Definition: An obstruction occurs when a player, or anything he wears or carries, touches the ball in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent.
According to the ITTF Handbook for Match Officials, the intention is that a player will be penalized under this law only if he intercepts the ball in a way that is likely to prevent an opponent making a good return. There is no obstruction if the interception occurs when the ball has passed beyond his endline, has passed outward over the sideline or is otherwise moving away from the playing surface.
Also Known As: volley
