| Rule Submission Title | Eliminate Propelled in Rule 4.A.8.b |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Disapproved |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | The proposed rule does not improve the current rule and would introduce a new difficulty. It would allow lateral movement. The current rule is sufficiently working. |
| Existing Rule # | 4.A.8.b |
| Proposed Rule Change | When releasing the ball, the ball velocity may not be accelerated in an up or down direction by adding force to the balls natural drop from the paddle or hand prior to striking the ball. |
| Original Rule Text | 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. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | Referees and players are confused by the word propelled. If I am walking towards the base line and drop the ball did I just propel it? Forward momentum? Is walking forward and dropping the ball adding any downward or upward force? We receive complaints about this wording.
|
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Player starts service motion for a drop serve by walking towards the net. While taking a forward step they release the ball with no applied force or spin. This is currently a fault because the ball might be moving forward. By telling players that they cannon add upward or downward force we clear this up.
|
| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2155 |
| Date Created | April 21, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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