Returning illegal serves

Jack Mercer Asked 6 years ago

The players I usually play with ABSOLUTELY INSIST on serving the ball straight out of their hand. No toss as the rules clearly mandate.

This type of serve is not legal for a very good reason; it gives the server a significant advantage, especially if the server is otherwise a reasonably good player.

Since I must live with this situation because these are my friends and do not want to cause a rift between us, I am trying to learn how to handle their illegal serves. Do you have any advice on how to successfully counter these eratic serves which seem to literally "explode" out of their palm giving me VERY little time to react? 

My skill level is probably intermediate and good enough to probably win the majority of my matches IF  my friends would just serve legally. I know this is probably an impossible question to answer, but my frustration level has reached the point where I am seeking advice from everyone. ANY help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Jack

radioal7kf@gmail.com

Alois Rosario Answered 6 years ago

Hi Jack,

That is a frustrating situation.

I guess the thing to focus on is to really watch the ball out of his hand.  Try to see it as it is in his hand and even before he has it in his hand.  This focus will help to see the direction of the ball earlier and perhaps react a little faster as well.

Apart from that maybe a word to them about the basic rules of serving may help.  Perhaps show them the tutorial on the Service Rules.  Might help...