How an MLTT match works
An MLTT team match has two stages. First, teams build their score across four singles matchups and one Open Serve Doubles matchup. Then five players from each team enter the Golden Game, with six team points, and often the match, on the line.
Six matchups. This order. Every match.
Five matchups. Fifteen points up for grabs.
Each of the first five matchups includes three games to 11. All three games are played. Every game won adds one point to the team score.
No extended deuce. Win the Golden Point, win the game 11-10, and earn one point for your team.
The middle line is gone.
In MLTT, the server may serve from anywhere on their side to anywhere on the opponent's side. There is no diagonal-service restriction. Partners still alternate shots, and the regular serving and receiving order remains.
Five players.
Four-point shifts.
First to 21.
Five players from each team compete in a fixed order and rotate every four points. Before play begins, the team leading after Stage One receives an earned starting advantage based on that lead.
The first team to 21 wins six team points. If the score reaches 20-20, one Ultimate Golden Point decides it.
The earned advantage makes every earlier game matter, but a comeback is still possible.
How six points can flip a match
The things every new fan wonders about
Their hands get sweaty, and players may use a towel only after every six points. Touching the table near the net helps quickly dry their playing hand.
Rubber and sponge. Players can use different surfaces on each side to create different combinations of spin, speed and control.
A chopper is a defensive player who backs away from the table and uses heavy backspin to frustrate attacking players.
World-class. MLTT rosters feature Olympians, national-team players, champions and internationally ranked professionals from around the globe.
Many do. MLTT attracts players from around the world, and event weekends bring those international rosters together in one city.
It's the same game. Call it whatever you want, just pick up a paddle and play.
Now come see it at full speed.
An MLTT team match lasts approximately two hours. It moves fast, every game matters and the Golden Game keeps both teams alive until the finish.
Meet the teams