Hold the ball in an open palm above the table

Keep the ball behind the end line and above the playing surface

Toss the ball straight up at least 6 inches

Strike the ball after it falls from the toss

Make contact so the ball first bounces on your side

Let the ball bounce once on your side before crossing the net

In singles, serve diagonally to the opponent’s side

In doubles, serve diagonally from right court to right court

Keep the ball visible to the receiver and umpire

Do not hide the ball with your body or free arm

Keep your free hand and arm out of the way during the serve

Alternate serves after every two points in singles

Alternate serves after every two points in doubles

Switch servers when the score reaches deuce in some formats

Serve again if the ball touches the net and lands correctly

Lose the point if the serve misses the table or is illegal