Service rule discussed again

Germany, China propose new rule

Wednesday, May 21, 2003

ITTF Press Release

Bercy, Paris, France, 21 May 2003. The service rule which came into effect last year needs to be clarified if the service should be effectively visible for the receiver.

Therefore the ITTF Annual General Meeting decided to write into the rules that the free arm should be “removed to the side as soon as the ball has left the server's hand”.
China and Germany together proposed that the ball should be thrown at least 50 cm into the air or “above the head of the server”. This proposition had 78 votes, but since a rule change needs 75 pct. of the votes it did not pass.

“The most important fact is that the arm gets out of the way so that the receiver can see the ball when it is struck. I am sure that the proposition of throwing the ball higher will come back next year in a clearer version”, says President Adham SHARARA.

Read what others have to say:

different views
by Ron on 3/15/2005 10:37:00 AM

I don't agree with this. It seriously disadvantages people who work very hard on their serves and hands the advantage to those that do not. This is a game of strategy as much as it is physical -- the serve is part of that strategy. If you can't return a serve, quit whining and practice!

better for the sport
by Craig Zim on 12/9/2004 3:29:00 PM

The new service rule is a good idea that is good for the overall sport. It promotes developement of a more complete game. I play with some elder players who have refused to even adopt the service rule where a ball must be tossed from an open palm. They are just not fun to play with, but hold on to that one little advantage since it is the only thing they have to keep them competitive. What a shame that people lose the spirit of what is being attempted for the overall betterment of our sport. For those who do not like the rules there is always golf or bowling, but those sports have rules too.

Good Idea
by K. on 10/1/2003 11:14:00 AM

IMO, this is a good idea to make the sport more attractive. By forcing serves "open", returns would be easier to performed and the game should be more beautiful to watch.

crap
by Isaac on 6/22/2003 8:55:00 AM

I find this stupid! as long as the empire can see the serve it is ok and if the receiver can see the way it's struck, than you might as well tell the reciever how it is struck!

service rule
by Peej Wilco on 6/3/2003 8:52:00 AM

I think this rule is fair and doesn't give anyone an advantage in doing stupid fast hidden serves. People who can't adjust to this rule are sore losers!

service rule
by seeju mathews on 6/2/2003 5:47:00 AM

regarding the new rule laid down in table tennis!!!!i think it is ridiculous. it is a disadvantage for people who have good services.

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Service rule discussed again

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