Attacking/blocking a served ball?

Question
Is it legal to directly smash the service ball from the opposite side, i.e. before or without the ball being set.

Answer
Good morning!

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It is illegal to smash a served ball IF the ball is still above the level of the net when you do it.  

In other words, if you bump a served ball back to the opponents, no problem.  If you set a served ball back, no problem.  But if you send a served ball back over, and it's above the height of the net when you do it, then the referee will blow the whistle.  

Therefore, blocking a serve is illegal also.  Why?  B/c the ball is above the level of the net when you do it.

I hope this helps.  If you have more questions, please ask me!  And if you have a moment, please visit me at www.coachhouser.com.  I think you'll like all the smiling faces!

Coach Houser