What is para table tennis?
B · Beginner · Classes · 1 of 2Para table tennis is played under the ordinary Laws of Table Tennis, with a few provisions for wheelchair players. Players compete in eleven sport classes: 1 to 5 seated, 6 to 10 standing and 11 for intellectual impairment. Umpires may relax service rules for a disability. The ITTF runs world championships with class singles and team events.
How it works
- Rules: the Laws of Table Tennis, with para provisions.
- Classes: 1 to 11.
- Seated: classes 1 to 5.
- Standing: classes 6 to 10.
- Intellectual: class 11.
- Service: may be relaxed for a disability.
- Wheelchair rules: lets, points and doubles.
- Committee: the ITTF Para Table Tennis Committee.
The glossary has the para table tennis, the sport classes 1 to 11, the World Para Table Tennis Championships, the Para Table Tennis Committee, the eligible impairments (para table tennis) and the service relaxation.
Tricky cases
Is the scoring different?
No. The normal Laws apply.
Do standing players get wheelchair lets?
No. The let is for a receiver in a wheelchair.
Is class 11 Paralympic?
Yes.
Who decides the system of play at the World Championships?
The Para Table Tennis Committee.
Why the rule exists
Most of the game needs no change; only serving, the wheelchair and doubles movement do. Classes keep players of similar function together.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seated | Wheelchair let and points | 2.9.1.5, 2.10.1.14 |
| Doubles | Free order for wheelchair pairs | 2.8.3 |
| Service | May be relaxed | 2.6.7 |
From the rule book
ITTF, Statutes 2026, chapter 1 definitions and Laws 2.6 to 2.10, with ITTF, Classification Rules for Para Table Tennis (January 2018). Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: ITTF Statutes 2026 and Para Table Tennis Classification Rules.