Tossing the ball when serving

[man1of1steel]

how does a fault differ from a let?

[pingskills]

@man1of1steel A let is when the ball touches the net on the service and goes over. In that case the point is replayed. If you serve a fault you lose the point. We have a video on our website that discusses these rules and I think it will clarify things for you.

[stefanarak]

What's that thing on your arm?

[pingskills]

@stefanarak That's the microphone!

[prithwin]

hello sir, i wanted to ask whether its OK for someone to first toss the ball and hit the ball at the top of the flight,not really letting the ball come down? for example lets say my opponent tosses the ball 6 inches in the air, then hits the ball after it has fallen about half an inch from the peak?

[pingskills]

@prithwin The problem with that is that if you hit it at that height you will make the ball bounce quite high. You need to let the ball come back down to ensure you can serve a nice low serve.

[Kakashinoor]

I used to see professional players like Ma Long and Chen Qi throw the ball sideways from their hand. They were never called on it, but is that illegal? The ball has to be completely vertical and at least 6 inches?

[pingskills]

@Kakashinoor Yes the umpires don't police this rule consistently. It is a big problem and I think the service rules need to be reviewed.

[ismii12]

hey lsn if ball didnt hit the racket or body while serving is there a point?

[pingskills]

@ismii12 Yes, once you throw the ball up it is in play. If you don't hit it you lose the point.

[lub094]

tx but we could use some serving tips as well

[pingskills]

@lub094 Check out the Serving category in the Ask the Coach section of our website. We've answered heaps of questions on serving there!

[MDSguy]

can i toss the ball and look up to test the bright the brights on top?

[pingskills]

@MDSguy Not as part of your service action. You would need to tell the umpire that you are just testing the lights or do this before the game.

[HellraiserMark666]

This helped, as always:)

[pingskills]

@HellraiserMark666 Great!

[VanMedia]

@pingskills do you have to throw the ball to serve? can i serve while the ball is in my hands?

[GeneralSpecific3]

@VanMedia the ball must be tossed at least 10 centimeters (6 inches)

[pingskills]

@GeneralSpecific3 Thanks! I think that 6 inches converts to 16.25cm.

[pingskills]

@VanMedia No, you must throw the ball up at least 6 inches (16.25cm).

[RenderedTV]

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