Do you know about para table tennis? It is an oppositional sport played in single or in doubles. It is accessible to ping pong players who suffer from a physical disability. In this article, we will focus on this sport and talk about the rules, competitive play and the equipment required to practice it.
Para table tennis rules
Para table tennis rules are set by the French parasport federation (FFH). They are based on the rules defined by the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation).
The pitch
The table must always remain accessible for players using a wheelchair. No obstacle can prevent the access to the play area. In some cases, the pitch size can be reduced but it cannot go below 6 meters in length and 8 meters in width.
Para table tennis: rules for serving
In the European championship or in other big competitions, a game lasts generally for 3 or 4 sets. A player wins a set if they score 11 points with at least a 2-point difference with their opponent.
A few particularities of para table tennis
The player is allowed to lean on the table after they hit the ball to recover their balance. However, they cannot use their free hand when they are playing.
If the player’s feet touch the ground, said player loses the point. Moreover, the table tennis player playing in a wheelchair cannot be strapped above the knees unless they have medical advice that allows them to.
Rules for the singles format
In simples, the service is allowed when the receiver hits the ball:
- Before it reaches the transversal line
- Before it bounces a second time on the table
However, the service is cancelled when:
- The ball goes out of the table after several bounces
- The ball stops on the receiver’s part of the table;
- The ball comes backwards
Rules for the doubles format
In doubles, the service is replayed in one of the two following cases:
- The ball bounces towards the net of the player who receives the ball;
- The ball stays on the table
The classification system
The French championship is divided in 10 disability categories like in the paralympic games:
- The players suffering from a disability who are in a wheelchair play in the categories from 1 to 5.
- The players who play while standing play in the categories from 6 to 10.
Category 1
The player has reduced mobility in their arms and torso. They have to use an orthopaedic support to stick the racket to their hand.
Category 2
Sitting players are slightly more autonomous but their racket is often sticked to their hand with a strap which ensures a firm grip.
Category 3
The player can use their hand even though they have a limited stability near the torso.
Category 4
The player has a better torso stability and his playstyle is more offensive.
Category 5
The player suffers from a disability which prevents them from playing while standing. Despite that, it is easier for them to attack.
Category 6
The player suffers from a severe disability in their lower limbs. They struggle to move because of their lack of coordination and balance.
Category 7
The disability affects the player’s arm with which they hold the racket.
Category 8
The player suffers from a disability that affects one of their legs.
Category 9
The player lacks autonomy in their lower limbs and so he struggles to move.
Category 10
The table tennis players playing in category 10 have a slight impairment on one or several of their limbs but they can move well enough to play.
Wheelchair table tennis: equipment and safety
The racket
Players can encounter difficulties to handle the racket depending on the category they are playing in. Thus, they use an orthopaedic support that is stuck on their hand to hold it in place.
The sport wheelchair
There is no specific model that is tailormade for the practice of competitive wheelchair table tennis. However, it must be adapted to the player’s morphology. In competitions, the rules set by the ITTF state that the backrest cannot be taller than the player’s scapulae. The toe-clip must bring the player the necessary support without sticking out of the wheelchair.
For a more leisure-oriented practice, the use of a light sport wheelchair like the Freemoovin’ remains an excellent alternative. This robust and safe plastic wheelchair is certified by the CERAH.
Do you want to try para wheelchair tennis or organise an activity to raise awareness of disabilities within your club? Find out here about our services.