Paralympic Table Tennis

Sport Summary:

Table Tennis was included in the first Paralympic Games in 1960.

Athletes from all disability groups (with the exception of athletes with blindness/visual impairment) participate and compete in Table Tennis in standing and sitting (wheelchair) classes.

Men and women compete individually, in doubles, as well as in team events.

A match comprises five sets of 11 points each and the winner is the player or pair winning three of the five sets.

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

Paralympic Events being contested at Beijing 2008:

  • Individual event
  • Team event

Click here to view the nomination criteria for the 2008 Paralympic Team in pdf.

Rules & Equipment:

Table:

The table is 2.74 metres long, 1.525 metres wide and 76 centimetres high, while its surface must not be less than 20 centimetres thick. The material from which competition surface is made is usually wood or synthetic materials.

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

Net:

The net is 15.25 centimetres 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 2.7 grams. It is made of celluloid or of similar plastic material. It is coloured white or mat orange.

Rackets:

Since the 1950s, rackets were covered by a layer of sponge-like material, which went between the rubber surface and the wood and created 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.

Classification:

Athletes are classified into 10 classes, depending on the skills required for the sport and their ability (functional classification).

Classification takes place after examining the range of movement of each athlete, his or her muscle strength, locomotor restrictions, balance in the wheelchair and the ability to handle the racket.

Classes 1 to 5 are for athletes competing in wheelchairs, while classes 6 to 10 compete standing.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of Table Tennis classification.

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