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Teqball rules

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Ask anything about Teqball rules — answered from the rulebook below.

Teqball Official Rules

Teqball is a ball sport played over a curved table, combining elements of football (soccer) and table tennis. It is governed by FITEQ (the International Teqball Federation). The rules below reflect the current FITEQ regulations, including the rule changes that take effect on 16 May 2026.

1. Objective & Format

The objective is to score points by playing the ball over the net so that the opponent cannot legally return it, without using the hands or arms.

  • Players: Teqball is played as singles (1 v 1, two players total) or doubles (2 v 2, four players total). A mixed-doubles format is also recognised.
  • The table: Matches are played on a curved Teqball table measuring 3 m long x 1.5 m wide (about 9.84 ft x 4.92 ft), divided into two halves by a small net. The curvature keeps the ball in play and prevents flat exchanges.
  • The ball: A standard football is used, with size 5 being the official, recommended ball.
  • Field of play: For official competition, the surrounding area is a minimum of roughly 12 m wide x 16 m long x 7 m high.
  • Sets and duration: A match is best-of-three sets. Each set is played to 12 points.

2. Scoring

  • A point is scored on every rally (rally scoring): whenever a player or team fails to make a legal return, the opposing side wins the point.
  • The first side to reach 12 points wins a set.
  • The deciding (third) set must be won by a two-point margin. If play reaches a one-point lead at the cap, play continues until a side leads by two.
  • The side that wins two sets wins the match.

3. Core Rules of Play

  • Touches: Each side may use a maximum of three touches to return the ball, using any body part except the hands and arms.
  • No double touch: A player may not touch the ball with the same body part twice in succession, nor return the ball with the same body part used previously in that exchange.
  • Doubles passing: In doubles, teammates must pass to each other at least once before the ball is returned over the net (the partners cannot let one player handle all touches).
  • Service: The serve is taken with one touch above the level of the playing surface. The first service may use any body part except the hands and arms; the second service must additionally not use the feet (so it is played with the head, chest, thigh, etc.). Each side gets two attempts to land a legal serve. A serve that touches the net is a fault.
  • Service rotation: Under the 2026 rules, the service changes after every 2 points.
  • No contact: Players may not touch the table or the opponent during play.
  • Smashes: Each athlete (singles) or pair (doubles) is permitted two smashes per set that result in the ball leaving the field of play; beyond that allowance such a shot is penalised.
  • Edgeball: If the ball strikes the edge of the opponent's playing surface after a legal return or serve, the rally is replayed (repeated with the appropriate service count maintained).

4. Common Fouls, Violations & Penalties

The opponent is awarded the point when a player:

  • Touches the ball with a hand or arm.
  • Uses more than three touches to return the ball.
  • Touches the ball twice consecutively with the same body part.
  • Commits a double fault (two failed service attempts in succession).
  • Fails, in doubles, to make the mandatory pass between partners.
  • Touches the table or an opponent during the rally.
  • Lets the ball bounce (the ball may not bounce before being returned) or sends it out of play beyond the smash allowance.

5. Win Condition

A set is won by the first side to reach 12 points (the deciding set requiring a two-point margin). The first side to win two of three sets wins the match.