Just a quick update on a slight change to the rules around volley serving. The mechanics haven’t changed but their is a shift in interpretation and enforcement by referees (and players) as per the following –

The Volley Serve Gets ‘Clearer’

The actual mechanics of the volley serve haven’t changed:

1. You must make contact below your waist
2. The highest point of the paddle must remain below your wrist
3. The swing motion must go from low to high

What’s new is the addition of the word: “clearly.” That single word changes everything – or at least that’s the hope. Previously, it was all a bit subjective and difficult to enforce

Now, if it’s not clearly legal, it could be called a fault. This matters because many players are already skirting the rules with sidearm serves or paddle positions that are tough to call

In recreation play, enforcement will probably remain loose. But in tournaments, expect referees to crack down on serves that don’t obviously meet all three requirements

We hope this is straight forward, but if you have any queries please approach the matchday referee