What are the wheelchair rules in table tennis?
I · Intermediate · Play and events · 4 of 4When both players or pairs are in wheelchairs, a player loses the point if, when striking the ball, the back of the thigh does not keep minimum contact with the seat or cushion. They also lose it for touching the table with either hand before the stroke, or letting the footrest or a foot touch the floor during play.
How it works
- When: both sides in wheelchairs.
- Seat contact: back of the thigh at the stroke.
- Hand on table: not before striking.
- Feet: not on the floor in play.
- Footrest: not on the floor.
- Penalty: the opponent scores.
- Table legs: 40 cm back from the end line.
- Space: at least 8 m by 6 m.
The glossary has the wheelchair points, the wheelchair let, the centre line extension, the classes 1 to 3, the table for wheelchair players and the playing space for wheelchair events.
Tricky cases
A player touches the table after the stroke. Fault?
The rule is about touching before striking.
A seated player faces a standing player. Does this rule apply?
It applies when both are in wheelchairs.
Can a cushion be used?
Yes. Contact with the cushion counts.
Why are the table legs set back?
So the chair can get close.
Why the rule exists
Lifting off the seat or pushing on the floor would add reach that seated classes do not have.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Both in wheelchairs | Seat, hand, foot rules | 2.10.1.14 |
| Wheelchair tables | Legs 40 cm in | 3.2.1.4 |
| Venue | 8 m by 6 m at least | 3.2.3.1 |
From the rule book
ITTF, Statutes 2026, Law 2.10.1.14 and regulations 3.2.1.4 and 3.2.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: ITTF Statutes 2026 and Para Table Tennis Classification Rules.