Rule Submission TitleReturn of Serve must clear the NVZ
USAP Board VoteDisapproved
USAP Rules Committee VoteDisapproved
USAP Rules Committee Vote ReasonMaking this a fault is unreasonable and unjustified. A ball that clips the net and drops in the non-volley zone is unintentional and part of the game. This can happen any time during a rally when the players are back at the baseline, not just on the return of serve. This would also eliminate an intentional drop on the return of serve, or anytime the opponents are back at the baseline, which is an excellent tactic if one has the skill to execute it.
Existing Rule #4.N
Proposed Rule Change

4.N. Receiver Faults. It is a fault against the receiving team, resulting in a point for the server if:
4.N.1. The receiver or their partner is touched by or interferes with the flight of the ball before it bounces.
4.N.2. The receiver or their partner calls a time-out after the serve has occurred.
  4.N.3. The Reciever hits the ball, and it lands in the non-volley zone, which includes the NVZ lines

Original Rule Text

4.N. Receiver Faults. It is a fault against the receiving team, resulting in a point for the server if:
4.N.1. The receiver or their partner is touched by or interferes with the flight of the ball before it bounces.
4.N.2. The receiver or their partner calls a time-out after the serve has occurred.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

The "Two-Bounce Rule" effectively requires the non-serving player of the serving team to stay back by the baseline to ensure there is room for the ball to bounce with a deep return.  This creates a somewhat common scenario with an indefensible shot when the ball lands in the NVZ.

The most egregious example is when the returning team drives the return a bit low, hitting the top of the net, and it plops dead in the kitchen on the other serving team's side.

There are a few other examples I've seen, but I feel this example is the most indicative of the problem since there is just no defense against a dead dink on the return of serve.

The learning curve for both existing and new players should be minimal. Existing players rarely intentionally hit a return of serve into the NVZ as they "should" be trying to keep the serving team back, and new players can be easily taught this as a component of the 2-bounce rule.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

Every start of a rally when returning the serve.

Rule Book Year2025
Rule Change ID1834
Date CreatedMay 15, 2024
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