Why do we switch sides after every set?

[Shiro]

I always wondered why do us, and professionals, switch sides after each game set? I understand that is part of the Ittf rules but why? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to switching sides? Is it so the coaches can see how other players play?

 

[Liten]

Two things from top of mind: lighting in the room and airflow (from the aircondition)

 

[NextLevel]

IT is an attempt to minimize the impact of random unfairness as much as possible. It's that simple. IT doesn't mean it is a perfect solution, but the attempt is meaningful. It's the same in all other sports where opponents play on two halfs of a court.

Some players never switch in practice matches.

 

[Ilia Minkin]

When I was a kid, we played a lot outdoors on a rough metallic table that was on the playground. The ground was uneven on both sides, and one of them was much more awkward than another. So when we played a match, it was absolutely crucial to start on the right side

 

[raazzz]

The diffrences from side to side can be pretty big, especially in minor tournamnets. This rule is a must in my opinion.

 

[JHB]

There are table tennis halls in the UK (and surely in many other parts of the world) where at one end you have a blank wall, and at the other end another row of tables and often other matches. You'd certainly want to be facing the wall in the first, third, and fifth sets if given a choice !