Can you Hide your hand under the table during service

[Elijah]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if your allowed to hide your racket under the table during your service.The Ball in my left hand can still be seen above the table and you can see the contact of the ball when I serve.Is this illegal or legal. Thanks for your help!

 

[azlan]

Yes you can eventually, it still has come out from under the table

 

[strangeloop]

I don't think there are rules concerning visibility of the racket before serve. The racket can start anywhere. The ball needs to be visible the whole time, which implies that contact has to be above the table. The toss has to start above the table. The left hand should drop away immediately so that the ball and the point of contact can be seen.

 

[judah000]

Try to watch Song HongYuan serve, he serves starting his racket below the table.

 

[Giangt]

It is allowed to hide your racket under the during the serve. Eventually you have to hit the ball and then your opponent can see your serve. Latest see Koki Niwa against Ma Long, he is doing it many times.

 

[fongchengloy]

As long as your hand or any part of your body do not block the view (from your opponent side) your serve is legal. You can see some of the top players; they are serving like you.

 

[Elijah]

Thanks for your help

 

[uzumaki_674]

Told you Elijah! it is allowed! )

 

[TTTT]

Hiding your racket used to be forbidden, but it is now allowed. The rule was changed in 2002.