7. SERVICE
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7.1 At the start of service, the ball shall rest freely on the open, flat
palm of the free hand and shall be stationary, above the level of the playing
surface, and behind the server's end line.
7.2 The ball and the racquet shall be above the level of the playing surface
and behind the end line of the server's court or an imaginary extension
thereof from the last moment at which the ball is stationary on the palm
of the free hand until the ball is struck in service.
7.3 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, by hand
only and without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 6 inches after
leaving the palm of the hand.
7.4 As the ball is then descending from the height of its trajectory, the
server shall strike it so that it touches first his own court and then,
passing directly over the net or around or under the projection of the net
and its supports outside the table, touches the receiver's court.
7.4.1 In doubles, the points of contact of the ball with the playing surface
shall be the server's right hand court and then the receiver's right hand
court.
7.4.2 If, in attempting to serve, a player fails to strike the ball while
it is in play, he shall lose a point.
7.5 When the ball is struck in service, it shall be behind the end line
of the server's court or an imaginary extension thereof, but not farther
back than the part of the server's body, other than his arm, leg, or head,
whichever is farthest from the net.
7.6 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or
assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a good
service.
7.6.1 If the umpire is doubtful about the correctness of a player's service
but neither he nor the assistant umpire is sure it is illegal, he may on
the first occasion in a match interrupt play and warn the server without
awarding a point. On any subsequent occasion in the same match at which
the same player's service is of doubtful correctness, for the same or any
other reason, the player shall not be given the benefit of the doubt and
shall lose the point.
7.6.2 Where, however, there is a clear failure to comply with the
requirements for a good service no warning should be given and a point should
be awarded against the server.
7.7 Exceptionally, strict observance of the prescribed method of service
may be waived where the umpire is notified, before play begins, that compliance
is prevented by physical disability.