Kicking the ground when serving

Ardak . Asked 6 months ago

Hi, coach!

Kicking the ground loudly is really distracting when the opponent is serving. Is it legal?

Best wishes, Ardak

Alois Rosario Answered 6 months ago

Hi Ardak,

It can be distracting. As long as it is part of the serving action it is usually considered to be fine. If the player is deemed to be doing it purely to distract the opponent then the umpire can stop them from doing it.

The action of pushing your leg downwards with force can help you with the movement after your serve to get you into a good position to follow up on the next ball.

← Long side topspin serve High Bat Stance for Pushing →

Recommended Video

Hitting the Ceiling

When the ball hits the ceiling the point is over. You must hit the ball directly back onto the table otherwise you lose the point. In International tournaments the roof needs to be at least 5 metres above the playing surface but in local competitions you might often encounter much lower ceilings.

Watch Now

Ardak . Posted 6 months ago

Thank you coach!

D K Posted 6 months ago

I personally find it a loss of energy.
I noticed many players,especially young ones,do that.
WHat is funny is that they often STOMP - lift their feet - and THEN start an actual movement into the ready pose.
Which does not make sense when you say it can help you with movement,so..is there any other purpose?
Except that from larger players,it sometimes results in the table physically shaking,which is NOT legal...