The hand holding the paddle counts as part of the paddle

If the ball hits the hand that is holding the paddle, anywhere below the wrist, it counts the same as hitting the paddle (10.C.3). If the ball hits your fingers or the back of your hand, play just continues (10.C.3).

Examples

• The ball hit a finger of your paddle hand and went into the opponents' court → a good return (10.C, 10.C.3)
• The ball hit your paddle hand above the wrist (your arm) → fault (10.C.3)
• The ball hit the hand that is not holding the paddle → fault (10.C.3)

Holding the paddle with both hands

You may hold the paddle with both hands (12.B). When both hands are touching the paddle, for example in a two-handed backhand, both hands below the wrist count as part of the paddle (10.C.3).

Common mistakes

• Pushing the ball back with the hand that is not holding the paddle is a fault (10.C.3, It's a fault if the ball hits your body or clothes)
• A ball that hits your hand is just like a normal return. If it does not go into the opponents' court, it is a fault (10.C.1)