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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: When serving, after tossing the ball vertically at least 16cm and then letting it fall, must the server let the ball fall a certain distance before striking the ball, or is it okay to strike the ball the instant the ball begins to fall from its high point?

- submitted by Ralph Crisostomo

A: It's okay to strike the ball the instant the ball begins to fall from its high point. You will be a much happier player and observer of Table Tennis when you know the rules. Contact USATT headquarters (1-719-578-4583), do yourself a favor, and buy a copy of the ITTF Rule Book, the newest edition. Your Friendly Umpire. Table Tennis rules are also posted at www.ittf.com

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