In professional table tennis, the server often tries to deceive the receiver by hiding the ball before serving. This is because the receiver is paying close attention to the paddle and the spin of the ball in order to position themselves for a return shot. As such, the server will go to great lengths to hide the ball and make it difficult for the receiver to predict where it will land.
By doing this, the server can gain an advantage and win more points. However, it should be noted that not all pro table tennis players serve weirdly. Some simply have better technique than others and can placed the ball exactly where they want it without having to resort to trickery. In the end, it all comes down to skill and practice.
Why do table tennis players look so closely at the ball before serving?
Any table tennis player will tell you that serving is one of the most important aspects of the game. A well-placed serve can be the difference between winning and losing a point, so players take great care when selecting a ball to serve. In particular, players often check multiple balls before deciding which one to use. There are two reasons for this. First, players want to find a smooth ball. A smooth ball will travel faster than an older ball, making it more difficult for the opponent to return. Second, players also want to find a fluffy ball. A fluffy ball is less likely to bounce off the table, giving the player a better chance of winning the point. By carefully choosing the right ball, players can increase their chances of success on the serving line.
What serves in ping-pong are not allowed?
Law 2.6: Start of the Service.
The top right method is not allowed because the ball is resting on the fingers of the free hand, not the open palm. The bottom left method is not allowed because the ball is being held by the fingers. The method in the bottom right is against the law because the hand is not open but cupped.