Lesson 4: Key Rules and Fouls

Understanding the rules keeps the game fair and fun. Here are the most important ones: **Touches:** - Each side gets a maximum of **three touches** to return the ball. - You may use **any body part except the hands and arms**. - You **cannot touch the ball twice in a row with the same body part**. **Doubles Rule:** - In doubles, teammates **must pass to each other at least once** before returning the ball over the net. **Serving:** - The serve uses **one touch** above the table surface. - The first serve can use any body part (except hands/arms); the **second serve must not use the feet**. - Each side gets **two attempts** to serve legally. A serve touching the net is a fault. **Smashes:** - Each player or pair is allowed **two smashes per set** that send the ball out of the field of play. Beyond that, it is penalised. **Edgeball:** - If the ball hits the **edge of the opponent's side**, the rally is **replayed**. **Common Fouls (opponent wins the point):** - Using hands or arms - More than three touches - Touching the table or opponent - Committing a double fault (two failed serves)