Catching the ball that is served?
Rules
Pedro Aquino Asked 12 years ago
Hi coach,
Is it allowed to catch a ball that is served to me due to distraction or due to not being fully ready?
Pete Aquino
Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago
Hi Pete,
Once the ball is in play you need to continue the rally. The best thing is that if you are not ready you should turn your back to the table to make sure the umpire knows you are not ready.
The rule also says that play should be continuous so you should try to get ready straight away.
Thoughts on this question
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Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago
When you see the professionals play, the receiver holds a finger up as they get themselves set to let the server know they are not yet ready. I do the same and catch the ball if they serve without looking up. Some players actually serve early as a ploy, often serving as soon as you toss them the ball and are still walking back to your side of the table. I find these tactics particularly annoying.