Hello there, I'm a table tennis aficionado with a deep understanding and experience in the sport. I've played and coached at various levels, and I'm always excited to share insights and knowledge about this fascinating game.

Now, addressing your question about what happens if the ball hits you in table tennis, let's delve into the rules and the dynamics of the game.

In table tennis, the primary objective is to hit the ball so that it bounces on your side of the table and then crosses over to the opponent's side, where it bounces again before the opponent can return it. The game is governed by a set of rules that ensure fair play and define what constitutes a legal play.

Step 1: The Serve

The game begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the table, toss the ball into the air at least 6 inches (16 cm), and hit it so it lands on their side of the table and then on the opponent's side. If the ball does not land on the opponent's side, it is considered a fault, and the server loses the point.

Step 2: The Rally

Once the serve is successfully completed, the rally begins. Players take turns hitting the ball back and forth. The ball must bounce on each player's side before it can be hit back. If the ball touches the player or their clothing before it has bounced on their side of the table, this is considered a fault. The player who commits the fault loses the point.

Step 3: Obstruction

The term "obstruction" refers to a situation where a player intentionally or unintentionally blocks the path of the ball, preventing it from reaching their side of the table. This is illegal and results in a point for the opponent. However, if the ball hits the player or their clothing after it has bounced on their side, it is not considered obstruction, and the rally continues.

Step 4: The Point System

In modern table tennis, a player wins a point by:

- The opponent failing to make a legal return.
- The opponent obstructing the ball.
- The opponent touching the ball twice successively.
- The opponent hitting the ball out of the table.
- The opponent hitting the ball before it has bounced on their side.

Step 5: Scoring

The first player to score 11 points wins the game, provided there is a two-point difference between the players. If both players reach 10 points, the game continues until one player has a two-point lead.

Conclusion

To answer your question directly, if the ball hits you in table tennis, it is generally considered a fault, and you lose the point, unless the ball has already bounced on your side. It's crucial to maintain proper form and positioning to avoid such faults. Remember, the game is not only about hitting the ball but also about avoiding these types of errors.

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If the ball touches the opponent but not the opponent's side, whose point is it? Let's keep things simple and say that you should never, in any situation, hit the ball if it hasn't touched your side of the table first. That is known as volley or --obstruction--, and it's an illegal shot in table tennis.read more >>