Serve remains the ever-complicated aspect of ping pong that still perplexes many. Beginners and intermediates are always struggling to gain maximum knowledge of this sport, and there are multiple rules to watch out for, especially with the serve.
It is the most crucial part of ping pong and is no simple feat. Some players think it is the easy part, so it does not require much practice, but nothing can be further from the truth.
If done right, the serve can work wonders in your favor, but if you deem it insignificant, things can go downhill. A common concern regarding the serve is if you can lose on a serve in ping pong, and we are here to tell you everything you need to know about it!
Legal Serve Rules
First, it’s imperative to understand the basic rules of a legal serve. So let’s begin with ITTF’s (International Table Tennis Federation) rules.
- Service shall begin with the ball laying freely on the server’s open palm of the server’s still unrestricted hand.
- The server should project the ball up vertically without adding any spin, and it must raise a minimum of 16 centimeters after fleeing the palm.
- As the ball falls, the server must hit it, and it must touch his court and then touch the opponent’s court.
- From the serve’s beginning to full execution, the ball must remain above the playing surface level.
- The moment the ball is projected, the server’s available hand and arm must be withdrawn from the area between the net and the ball.
- The player is responsible for executing a serve that the umpire approves.
- The umpire or the assistant can determine if the service is invalid.
- If the umpire or the assistant is unsure about the serve’s legality, they shall halt the play and give a warning.
- The umpire can relax the regulations for a legal service if they are satisfied that any physical disability hinders the player’s compliance.
Now coming to the big question!
Can You Really Lose on Serve?
The answer is a big yes. This is a complicated topic as many players use underhanded methods of serving and often get away with it. However, the law states that if the service is illegal, the player deserves a warning and subsequent point loss.
A player can lose a point in service if they:
- Toss the ball upwards correctly yet fail to strike it.
- Strike the ball in the wrong areas (You can only strike the ball by remaining behind the end line of the table)
- Did not project the ball high enough (6 inches) or straight enough (25 degrees)
- Hit the ball as it ascends
- Strike the ball, and it lands somewhere else instead of your table’s side.
- Strike the ball; it lands correctly, bounces off, yet fails to reach the opponent’s tableside. It was either too far or too close.
Other than these mistakes, there are some more illegal serves players use that can also lead to a game loss. Some of them include:
Delayed Serve
This is when a player takes time serving. Although there are no set rules for serving time, delaying the serve, grabbing the ball slowly, and continuously changing positions can unsettle the competitor, earning you a negative point.
Swift Serve
Alternatively, if a player is too quick to serve and does not see if the opponent is ready yet, it is also an illegal serve. You have to wait for the other player to be in position.
In-Table Serve
Some players strive for a super-fast and short serve where the ball remains in or under the table. This is considered illegal, as the server must place the ball outside the table.
How To Serve Legally and Not Lose
Players must know the legal way of service so they can always ace it and never have to worry about messing up their game quality. Here is a breakdown of the valid way to serve that will save you from losing points.
The Ball Hold
The initial step of serving is ensuring your ball hold is valid. This first and most critical step will commence a successful serve. You must flat open your hand and then put the ball in your palm’s center.
There is no other way to it; the ball has to be dead center and observable. You cannot clench the ball or clutch it with your fingertips as this is a foul.
You need to understand the role of using hands in ping pong to avoid any
Keep the Right Stance
During serving, players have to toss the ball upwards by staying behind the table’s white end line and must also make contact behind this line. You cannot bend forward or lean on the table to hit the ball closer to the net. Moreover, you cannot serve validly if the ball is below the tabletop.
Ball Tossing
Next comes tossing the ball, and this is yet another critical aspect. You need to toss the ball upwards in the air at least six inches for a legal serve. There is no getting around it, as this is a fixed measurement.
You cannot merely strike the ball right out of your hand, and this is a mistake common to beginners while serving. You need to toss it straight up and ensure it does not toss forward or backward or to the side.
No Hiding
Furthermore, it needs emphasizing that the ball must be visible during the toss. Many players make the mistake of ignoring this vital aspect and go on playing. You must be mindful, as this rule is to impede players from obscuring the ball with their hands, arms, or body.
Learn all about using hands in ping pong so that you don’t risk breaking any rules.
In Conclusion
Ping pong requires a world of research and practice if you want to play a valid and legal game. Serves are deemed an integral part of this game, so it is crucial to execute them legally.
Many players ignore their significance and choose underhanded techniques. Instead of sneaking illegal serves, it is better to understand the fundamentals and improve your speed and strike while working a legal serve.
