Para table tennis: classes and rules
Para table tennis uses the same rules as other table tennis, with a few changes for wheelchair players. It has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1960.
Players are placed in classes based on how their disability affects their play. Classes 1 to 5 are for wheelchair players. Classes 6 to 10 are for standing players. Class 11 is for players with an intellectual impairment. In each group, a lower number means the player is more affected.
Classes mean you play against people with a similar level of ability, which keeps the game fair.
Standing players follow exactly the same rules as everyone else. For wheelchair players, the umpire can relax some serve rules if a disability makes them hard to follow. The player's classification card records any limits.
Classification and entry rules are set by the official organizations, so check the ITTF and Paralympic websites for the latest.
Sources: Paralympic table tennis classification · ITTF
Quick quiz
1. Which para table tennis classes are for wheelchair players?
Show the answer
Classes 1 to 5. Classes 1 to 5 are wheelchair classes. Classes 6 to 10 are for standing players, and class 11 is for an intellectual impairment.
2. Why are para players classified?
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To compete against players with similar function. Classification groups players by how their impairment affects play, so the competition is fair.
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