Scoring Points

The aim of Showdown is to hit the ball off the side walls, along the table, under the centre screen, and into your opponent’s goal. Points can be scored in two ways:

  • By scoring a goal
  • By your opponent committing an infraction (foul)

Below is a clear guide to how scoring works.

Winning a Set

A set is won by the first player to reach:

  • 11 points,
  • With at least a 2-point lead

Players can score points regardless of who is serving.

Scoring a Goal (2 Points)

A goal is scored when the ball fully enters the goal pocket.

When a goal is scored:

  • The referee blows a double whistle
  • Calls “goal”
  • Awards two points to the scoring player

Goals are the fastest way to build a lead.

Scoring from Infractions (1 point)

Players can also score points when their opponent commits an infraction (also called a “foul”).

When an infraction occurs:

  • The referee blows a single whistle
  • Calls the specific playing mistake
  • Awards one point to the opponent

Below are the most common infractions and what they mean.

Irregular Serve

A serve is irregular if:

  • It does not bounce off the side wall once before passing under the screen (long serve)
  • It bounces off the side wall more than once before passing under the screen (short serve)

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Centreboard

Called when:

  • The ball hits the centreboard screen and stops
  • The ball passes over the centreboard

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Body Touch

If a player touches the ball with any part of the body other than:

  • The bat
  • The batting hand

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Illegal Defence

No contact is allowed within the goal area.

If the ball touches the bat or batting hand inside the goal area, it is illegal defence.

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Out

Called when:

  • The ball leaves the playing area
  • The ball hits the top of the contact board

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Bat

Called when:

  • The player does not hold the bat in one hand (except when switching hands)
  • The player drops the bat

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

Ball

Called when:

  • The player traps or stops the ball for more than two seconds
  • The ball becomes inaudible to the opponent

Result: 1 point to the opponent.

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