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Paul Kovac	See if you can Stump the Ump... E-mail questions to Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire. Please note: Questions which have answers that are easily found by consulting the rules may not merit a reply.

Q: A server presents the ball in their stationary hand following rules 11.1 and 11.2 Before they project the ball under rule 11.3, they move their arm up in a pumping motion. They then again move their arm up and project the ball following rule 11.3 and the rest of the rules. Is the pumping motion legal? If you move your arm up and do not like something but do not project the ball, may you represent the ball and start the procedure over?

- submitted by Randy Brooks

A: Pumping per se is not illegal, as long that the ball does not leave the palm. However, the toss has to originate from a steady palm. Thus, pumping must stop above the playing surface immediately before the toss, otherwise the service is illegal.

- answered by Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire