Serve Release Clarification

Cut 4.A.5

Add 4.A.7.d: Release or toss: The server shall release the ball by dropping or tossing the ball in any direction. This can be done with the non-paddle hand or with the ball resting on the paddle face. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release or toss, the server shall not impart unnatural spin on the ball. The ball is allowed to roll off the paddle face by gravity. The moment the ball is served, spin imparted by the paddle is allowed.

Modify 4.A.8.b: Release: The server shall release the ball by dropping the ball from any natural (un-aided) height. This can be done with the non-paddle hand or with the ball resting on the paddle face. The ball shall not be propelled in any direction. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release, the server shall not impart unnatural spin on the ball. The ball is allowed to roll off the paddle face by gravity. The moment the ball is served, spin imparted by the paddle is allowed.

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, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body or the paddle as a result of the release. Exception: The server may allow the ball to roll off the face of the paddle by gravity.

4.A.7.d NA

4.A.8.b When releasing the ball, the ball shall not be propelled in any direction or in any manner prior to striking the ball to make the serve.

There are a few reasons behind this suggestion.

First, we have two different serves with completely different characteristics that include the release. Consequently, both serves should have their own release/toss section that spells out how this part of each serve should happen. This means 4A5 is cut and both serve types get their own release/toss guidelines.

Second, the phrase, "...the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body or paddle during any release of the ball," has lead to a decent amount of confusion. The inclusion of 'the paddle' here has lead to many many questions on the rules forum asking if it is legal to put spin on the ball with the paddle the moment the ball is served. Obviously, this is allowed but for some reason people have found this confusing. By adding the last sentence to each rule, this is explicitly made legal in hopes of clearing up this confusion. Also, I took out the clause, "any part of the body or the paddle" as it relates to unnatural spin because this clarification is ultimately unnecessary. Just saying unnatural spin is not allowed is all that needs to be said since this should be illegal in all circumstances.

Third, There are again many questions relating to being able to toss the ball up on the volley serve. Since the current rule set does not say this is illegal for the volley serve, it is of course legal to toss the ball for this serve. The facts that the drop serve does not allow tossing the ball and the professional leagues have played around with making this illegal for the volley serve has lead to numerous questions and confusion. I believe along with providing stringent guidelines for play, rules should also be written to minimize confusion, and this addition would do that.

These rules changes apply to the release of both serve types.