Legal Serve

Randy Unknown Asked 15 years ago

Do I always have to toss the ball in the air to serve?  Sometimes I just hit the ball out of my hand or I throw the ball against the paddle on a serve. The person who told me that it was wrong to serve like that was a tennis player. He said that I always have to toss it in the air to serve. Is this true? Thank you. Your teaching and web-site is awesome!

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Randy,

Yes, your friend is correct. You have to throw the ball out of your hand at least 16cm before you hit it.  As a guide, that is about the height of the net.

Thanks for your kind words about our site.