Serving Legally

• The Server places the ball in the palm of the hand not holding the bat. The ball rests in the hand.

• The Server stands behind the white line of the table.

• The Server throws the ball UPWARDS by at least 6 inches.
  
• While serving, the Server's hand containing the ball should always be ABOVE and BEHIND the white line of the table.
  
• The most recent rules state that the ball should be visible at all times during the serve by both player and umpire and there should be clear line of sight between the ball and the two net posts.

• After the ball has been thrown in the air the free hand should be moved away so that it does not block the ball in any way from the view of the receiving player.

Common Service Mistakes

• Lifting the ball and dropping it onto the bat.
• Dropping the ball onto the bat while not throwing it up at all.
• Shielding the ball with the body or with the hand. This was permissable under the old rules.