The Service LAW
Enforcement of the service law will be in place from the start of the 2020/2021 season.
It had been noticed that there is still much bad practice in our league with illegal serving and not just occuring in the lower divisions. It was felt that it might be useful to display the following YouTube video on how to serve correctly. It runs for approximately 5 1/2 minutes and makes interesting viewing and there is something there for all to benefit.
Below is the current TTE Service Law
TABLE TENNIS ENGLAND - SERVICE LAW (2.6)
2.6.1. Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server’s stationary free hand.
2.6.2. The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without touching anything before being struck.
2.6.3. As the ball is falling, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then touches directly the receiver’s court; in doubles, the ball shall touch successively the right half court of the server and receiver.
2.6.4. From the start of the service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server’s end line, and shall not be hidden from the receiver by the server or his doubles partner or by anything they wear or carry.
2.6.5. As soon as the ball has been projected, the servers free hand and arm shall be removed from the area between the ball and the net.
2.6.6. It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can be satisfied that he complies with the requirements of the Law and either may decide that a service is illegal.
2.6.6.1. If either the umpire or assistant umpire are not sure about the legality of the service he may. on the first occasion in the match, interrupt play and warn the server, but any subsequent service by that player or his doubles partner which is not clearly legal shall be considered incorrect.
2.6.7. Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirement for a good service where he is satisfied that compliance is prevented by a physical disability.
