LIHA Rules
used in the 2011 U.S. Open
As agreed upon by:
Scott Gordon and Dean Norman, USATT Hardbat Committee,
Peter Cua, Philippine Liha team leader, and
Ty Hoff, United States Federal Association of Sandpaper Table Tennis (FASTT)
07/02/11, Milwaukee WI
SERVE ("Easy Serve Easy Return")
- Choose who serves first by hiding the ball.
- Serve must be an easy forehand long topspin
to the opponent's forehand.
- It isn't necessary to toss the ball.
- If the receiver doesn't think the serve is "easy", he/she can
catch the ball or tap it back for a let.
- Return must be a forehand chop to the server's forehand and
should be long.
- The server may catch or stop the ball for a let if he/she
isn't satisfied that the return is appropriate.
- Starting at the third ball, players can hit freely.
- At the end of each point, whichever side of the table the ball
lands on, it is that player's serve.
- At the start of each game, the initial server alternates
(same as normal).
NOTES:
- Players are expected to not abuse the option of catching the ball
for a let.
- Net/edge serves and net/edge service returns are lets.
- If the server misses the table or serves into the net, it is
loss of point.
- If the receiver attempts a chop return and misses, it is loss
of point.
- It is advisable for players to show their intended serve and
return during warmup. Players should then continue to use the
same serve/return throughout the match.
SCORING
- Games are to 20.
- Deuce is 19-19.
- At deuce, play continues starting at 0, and winner is the
first to 5 points.
- 4-4 is deuce again, at which point a new race to 5 begins.
- If both players mutually agree that repeated deuce battles will go
too long, they may decide at the start of a deuce set to play to 5
without the possibility of another deuce.