Table tennis was included in the first Paralympic Games in 1960. Athletes compete in standing and sitting (wheelchair) classes.

Men and women compete individually and in doubles, as well as in team events. A match comprises five sets of 11 points each.  The winner is the player or pair that wins three of the five sets.

The rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) also apply to Paralympic table tennis competitions with slight modifications regarding the serve rules for athletes competing in a wheelchair.

Links

Table Tennis Australia
International Table Tennis Federation
International Paralympic Committee

At the London Paralympics

In London, 276 athletes (174 men, 102 women) will compete in table tennis across 29 medal events. Australia has a team of two athletes, both women.

Competition Dates

Thursday 30 August - Saturday 8 September

Competition Venue

ExCel

Events/Disciplines

Individual event
Team event

Combined classes in teams events

In the table tennis team’s event, some classes are combined in the one event due to the numbers of players that are available in each class. It is not possible to apply a factoring to table tennis to determine the result, it is simply a matter of the best player will win. In London the women’s Class 6-10 standing classes all compete in the same event, as do a number of the seated classes. 

Classification

Table Tennis is open to athletes with a:

• Physical impairment such as limb loss, cerebral palsy, brain injury, joint restrictions, spinal injury or nerve damage

• Intellectual impairment

Players play either sitting or standing.

CLICK HERE for a detailed explanation of the different table tennis classes.

Rules & Equipment

Table - the table is 2.74m long, 1.525m wide and 76cm high, while its surface must not be less than 20cm thick. The competition surface is usually made from wood or synthetic materials.

Wheelchair friendly tables should have table legs at least 40cm from the end line of the table for wheelchair players.

Net - the net is 15.25cm high and extends along the width of the centre of the table, dividing it into two equal parts. The net is usually made of nylon and is coloured blue.

Ball - the ball has a 40mm diameter and weighs about 2.7grams. It is made of celluloid or of similar plastic material. It is coloured white or mat orange.

Rackets - since the 1950s, rackets have been covered by a layer of sponge-like material, which sits between a racquet's rubber surface and the wood, creating a new type of rubber layer. Using this material, new techniques of hitting and spinning the ball were discovered and developed, making the game more dynamic.