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: I had an occasion yesterday when I struck the ball with so much backspin that when it landed on my opponents side of the net it returned to my side of the net under its own impetus. I read over Rule 12.1.1 and have a question. If this were to occur again, do I have to wait for it to bounce on my side of the net before I strike it or may I take the ball out of the air when I strike it?

-submitted by ahargrea@james-city.va.us

A: You have to wait, and give your opponent a chance to make a good return, even if he/she, in order to reach the ball, would have to strike it above your side of the table. That would still be a good return!

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