Why do ping pong players touch the table?

Watch any pro match closely and you will see it: between points, a player walks up to the table and runs a hand across the surface, almost always right next to the net. Sometimes it is a quick tap, sometimes a full palm wipe. It looks like a superstition, but there is a practical reason behind it.

Table tennis players touch the table mainly to wipe sweat off their hand, because the rules limit towel breaks. Over time, the gesture also turns into a ritual that helps them reset between points.

Reason 1: sweat and the towel rule

A sweaty hand is a real problem in ping pong. It slips on the handle and changes your grip, and sweat that drips onto the rubber kills spin. The obvious fix would be to towel off after every point, but the rules do not allow it.

Under ITTF rules, players may only stop to use the towel every 6 points from the start of each game (when the combined score reaches 6, 12, 18 and so on) and at the change of ends in the deciding game. The rule exists so matches do not keep stopping.

In between those breaks, the table is the next best thing. A quick wipe leaves a bit of moisture on the surface instead of on the hand. The table is big, dries fast, and no one needs to give permission.

Why near the net?

The spot is not random. The ball bounces most often in the middle and deep parts of the table, where loops, blocks and long serves land. It bounces less often right next to the net. If a little moisture is left there, it is less likely to affect a ball.

Many players also wipe the side edge of the table near the net, for the same reason. And almost everyone does it on their own side. Wiping your sweat on your opponent's half would be bad manners.

Reason 2: a routine between points

Table tennis has very short rallies and only a few seconds between them. In that time a player has to let go of the last point, plan the next serve or return, and calm down. A fixed routine helps, and touching the table is part of it for many players:

• walk to the table;
• wipe a hand across the surface;
• adjust the grip on the paddle;
• breathe and decide the next serve or return.

Repeating the same gestures sends the brain a "reset" signal, which is especially useful after a careless error. More on this in the mental game in table tennis.

Reason 3: feeling the table and buying a moment

Some players say touching the table helps them feel the space and set up their position. Others use it to catch a quick breath without stalling. Umpires do not allow excessive delays, but a quick gesture between points is normal and accepted.

Can you touch the table during a rally?

Here is the important difference. Between points, touching the table is fine. During a rally, the rules change:

All the details are in can you touch the table in ping pong?.

Other habits that look strange

Touching the table is not the only quirk. Many players also:

• blow on their hand or on the ball before serving;
• stomp their foot at the moment of the serve, to mask the sound of contact (see why players stomp when serving);
• check and wipe their rubber with a finger between points;
• bounce the ball a few times before serving, as part of their routine.

All of this makes sense in a sport where a few seconds of focus decide the point.

Frequently asked questions