Is Timo Boll’s service legal or not legal? Let’s analyze the serve of Timo Boll with the ball-tracking technology in table tennis. It’s used in table tennis as the TTR review system.
Ball tracking technology
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The ITTF adopted the video table tennis refereeing (TTR) proposal at its meeting on November 27, 2021, in Houston, Texas, giving players the right to review a decision made by a referee, whether they deem incorrect.
This ball-tracking technology can be now used in more official competition.
Effective immediately, the TTR can now be used and will take effect when a player appeals a decision of a referee. This very precise technology will allow better implementation of the current regulation.
TTR will instantly provide a replay of the game leading to a decision subject to review. The replay will be reviewed by a video match official, who will have the power to override the original decision based on the evidence.
The ITTF has always put players first and is committed to continuously improving their match experience through consultation and innovation.
“We felt it was important to implement new technology that will ensure fair competition for all athletes, allowing them to challenge any decision made by the referee. The benefits of using the TTR system are very positive and we can actually speak of evolution in the sport of table tennis.
We have received very positive feedback from players and expect a major improvement in the viewer experience in the future.”
Steve Dainton, ITTF CEO
Real example use of TTR in table tennis
Analysis of service placement
The ability of ball-tracking technology is great. It can be used to analyze the serve placement of the top players. Here, you can see that Xu Xin likes to serve in the middle of the table.
The service placement of Xu Xin is 80% near the net and at the middle of the table.
Analysis of an illegal serve (Timo Boll study case)
The umpire said that Timo Boll didn’t throw the ball high enough. In table tennis, you need to throw the ball higher than 16 cm. Timo Boll didn’t agree with the umpire. He asked for the TTR review camera system.
And Timo Boll is right. He threw the ball to 17 cm, which is a legal serve. The umpire is not correct.
Here is the full video I made to analyze the service of Timo Boll:
Watch this video.
Measure the speed and spin of the ball
It’s also important to remember that table tennis is a game of strategy, and having all this live information obviously enhances the show but adds a bit more to the appeal.
It’s like chess when we learn that Mima Ito can smash with astonishing ease at 75 kilometers per hour, while a winning topspin from Fan Zendhong is approximately 6500 revolutions per minute.
How vertical that you should throw up your serve?
Based on the rule of table tennis serve, you are allowed to throw the ball near vertical, the maximum angle should be smaller than 30 degrees.
If the service toss angle is bigger than 30 degrees, then your serve is illegal.
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