4.A.5 The Serve

by | Jul 5, 2021

Rule Submission Title4.A.5 The Serve
USAP Board VoteApproved with Amendment
USAP Rules Committee VoteApproved with Amendment
USAP Rules Committee Vote ReasonThis is a useful clarification for the reasons stated in the proposal. The modification to include a new exception will make it clear that rotation of the ball that occurs when rolling off the paddle is considered natural rotation and is not a violation of the no spin rule.
Existing Rule #4.A.5
Proposed Rule Change (edited)

4.A.5 The serve shall be made with only one hand or the paddle releasing the ball. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body or the paddle prior to the serve as a result of the release. Exceptions: Any player may use their paddle to perform the drop serve (see Rule 4.A.8.a). A player who has the use of only one hand may also use their paddle to release the ball to perform the volley serve Exception: The sever may allow the ball to roll off the face of the paddle by gravity.

Proposed Rule Change

4.A.5 The serve shall be made with only one hand or the paddle releasing the ball. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body or the paddle prior to the serve as a result of the release. Exceptions: Any player may use their paddle to perform the drop serve (see Rule 4.A.8.a). A player who has the use of only one hand may also use their paddle to release the ball to perform the volley serve

Original Rule Text

4.A.5. The serve shall be made with only one hand releasing the ball. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the
hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body immediately prior to the serve. Exceptions: Any player may use their paddle to perform the drop serve (see Rule 4.A.8.a). A player who has the use of only one hand may also use their paddle to release the ball to perform the volley serve.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

By clarifying in the first sentence of the rule that either the hand or the paddle may be used to release the ball for a serve, all of the exceptions can be removed, since they are no longer exceptions. Also clarifies that spin/manipulation can not be imparted as a result of the release, eliminating existing confusion as to whether spin can be imparted to the ball as a result of the serve itself.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

n/a

Rule Book Year2025
Rule Change ID1555
Date CreatedApril 6, 2024
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