| Rule Submission Title | Clarity on paddle can add spin to the ball during contact of a serve |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Approved with Amendment |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | Adding this clarification will clear up a widespread misunderstanding of the current rule. Rule 4.A.5 addresses only the release of the ball. The clarification is moved to new Rule 4.A.7 because it is a separate concept unrelated to the release of the ball. |
| Existing Rule # | 4.A.5 |
| Proposed Rule Change (edited) | 2026 Rule: 7.B.2 No Manipulation or Spin Upon Release. Some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball. The server must not manipulate the ball to add spin with any part of the server's body or the paddle prior to hitting the ball to make the serve, except that the server may allow the ball to roll off the face of the paddle by gravity. Spin may be applied to the ball upon contact by the paddle. 2025 Rules "4.A.5 The serve shall be made with only one hand or the paddle releasing the ball. Some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball. The server shall not manipulate the ball to add spin with any part of the server's body or the paddle prior to contact with the ball during the serve. Spin may be applied to the serve at contact by the paddle. Exception: The server 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. |
| Original Rule Text | 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. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | I receive between 8 to 10 questions per week about players adding spin during the serve with their racquet or paddle. Newcomers are confused as to why the rule says no spin but their opponent is hitting spin serves at them as the paddle is generating spin on contact with the ball. |
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Player hits a sidespin serve. Opponent claims that no spin is allowed on the serve at all, by rule. The current rule is not as clear as it could be and causes confusion.
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| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2156 |
| Date Created | April 21, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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