Apologies when ball catches net and table edges

John Swinbourne Asked 9 years ago

Hi guys

Thanks for your regular emails and videos have learnt so much. I have a question, when the ball catches the net or the table edges is it a ittf rule that you must apologise ? or simply considered to be good etiquette ?

Seems to me that this goes both ways during any match so why not enjoy the moment when it works for you ????

Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago

Hi John,

Interesting question. It is definitely not an ITTF rule but considered good etiquette.

I guess it isn't really an apology but more a matter of acknowledging your fortune.

Maybe it would be better to just enjoy the moment...

Thoughts on this question (3)

Jean Balthazar Posted 9 years ago

There has been a lot of discussions about this here : https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/apologize-for-net-or-edge-ball/

david j Posted 9 years ago

I don't even enjoy when i get a point because of the net/the edge. granted, i don't play in tournaments, but when i have a nice rally with someone and the point is decided by net/edge i just get disappointed.

i still apologize though, just raising my hand. it's etiquette yeah

Thomas Kunzfeld Posted 9 years ago

I guess at least 80 % of the players only apologize because they are expected to do so.

I like Alois´interpretation: "I guess it isn't really an apology but more a matter of acknowledging your fortune."