Ball sticking to hand!

[Assybish]

Here's a weird one not experienced by me at all before!
Due to the hot and humid weather when serving I am finding that the ball is sticking to my palm and not being thrown up. Very embarrasing and also costing points as the serve has commenced but failed!.
Has any one any helpful suggestions or experiences as to how to overcome the problem?

I'm expecting quite a bit of ribbing here guys any way.:fcb:

[Annie]

Actually I suppose it isn't as daft as it sounds. Have you tried deodorant or am I stating the obvious?

[MK Chris]

You could use chalk? When I find the pool cue is sticking to where I'm resting it on my hand, I just put chalk on it to dry it off.. perhaps not the most elegant option, but effective - as long as it doesn't have an effect on the ball's movement.

[Mr Wilko]

you could just try drying your hand on your shorts or top??

or have you got hairy palms??? ha ha ha ha

[Haggisv]

Some would argue that if the ball has not left your hand, the service action has not commenced so it's not a fault...

The rules states:
"The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until the rally is decided as a let or a point. "

[Belisar]

Are we sure it is sweat that is making the ball stick ? :covereyes:

Anyhow I twiddle the bat in my hand between points (just trying to create some airflow) and as necessary wipe my hand on various parts of my kit to keep it dry.

You see some players wipe their palms on the table to cool/dry them. I always think I should thank them for leaving the sweaty marks when it is on our home table.

I have also seen players with a small towel tucked into the back of their shorts so they can have a craft wipe here and there.

[Mr Wilko]

yeah i use the table to dry my hands on. also which is mainly when floor is dusty i wipe my hands on the bottom of them then on my shirt making my hand dry but dusty (bit like chalk)

[JKC]

Occasionally I have a similar problem when I use a new DHS ball. They seem to come out of the box charged in some way and the ball either stays closer to your hand than you expect or is deflected out of line as you pull your hand away. It only happens for a couple of points though and then the charge seems to dissipate after that.

[Mr Wilko]

pop ball in you mouth JKC, cleans dust of the ball. i always do this with new balls before playing

[The Windmill]

pop ball in you mouth JKC, cleans dust of the ball. i always do this with new balls before playing

As long as they are the only balls you put in your mouth....ffffnnnarr fffnnaaarrr....OOOhhhh Er Matron :thumbsup:

[Mr Wilko]

yes windmill only ones, i am not double jointed or a dog!!! ha ha ha

[JKC]

You don't have trouble with dust on any other kind of balls do you Windy?

[Annie]

pop ball in you mouth JKC, cleans dust of the ball. i always do this with new balls before playing

It's lucky you're not a Pool player like me then!

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d29/hungarianwonderwoman/TBFS/BALLS.jpg

[Assybish]

Thanks to all for the many suggestions!
Funnily enough I do use DHS balls (he hasn't asked for them back yet!)
but think the problem is more to do with my palms as they are not hairy - if they were the ball wouldn't stick.
I was wiping down between points but it didn't help as the surface of the palm was tackier than geospin tacky! even though they were quite dry. The only solution was to wash and towel off - not very practicable ( but a good way of getting your breath back after a counter hitting loop rally!):taz:

[Mousy]

Some would argue that if the ball has not left your hand, the service action has not commenced so it's not a fault...

The rules states:
"The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until the rally is decided as a let or a point. "


Well said Haggisv

Technically correct also!

The bottom line is you are quite entitled to "dry" your palm via towelling although not to towel yourself down if that makes sense. The reason is obvious as it needs to be done to eliminate any problems within the next point.

This is a common problem in very enclosed halls and no ventilation. I have played in many places where for some reason the home team leaves windows closed?

There are some cynics that may say this intent but not me i believe its done because the numptys tend to be unaware of the outcome.

[Haggisv]

Thank you Mousy! I thought my comments were quietly ignored :sulk:

[Spinmaster]

Well said Haggisv

Technically correct also!

The bottom line is you are quite entitled to "dry" your palm via towelling although not to towel yourself down if that makes sense. The reason is obvious as it needs to be done to eliminate any problems within the next point.

This is a common problem in very enclosed halls and no ventilation. I have played in many places where for some reason the home team leaves windows closed?

There are some cynics that may say this intent but not me i believe its done because the numptys tend to be unaware of the outcome.


I too have played in many halls where ventalation is totally ignored wether on purpose or by management but either way it is not acceptable. Always towel if it is needed to keep the serve legal as it cannot be stopped by umpires.