Eliminate Volley Serve

by | Jul 5, 2021

Rule Submission TitleEliminate Volley Serve
USAP Board VoteDisapproved
USAP Board Vote ReasonIt is not appropriate to eliminate the rule simply because it is difficult to enforce. The vast majority of volley serves are legal. Referees have the 'questionable/re-serve' tool to help with enforcement.
Existing Rule #4.A.7
Proposed Rule Change

Remove rule 4.A.7

Original Rule Text

4.A.7. The Volley Serve. The volley serve is made by
striking the ball without bouncing the ball off the
playing surface and can be made with either a
forehand or backhand motion. A proper volley
serve includes the following elements:
4.A.7.a. The server’s arm must be moving in an
upward arc at the time the ball is struck
with the paddle. (See Figure 4-3.)
4.A.7.b. The highest point of the paddle head
must not be above the highest part of the
wrist (where the wrist joint bends) when
the paddle strikes the ball. (See Figures 4-
1 and 4-2)
4.A.7.c. Contact with the ball must not be made
above the waist. (See Figures 4-1 and 4-3)

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

The volley serve rule is complex and very difficult to enfore.   Even with television replay it is very hard to determine if the all 3 conditions are met.      Eliminating this rule would mean that all players must use the drop serve which is a much simpler rule to understand and to enforce

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

Volley serve

Rule Book Year2026
Rule Change ID2380
Date CreatedMay 29, 2025
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