Start with the rally

Two pairs alternate shots, trying to prevent a legal return. After a floor bounce, glass rebounds remain playable; a second floor bounce loses the point. The serve must bounce before return.

Watch the floor before watching the glass. For the finer distinctions, open walls and rebounds.

Reading an advantage-scoring match
LevelMeaning
PointsLove means zero; then 15, 30, 40. Deuce means 40–40: win two consecutive points.
SetSix games, two clear; at 6–6, a tiebreak reaches seven points, two clear.
MatchFirst to two sets wins.

Follow the rhythm

Toss and warm-up precede play. Service follows a fixed order; ends change after odd games. Listen for fault: a failed serve. Two faults lose the point. Let means replay; a second-serve let repeats only that serve. Injury or weather can interrupt play.

For example, when players prepare to repeat a serve, check whether the first attempt was a fault or a let. Explore serving and replay decisions.

Understand interruptions

Touching the net during play loses the point. Misconduct can bring disciplinary penalties.

Listen to the official’s explanation before interpreting a gesture or looking for a card. This guide does not establish a universal hand-signal chart or video-review entitlement. For disputed calls, consult referee decisions and conduct penalties.

Check the event's format

FIP also permits Star Point, Golden Point and deciding match-tiebreak formats.

Before watching, identify the advertised scoring option, deciding-set format and any junior adaptations. Do not apply the advantage-scoring table automatically. Ask which review procedures the event uses; a television replay alone is not enough information. Use match formats for detail rather than expecting football-style extra time or a shoot-out.

Official rulebook

Consult the official FIP rulebook alongside the event’s regulations.

Rule editions and sources