Table tennis / Rule 2.6
The service
ITTF · 2026In short
A visible toss, correct bounces and service decisions.
Toss and placement
Start on the open, stationary free palm. Toss near vertically without spin, at least 16 cm, and strike while falling. Until struck, keep the ball above the playing surface, behind the end line and visible to the receiver. It bounces on your court then the receiver’s; in doubles, on both right half-courts.
Visibility and rulings
Remove the free arm and hand from between ball and net after tossing. Officials must be satisfied the serve is legal. The first doubtful serve may receive a warning; later unclear serves by that player or doubles partner are incorrect. Exceptionally, the umpire may relax requirements when physical disability prevents compliance.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied ITTF Statutes 2026, effective 01/01/2026: the Laws of Table Tennis and selected international competition regulations. Independent condensed explanations with wheelchair exceptions identified. Administrative, disciplinary and event-specific chapters are not reproduced in full. References use PDF pages.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗