The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Send the ball over the net onto the opponent’s half so they cannot make a legal return. Singles and doubles share the basic scoring system.

Scoring

A game normally goes to 11 points with a lead of 2. At 10–10, play continues until that margin is reached; matches contain several games.

Key rules

• Serve from an open palm with a visible toss of at least 16 cm.
• The serve bounces on both halves; subsequent shots must land directly on the opposing half.
• Service changes every 2 points, then every point at 10–10.