I don't have to play by these rules, I actually have my own version...
I occasionally run across a player who stretches the limits on serving rules. Most of the time there is no real advantage gained, but sometimes there is. We discussed one method to address an illegal server yesterday. We will get another method later in this series. Before taking these steps, we should be certain that the serve is actually illegal. Below is a video from Keith Bing called Legal & Illegal Serve that shows serves of both types.
Keith illustrates an illegal service motion that breaks all 3 rules -
the paddle is not moving low to high, the paddle face is not below the wrist, and the ball is nor struck below the waist. While Keith illustrates all 3 rules being broken, a serve is illegal even if only one rule is broken.
the paddle is not moving low to high, the paddle face is not below the wrist, and the ball is nor struck below the waist. While Keith illustrates all 3 rules being broken, a serve is illegal even if only one rule is broken.
The video goes into much more detail.
Legal & Illegal Serve from Keith Bing on Vimeo.
Is putting a spin onto the ball as you're serving it illegal? (It hits the floor in the receiver's court and comes off the floor at a sharp angle -- a different angle from when it hit the floor)?
ReplyDeleteAs long as the spin is imparted while remaining within the 3 rules of contact, it is legal to so.
DeleteIs it possible to put back spin on a legal serve?
ReplyDeleteAlso, can the swing's "upward arc" be only slightly upward, and across the body like a normal forehand? I've been questioned about my serve, since I only swing SLIGHTLY upward and my paddle is below my wrist.
ReplyDeletethanks!
Slightly upward is upward. However what might be getting you into trouble is the entire paddle head must be height wise below your wrist level, so if your paddle head isn't angled downwards it is possible you are still hitting an illegal serve
DeleteCan the server toss the ball high into the air (as in table tennis) before striking it, as long as all other aspects of the server remain legal?
ReplyDeleteCertainly. We shouldn't look for rules that don't exist. The ball toss is not among the rules, as long it doesn't bounce off the court.
DeleteIf you start the serve behind the service line, strike the serve from behind the line, then step over the line after the ball is gone, is this a legal serve?
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