Serve fault

Erwin lovesplayingtt Asked 6 days ago

I was penalized a point because my ball briefly disappeared under the edge of the table in my open hand during my service stroke. The ball didn't leave my hand until I was back above the edge of the table with my open hand. I believed that a serve only began AFTER the ball left my hand, and therefore this couldn't be considered a service fault. Can you—or any other experts here—provide an answer to this?

I know the ball should ALWAYS be visible to the receiving player, but my humble opinion thought it was after the ball left the hand.

Alois Rosario Answered 3 days ago

Hi Erwin,

The serve does start before the ball leaves the hand.  It starts when you have the ball stationary in the hand.  This is how the rule is written.

2.6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free hand.

Therefore you do need to keep the ball above the level of the table surface and visible.

I hope this clears it up for you.