Rule 2 Aces, returns and service

An ace is when a server sends the ball to any part of the outer court beyond the ace line, and it is not returned to the front wall by an opponent. All balls must be recoverd on the first bound after reaching the floor. That is, a ball can take the circuit of the four walls before it can be termed returnable. The service is considered to be very difficult when the ball, after hitting the front wall, takes in either the side walls on a fly, bounds on the floor, and then comes off the back wall; or after hitting one side wall bounds from the floor to the back wall, and thence to the other side wall. The great trouble in recovering these balls is that the force of their flight is expended when they come in contact with the last wall, and, therefore, drop dead to the floor. If the ball is returned to the front wall the server must recover it, either on the fly or first bound; if he fails the hand is out, and his opponent becomes a server. It is allowable to serve at either side of the court, but always within the two parallel lines. Stepping beyond the inner line twice in succession, or hitting either side wall, roof or floor before striking the front wall, or serving three short balls in succession, shall cause the loss of a hand.

A low sharp service that can be placed at a side angle of the court without any rise to the ball, or sent to the extreme outside corners, is particularly destructive. Then there are the “Scotch twist,” a high service that sends the ball around the court in an irritating fashion, and a towering ball, that does not commence to drop until reaching the corners, and then continues its fall close to the wall. There are a few players, but they can be counted upon one’s fingers, who can serve the ball to the right and left without changing their position. This requires a great deal of skill and experience, but it can be done effectively, and should be seen oftener in practice.