Are serves different in wheelchair table tennis?
I · Intermediate · Play and events · 3 of 4The umpire may relax the service rules where a player's disability prevents compliance, such as throwing the ball up. When the receiver is in a wheelchair and the serve is otherwise good, it is a let if the ball, after bouncing on the receiver's side, comes back towards the net, stops on the table or, in singles, leaves over a sideline.
How it works
- Relaxation: for a disability that prevents compliance.
- Who decides: the umpire.
- Wheelchair let: receiver in a wheelchair.
- Ball returns: towards the net, a let.
- Ball stops: on the table, a let.
- Singles: out over a sideline, a let.
- Otherwise correct: the serve must be good.
- Standing players: normal rules.
The glossary has the service relaxation, the wheelchair let, the wheelchair doubles order, the centre line extension, the wheelchair points and the para table tennis.
Tricky cases
Does the sideline let apply in doubles?
No. Only in singles.
A serve to a wheelchair player is a fault anyway. Let?
No. The serve must be otherwise correct.
Can a player with one arm serve without the toss?
The umpire may relax the rule.
Is the let for standing receivers?
No.
Why the rule exists
A seated player cannot reach a ball spun back to the net or out the side. The let removes serves no wheelchair player could return.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair singles | Sideline let | 2.9.1.5 |
| Wheelchair doubles | No sideline let | 2.9.1.5 |
| Disability | Service may be relaxed | 2.6.7 |
From the rule book
ITTF, Statutes 2026, Laws 2.6.7 and 2.9.1.5 and regulation 3.3.2.3.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: ITTF Statutes 2026 and Para Table Tennis Classification Rules.