How to Keep Score in Table Tennis

Scoring table tennis doesn't include "loves" and "deuces" like court tennis. Instead, players battle their way to 11 points (although some people may choose to play to 21).

Things You'll Need

  • Athletic Gear
  • Table Tennis Balls
  • Table Tennis Nets
  • Table Tennis Paddles
  • Table Tennis Playing Tables
  • Table Tennis Video
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give yourself a point if your opponent faults on both the first and second serve attempts. A player faults if he or she fails to hit the ball over the net.

    • 2

      Award yourself a point if your opponent fails to hit a clean return shot. This could include hitting the ball past the table, hitting the ball into the net or failing to hit the ball altogether.

    • 3

      Reward yourself with a point if your opponent strikes the ball twice consecutively. This often happens when a player strikes the ball awkwardly off the side of the paddle.

    • 4

      Give yourself a point if your opponent moves the playing surface while the ball is in play. A player should not have his or her hand resting on the table.

    • 5

      Enjoy another point if your opponent obstructs the ball in play. An example of this is making contact with the ball by hand instead of by paddle.

    • 6

      Note that a game is won when either player/team reaches 11 points, unless both players (or teams) tie at 10 each. The game is then immediately decided when one player (or team) takes a 2-point advantage (for example, a final score of 13-11).

    • 7

      Call out the score of the game before every service, making sure to announce the server's score first.