TABLE TENNIS

Overview
Table Tennis was included in the first Paralympic Games in 1960. Athletes from all disability groups (with the exception of athletes with blindness/visual impairment) participate and compete in Table Tennis in standing and sitting (wheelchair) classes.

Men and women compete individually, in doubles, as well as in team events. A match comprises five sets of 11 points each and the winner is the player or pair winning three of the five sets.

The rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) also apply to the Paralympic Table Tennis competitions with slight modifications regarding the serve rules for athletes competing in a wheelchair.

Events

Classification
There are 10 classes for athletes with physical disabilities, depending on the skills required for the sport and their ability (functional classification). Classification takes place after examining the range of movement of each athlete, his or her muscle strength, movement restrictions, balance in the wheelchair and the ability to handle the racket. Classes 1 to 5 are for athletes competing in wheelchairs, while classes 6 to 10 compete standing.


Links

» Table Tennis New Zealand

» International Table Tennis Federation

» International Paralympic Committee
 

Last Updated | Sunday, 05 February 2012