Installed in 2019, our outdoor table tennis table is available for use by anyone. We recommend the use of outdoor table tennis balls, which are slightly heavier than normal ones to cope with the breeze.
Bats and balls are available to borrow from the Gratton Trust. Just scan the QR code you see on the crate by the pétanque court, or click the button below to register. This will reveal the combination code to crate.
Please respect the generosity of the Trust by looking after the equipment and returning it after your game.
Brief Rules of Table Tennis
The objective of table tennis is to hit the ball over the net and onto your opponent’s side of the table so they cannot return it. The first player to reach 11 points (or win by a 2-point margin if tied at 10-10) wins the game.
Serving Rules
- The Toss: The ball must be placed on an open, stationary palm, tossed at least 16 cm (about 6 inches) straight up, and struck on its way down.
- The Strike: You must serve from behind the end line of the table. You cannot hide the ball with your body or clothing during the serve.
- Rotation: Players serve twice in a row, after which the serve alternates. However, if the score reaches 10-10, the serve alternates every single point.
- The Let: If a served ball hits the net but lands perfectly in the correct service box, it is a “let” and is replayed without penalty.
Gameplay & Scoring
- Bounce & Return: Once served, the ball must bounce once on the opponent’s side. Your opponent must return it so it bounces only on your side.
- No Volleys: You must let the ball bounce before hitting it. Hitting the ball out of the air (a volley) is an immediate foul.
- Winning Points: You win a point if your opponent fails to make a legal return, lets the ball bounce twice on their side, or hits the ball out of bounds.
- Edges vs. Sides: A ball that hits the top edge of the table is valid, but hitting the exact side of the table is out of bounds.
- Touching the Table: Touching the table with your free hand or moving the table surface during a rally results in a lost point.
Doubles Rules
- The Serve: The serve must bounce in the server’s right-hand court and travel diagonally to land in the receiver’s right-hand court.
- Rotation: Players on the same team must alternate hitting the ball during a rally.