whether it is tight or loose. As far as shoes are concerned, proper tennis
shoes should be worn, as jogging and walking shoes are not the best bet for playing this game.

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As opposed to running shoes, tennis shoes are made to withstand side-to-side movement and
not just forward steps. Women, because they generally arch higher than men, should take care
to get shoes with more arch support. Socks should be thick and absorbent in order to absorb
sweat and thereby prevent infections such as athlete's foot or other various infections. Shoes
may differ according to the kind of surface the game is being played on. Surfaces are usually
clay court, grass court, hard court, or even wooden court.
Some other important things about the equipment - The grip must fit right or it will hurt. To
measure the correct grip size: hold out the hand that you will be holding the racket with, hold it
palm-side up and measure from the crease to the tip of the ring finger, and that is the
measurement around the handle. Generally, this is around 4 inches in diameter. Of course, it is
usually a bit bigger for men and older players than for women and younger players. It is
important to maintain the grip, because should it wear out, it could be dangerous.

Tennis Court
A standard tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide. This dimension is used for a singles
match. For doubles, the length remains the same, while the width increases to 36 feet. The
court is divided equally into two halves by the net, making each side the dimension of 39 feet
long and 27 feet wide for singles, and 39 feet long and 36 feet wide for doubles. The net is in
the center of the court supported by 2 poles on either side, which cannot be more than 6
inches in diameter. The height of the net is three and a half feet at the sides, while at the center
it is three feet. The net needs to start from at least three feet outside the sideline, both for
singles and doubles. Since a lot of running and retrieving is involved during play, there should
be ample space around the playing court too. A total area of 120 feet in length and 60 feet in
width is ideal.

Tennis Scoring
A tennis match consists of either best of 3 or best of 5 sets. A player needs to win at least 6
games, with a difference of 2, to win a set. In case both players end up winning 6 games each, a
tiebreak comes into effect. In a tiebreak, the first player to win 7 points wins the tiebreak.
Again, this needs to be won with a difference of 2 points. Among the major tournaments, only
Wimbledon does not enforce this tiebreak rule, if it is the deciding set.
For the games, the scoring of points goes like - 1st point: score reads 15, 2nd point: score reads
30, 3rd point: score reads 40, and the 4th points wins you the game. Again, a game can only be
won if the point difference is at least 2. For example, if both players are 40:40 (deuce), then
they continue playing till one player has won 2 points more than his opponent.

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Rules of Tennis for Beginners
Coming to the rules of tennis, first, let us assume that we're talking about a singles match being
played. The winner in the coin toss gets to decide whether he wants to serve or choose the side
of play. The first serve needs to be taken from the right half of the court, from behind the
baseline, and the ball needs to be tossed in the air for the serve. No part of the foot should
touch the baseline until the serve is complete. The receiver has to stand on the diagonal side on
his half of the court, though he is allowed to stand behind or inside the baseline too, whichever
he chooses fit. The serve should land in the service box, which is the square area just after the
net on the opposite side of the court. The serve needs to be retaken if it lands outside the
service box or into the net. This is called a fault, and a double-fault results in the loss of a point.
After this serve has been returned, players can then hit and return the ball after one bounce in
their side of the court, or even directly without letting it bounce. The next serve is taken from
the left side of the court, and this sequence continues till the end of the game.

A point is won if the opponent cannot return the ball, the opponent hits the ball into the net on
his side, the opponent's return goes outside the sideline or the baseline on your side of the
court, if you hit the ball and the opponent cannot get to it, and even if the opponent touches
the net or comes into your side of the court. After this, 20 seconds is the maximum time
allowed for the server to start the next point. Balls that land on any part of a sideline or
baseline are considered toand play continues.

In a doubles match, all players serve turn-by-turn each game. That means, the same player gets
to serve again every fifth game. Just like in singles, the first serve is taken from the right half of
the court, and then the left. The two players in the serving team thus switch sides every point,
while the players in the receiving team do not, which means that the player receiving each
serve changes for every point. Once the serve is taken and returned, players can then go to any
part of the court, hit the ball after one or without a bounce, and any player from each team can
return the ball, meaning, from then on, no sequence needs to be followed in the course of the
point.

Tennis is a great sport that can be either played as a pass-time, form of exercise, or even
professionally. All the basic tennis shots need to be practiced day in and day out in order to get
better and move on to a competitive level. If we take a look at all the past and present
champions, they took up this sport as beginners when they were kids, and years of practice got
them to where they are/were.

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MASTERING KICK SERVE
Like any sport, tennis is also ruled by some strict rules and regulations. Any tennis player found
guilty of breaching these rules is subject to disciplinary action by the governing body of the
court where the match is being played. It is expected that all the players know the tennis rules
before they go to play professional tennis, anywhere in the world. For the entire set of tennis
rules, you may have to grab a copy of the official tennis rules and regulations dossier, of the
International Tennis Federation (ITF). The ITF has a 'Rules of Tennis Committee', which helps it
make and implement these rules. Let us have a look at some of the rules and regulations in this
article.

Rules and Regulations of Tennis

The rules of tennis extend from court rules all the way to the tennis rules of the game during
play. Below is a relatively cropped-up list of tennis rules and regulations, some general and
some game related. We will not go into the details of the rules governing the tennis court
dimensions, the fixtures on court and the sizes and lengths of various things. We will just get to
business and see the rules that you should know as a tennis player.

Tennis Gear
As with most sports, when playing professional tennis, the tennis players are expected to wear
proper tennis shoes. This rule was made to protect the tennis court from blemishes and tread
marks. Black-soled shoes are not allowed on the court, as they may leave blemishes on the
court.

Tennis Rackets
A tennis racket is only legal if it has all the stitches attached and unbroken, does not have any
energy source attached that can affect the play and does not have more than one set of
stringed patterns on it. Vibration dampening devices are only allowed if they are placed outside
the crisscrossed string pattern.

Service or Court
The player that wins the toss is expected to choose either the side from where he prefers
playing or the serve. If the toss winner chooses to serve, the other player automatically gets the
choice of court side. When a server is serving in a game, the receiver is allowed to stand outside
the court lines if he wishes to do so. The players are supposed to change court sides on the
completion of every odd game, i.e. the first, third, etc.

Service
All serves that fall in the opponent's service box and are served from behind the out-of-bounds
lines are counted as good serves. In lawn tennis, a server is allowed to make underhanded
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serves. The service can only be counted as legal when the opponent is ready to receive it. The
server loses the point if he makes a double fault on his serve (that is, he cannot get a good
serve despite having two chances to do so).

Continuous Play
The game of tennis once started must be in continuous play till the match ends. Twenty
seconds are allowed between points and ninety seconds are given for players to change ends at
the end of a game. At the conclusion of each set, a maximum of 120 seconds are given to the
players.

Scoring
In a standard game of tennis, the scores are called out keeping the server's scores first. When
both players are on zero, it is termed as a love all start. Having no points are referred to as love
while the first, second, third and fourth points are called out as 15, 30 40 and Game
respectively. When both the players have won three points, the score is termed as a Deuce and
a deuce extends the game by one additional point. That is, after a deuce comes Advantage
(awarded to whichever player wins the points) and after advantage comes Game. An advantage
game reverts back to deuce if the player fails top convert his advantage into a game. In other
words, a player must win two consecutive points after a deuce to win a game.

Other Miscellaneous Rules

There are many other rules and regulations, but mentioning all of them is impossible for the
scope of an article. Some miscellaneous tennis rules are listed below:

* All tennis players must show courtesy and respect towards all the on-court and off-court
judges. If this rule is found to be breached, the player can be punished with anything ranging
from a fine to a suspension, depending on the severity of the breach.
* All players are expected to empty their pockets before the game begins, so that anything left
in the pockets does not serve as a distraction for either of the players.
* Before the start of each tour season, all tennis players are asked to submit to a drug test.
During the season though, any player can be asked to submit to a random drug test, despite
having been cleared in the 'start of the season' drug test.

Basic Tennis Shots

Here is a list of some common shots in tennis that every tennis player should be aware of.

* Serve * Slice
* Forehand * Drop Shot
* Backhand * Volley
* Double-handed Backhand * Lob
* Top Spin * Overhead Smash
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 SEPAKTAKRAW

1 THE COURT

/ Sideline

1.1 The Court Dimension

The court dimension of 13.4m (metres) x 6.1m free from all obstacles up to the height of
8m measured from the floor surface.

The width of the lines bordering the court should not be more than 0.04m measured and
drawn inwards from the edge of the court measurements.

1.2 The Centre Line

The Centre Line of 0.02m shall be drawn at the centre of the court equally marking the
right side and left side of the court.
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 1.3 The Quarter Circle

At both ends of the Centre Line, the Quarter Circle shall be drawn from the sidelines
measuring a radius of 0.9m.

1.4 The Service Circle

The Service Circle shall be 0.3m radius drawn on the left and right sides of the court, the
centre of which must be 2.45m from the back line and 3.05 metre from the sidelines of
the court. The width of the Service Circle shall be 0.04m.

1.5 Free Zone

The court shall have an area, clear of any obstructions within 3.0m away from the
sidelines and the baselines.

2 THE POSTS

2.1 The posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women in height from the floor and
must stand firmly to maintain high net tension. It should be made with very strong
materials and shall not be more than 0.04m in radius.

2.2 The position of the posts shall be erected firmly 0.3m away from the sidelines and
shall be in line with the Centre Line.

3 THE NET

3.1 The net shall be made of fine nylon cord with a mesh of 0.06m to 0.08m.

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 3.2 The net is 0.7m in width and must not be shorter than 6.1m in length placed
vertically over the axis of the Centre Line.

3.3 Two side bands of 0.05m wide shall be fastened vertically to the net and placed
above each sideline. These are considered part of the net.

3.4 The net shall be edged with a 0.05m wide tape, doubled at the top and bottom. It
must be supported by a fine cable that runs through the tape, strains over and flushes at
the top of the post.

3.5 The height of the net at the centre of the court shall be 1.52m for men and 1.42m for
women while the height at the posts shall be 1.55m for men and 1.45m for women.

4 THE SEPAKTAKRAW BALL

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4.1 The Sepaktakraw ball shall be spherical in shape and, made of synthetic fiber with
one woven layer.

4.2 A Sepaktakraw ball without synthetic rubber covering shall consist of the following
characteristics;

4.2.1 Have 12 holes.

4.2.2 Have 20 intersections.

4.2.3 Have a circumference measuring from 0.41m to 0.43m for men and from
0.42m to 0.44m for women.

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 4.2.4 Have a weight that ranges from 170g (grams) to 180g for men and from
150g to 160g for women.

4.3 The Sepaktakraw ball can be single coloured, multi-coloured, or luminous, provided
the colour will not inhibit the performance of the players.

4.4 The covering of the Sepaktakraw ball can also be made of synthetic rubber or soft
durable material to soften the impact of the ball on the player’s body. The type of material
and method used in making the ball shall be approved by ISTAF before it can be used in
any competition.

4.5 All international and regional competitions sanctioned by ISTAF, including but not
limited to, the Olympic Games, World Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and
SEA Games, shall be played with ISTAFapproved Sepaktakraw balls.

5 THE PLAYERS

5.1 A match is played by two groups, referred to as a “Regu” or “Regus”, each consisting
of three players.

5.2 One of the three players shall be positioned at the back and is called a “Tekong” (The
Server).

5.3 The other two players shall be in front, one on the left and the other on the right. The
player on the left is called a “Left Inside” and the player on the right is called a “Right
Inside”. Both are referred to as “Inside” players.

5.4 Team Event

5.4.1 Each team, referred to as “Team” shall comprise three Regus, and shall consist of a
minimum of nine players and a maximum of twelve players.

5.4.2 Each player shall be registered in order to participate in any competition.

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 5.4.3 A maximum of three players shall be registered as part of the team’s “reserve
pool”. Players in the reserve pool may be fielded only as substitutes.

5.4.4 Each player shall be permitted to play for only one Regu in any Team Match.

5.4.5 Prior to the start of a game, each team must have a minimum of nine registered
players present on the playing court.

5.4.6 Any team with less than nine players shall not be permitted to play the game and
shall be disqualified.

5.5 Regu Event

5.5.1 Each Regu shall consist of a minimum of three players and a maximum of five
players (1 Regu of 3 players plus 2 reserves) all of whom must be registered.

5.5.2 Prior to the start of the game, each Regu must have at least three players present
on the playing court.

5.5.3 Any Regu with less than three players shall not be permitted to play the game and
shall be disqualified.

6 PLAYER’S ATTIRE

6.1 All apparels used by players shall be in accordance with the Law of the Game. Any
equipment that is designed to increase or reduce the speed of the ball, increase a player’s
height or movement or in any other way give an unfair advantage or endangers himself or
other players shall not be permitted.

6.2 The opposing teams shall wear jerseys of a different colour.

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 6.3 A team shall have a minimum of two sets of jerseys of different colour. If both teams
are wearing the same colour jerseys, then the home team shall change. When the match
is played in a neutral venue, the team listed first on the match program shall make the
change.

6.4 A player’s attire consists of a jersey, shorts, socks and sport shoes with rubber soles
without heels. The entire apparel of a player is regarded as part of his body. All jerseys
shall be properly tucked in prior to the start of of every set. During play, the players are
allowed to have their jersey tucked out for unrestricted movement.

6.5 All jersey shall be numbered on both the front and back. A player shall be assigned
only one number from 1 to 36 throughout a tournament.

6.6 The numbers shall not be less than 19 cm (centimetres) in height on the back, and
not less than 10 cm in height on the front within the chest area.

6.7 The name of the player or the country he represents shall be printed on the back of
the jersey above the number and must be clearly visible.

6.8 Jerseys may carry a sponsor’s logo subject to tournament regulations.

6.9 The jersey manufacturer logo may appear on any player apparel at approved size.

6.10 The Captain of each Regu shall wear an armband on the left upper arm. Its color
must be a different color from the jersey.

6.11 Any other apparel not specifically mentioned in these Law of the Game shall have to
be approved by ISTAF.

7 SUBSTITUTION

7.1 Players are not allowed to play in more than one Regu in any Team Event.

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 7.2 Substitution of a player shall be permitted at any time by showing the Substitution
Card to the Referee when the ball is not in play. The Substitution Card shall indicate the
jersey number of the outgoing player.

7.3 In each Regu, two Substitutions may be permitted in each set. The player who has
been substituted earlier shall be allowed to re-enter the same set. One or two
substitutions may be made at the same time for both Team and Regu event competitions.

7.4 For Regu events, each Regu may nominate a maximum of two reserves for any
match, in addition to three players.

7.5 For Team events, each Team may nominate a maximum of three reserve players in a
match.

7.5.1 Each Team may be permitted to field a maximum of two of the three
reserve players in a Regu.

7.5.2 A reserve player fielded in the Regu shall play in that particular Regu only.

7.5.3 The remaining reserve players may be fielded in the next Regu.

7.5.4 Teams shall not be allowed to make any substitution if they have already
fielded all their three reserve players.

7.6 If a Regu starts the next set with different players from those who finished the
previous set, each change is considered as a substitution.

7.7 In an event of an injury, the injured player may be substituted provided the two
substitutions have not been utilised yet. If the two substitutions have already been fielded
and the injured player is rendered unfit to continue play, the game will end and the Regu
shall be considered as having lost in that set.

7.8 Any Regu having less than three players shall not be allowed to continue the game
and shall be considered as having lost in that set.

7.9 If a player is shown a Red Card and is sent off from the game, his Regu is allowed to make a
substitution, provided that his Regu has not utilized both substitutions in that set. If his Regu

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 has utilized both substitutions in that set, the game shall end and the Regu with the sent-
off player shall be considered as having lost in that set.

8 THE COIN TOSS

8.1 Just before the start of a match, the Court Referee will toss a coin or disc in the
presence of the opposing captains. The Captain who calls correctly may elect to either

(i) Serve first or

(ii) Choose which side of the court to start the match from.

The loser makes the remaining choice. Both sides shall abide by the Court Referee’s
instructions.

9 POSITION OF PLAYERS DURING SERVICE

9.1 At the start of the play, the players of both Regus must be in their respective courts in
a ready position.

9.2 The Tekong shall have his non-kicking foot inside the service circle in ready position
before the Referee calls the score. The kicking foot can be placed freely anywhere during
the service.

9.3 Both Inside players of the serving side must be in their respective Quarter
Circles.

9.4 The opponent or receiving Regu is free to be anywhere inside their court.

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10 THE START OF PLAY AND SERVICE

10.1 Each match must be officiated by a Referee (stationed at one end of the net), an
Assistant Referee (stationed opposite the Referee), a Court Referee (stationed behind the
Referee), one Line Referee to the right of the Referee along the side-line, and one Line
Referee to the right of the Assistant Referee along the side-line.

10.2 The Referee is supported off court by an Official Referee.

10.3 The Regu which serves first shall serve three consecutive times, followed by the
opposing Regu which shall also serve three consecutive times.

10.4 Service shall alternate thereafter every three points, regardless of which side wins
the point.

10.5 The motion of the “Rolling Ball” is counted as one count when the ball touches any
part of the body from below the neck and roll to the other approved part of the body and
vice versa unintentionally.

10.6 At deuce (when both sides reach 20-20), the service shall alternate at every point
made.

10.7 The Regu receiving the first service in the previous set shall serve first in the
subsequent set.

10.8 Players shall change sides before the start of each set.

10.9 During the third set, the teams shall change sides when one Regu reaches 11 points.

10.10 Once the Referee calls “POINT, (Name of Team)”, the Tekong of the serving team
has fifteen seconds to be ready for the next service with his foot in the Service Circle. If
this action is delayed, a warning shall be given. A repetition of this act shall be considered
a Fault.

10.11 Wiping of sweat, adjusting of attire and other related actions shall be done within
the period of fifteen seconds.
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 10.12 The throw must be executed as soon as the Referee calls the score. If the throw is
executed before the Referee calls the score, it shall be re-thrown and a warning shall be
given to the Regu. A repetition of this act shall be considered a Fault.

10.13 During the service, as soon as the Tekong kicks the ball, all the players shall be
allowed to move about freely in their respective courts.

10.14 The service is valid if the ball passes over the net, whether it touches the net or not,
and is inside the boundary of the two net tapes and boundary lines of the opponent’s
court.

10.15 In a knock-out system for Team Event, the Team does not have to play the 3rd Regu
if a winner has been decided.

10.16 In a league system for Team Event, it is mandatory for teams to play the 3rd Regu

11 FAULTS

A fault is deemed to have occurred in the event of the followings;

11.1 The Serving Side During Service

11.1.1 The Inside Player making service throws, plays about with the ball (throwing up
the ball, bumping, giving to other Inside player, etc.) after the call of the score
has been made by the Referee.

11.1.2 Any of the Inside Players lifts his foot, steps on the Quarter Circle or Centre Line or
crosses over or touches the net while the ball is being thrown for service.

11.1.3 The Server still not in ready position after the 15 second Rule, for the second time.

11.1.4 During the execution of the service, The Tekong’s non-kicking foot is lifted off the
floor prior to the kicking foot’s contact with the ball, or the non-kicking foot
steps completely out of the Service Circle.
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 11.1.5 The Tekong does not kick the ball on the service throw.

11.1.6 The ball touches his own player before crossing the net.

11.1.7 The ball goes over the net but lands outside the court.

11.1.8 The ball fails to cross the net.

11.1.9 A player uses his hand or hands, or any other part of his arms to support the
execution of a kick even if the hand or arm does not directly touch the ball, but
it touches other objects or surfaces instead.

11.1.10 The Thrower of the serving Regu throws the ball before the Referee calls the
score for the second or subsequent time during the match.

11.2 Serving And Receiving Side During Service

11.2.1 Deliberately creating distractions by shouting, making noises or gesturing at the

opponent after the Referee calls the score.

11.3 For Both Sides During The Game

11.3.1 Touching the ball on the opponent side.

11.3.2 Any part of player’s body crossing over into opponent’s court whether above or
under the net except during the “followthrough”.

11.3.3 Playing the ball more than 3 times in succession.

11.3.4 The ball touches the player’s arm.

11.3.5 Stopping or holding the ball under the arm, between the legs or body.

11.3.6 Any part of the body or player’s outfits e.g. shoes, jersey, head band etc., that
touches the net or the post or the Referee’s chairs or falls into the opponent' s
side.

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 11.3.7 The ball touches the roof, wall or any object except the net.

11.3.8 Any player using the aid of any external object as a form of support to facilitate
the execution of a kick.

12 SCORING SYSTEM

12.1 When either the serving or receiving Regu commits a fault, a point is awarded to the
opponent.

12.2 Each set is won by the Regu when it reaches the score of twenty-one
(21) points with a minimum lead of two points.

12.3 In the event of a score of 20-20, the set shall be won by the side which gets a lead of
two (2) points, or when a side reaches twenty-five (25)

points, whichever occurs first. In such a situation, the Referee shall announce “Setting up
to twenty-five (25) points”.

12.4 Each match shall be determined on the basis of a best of three sets format, with two
minute breaks in between sets. Sets shall be referred to as the first, second and third. The
Regu which wins two sets first, shall be declared the winner of the match.

13 TIME – OUT

13.1 Each Regu shall be entitled to one time-out for a period of not exceeding one
minute in each set.

13.2 Only the Team Manager or the Coach may call for time-out only when the ball is not
in play.

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 13.3 Only two persons of different outfits from the playing Regu shall be allowed at the
baseline during time-out and break.

14 TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PLAY

14.1 The Referee may suspend play temporarily for not exceeding five minutes for each
Regu in the event that a player is injured and required immediate medical attention.

14.2 An injured player shall be allowed up to five minutes of injury time. If after five
minutes, he is unable to continue play, a substitution shall be made. However, if the
injured player' s Regu has already made two substitutions earlier, the set shall be awarded
to the opponent. An injury time shall not exceed 5 minutes in total per Regu.

14.3 In the event of obstructions, disturbances or disruptions, only the Official Referee
may suspend the match after consulting the Tournament Committee.

14.4 Following a match suspension, all players shall not be allowed to leave the court
except with the expressed permission of the Official Referee.

14.5 A Let is a call made by the Referee that requires the point or service to be replayed.
This occurs when;

14.5.1 Referee is unable to decide which side to be awarded the point, and declares
a “REPLAY”.

14.5.2 Referee needs to stop play temporary due to some interference during play.

15 DISCIPLINE

15.1 All players and team officials shall abide by the Law of the Game.

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 15.2 Only the Captain of the Regu is allowed to approach the Referee during the game to request
an explanation concerning the latter decision in the match.

15.3 Any Team Official or Player who disputes the Referee' s decision during the match or acts in
any manner that jeopardizes the smooth running of the match, shall be regarded as
having committed a serious breach of discipline, and disciplinary action shall be taken
against him.

16 PENALTY

Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:

Disciplinary Sanctions –

16.1 Cautionary Offences

A player who is cautioned shall be shown the Yellow Card if he commits any of the following
offences:

16.1.1 Ungentlemanly conducts detrimental to the proper conduct of the game.

16.1.2 Shows dissent to Match Officials by word or action.

16.1.3 Repeated Infringement during the game.

16.1.4 Delaying the start of play.

16.1.5 Entering or leaving the court without the Referee’s permission.

16.2 Sending-Off Offences

A player is shown a Red Card and sent off if he commits any of the following offences:

16.2.1 Dangerous play.

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 16.2.2 Violent conduct including any act with intent to cause injury to the opponent
or any other person.

16.2.3 Spitting at an opponent or any other person.

16.2.4 Use of abusive language or gesture.

16.2.5 Shown the Yellow Card for the second time in the same match.

16.3 Yellow Card

The Yellow Card is shown to a player for cautionary offence committed either on or off the
court, towards any opponent, team-mate, Match Officials or any other person during the
match.

The practice governing the showing of the Yellow Cards is as follows;

16.3.1 Offence:
First Yellow Card

Penalty:
• Normal Caution

16.3.2 Offence:
Second Yellow Card received by the same player in different matches, but in
the same tournament

Penalty:
• Compulsory One Match Suspension

16.3.3 Offence:
Third Yellow Card received after suspension for the first two Yellow Cards in
the tournament.

Penalty:
• Compulsory two-match suspension
• A fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars) to be paid by the club, association or
federation which the player represented.
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 16.3.4 Offence:
Fourth Yellow Card

Yellow card received after two-match suspension for the earlier Third Yellow
Card in the same tournament.

Penalty:
• Immediate suspension from playing in the next or subsequent matches in
any tournament sanctioned by relevant Sepaktakraw controlling authority
until the Disciplinary Committee makes the decision.

16.3.5 Offence:
Two ( 2) Yellow Cards received within the same match

Penalty:
• Compulsory two-match suspension
• A Fine of US$100 (One Hundred Dollars) to be paid by the club, association
or federation which the player represented.
• A Red Card shall be given for a third offence committed in any other
matches in the tournament.

16.4 Red Card

16.4.1 The Red Card is shown a player who commits a Sending-off Offence (Rule 16.2)
either on or off the court, towards any opponent, team-mate, Match Officials
or any other person during the match.

16.4.2 The penalty for a Red Card Offence is a sending off from the game and immediate
suspension from playing in any tournament sanctioned by the relevant
controlling authority for Sepaktakraw until the Disciplinary Committee makes
the decision.

17 MISCONDUCT OF TEAM OFFICIALS

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 17.1 Disciplinary action shall be taken against any Team Official and/or members of his
team for any act of misconduct committed during a tournament whether inside or outside
the court.

17.2 Any Team Official who misbehaves or creates disturbances shall be immediately
escorted out of the arena by the Tournament Officials and the Official Referee. He will also
be immediately suspended from his appointment being a Team Official until a Disciplinary
Committee makes the decision.

17.3 A Team Official who has committed a breach of discipline, shall be dealt with in
accordance with Rule 16.4.

18 GENERAL

18.1. Any matter not expressly provided for in these Rules of the Game shall be referred
to the Council of the respective association or federation.

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