Table Tennis Serve Rules

Service shall start with the ping pong ball resting freely on the open palm of the server´s stationary free hand. The server shall then project the table tennis ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises as least 16 cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without touching anything before being struck. As the ping pong ball is falling, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then, passing directly over or around the net assembly touches the receiver´s court. In doubles the ball shall touch successively the right half court of the server and receiver. From the start of service until it is struck, the ping pong ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server´s end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or his doubles partner. As soon as the ball has been projected the server's free arm shall be removed from the space between the server's body and the net. It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a good service.