Tennis Serving Rules

The serve is the most important shot in tennis. It sets the tone for the point and dictates court position. A good server has an immediate advantage over her opponent from the start.

  1. Where to Stand

    • The server begins behind the baseline, on the right side of the center line. She moves to the left side of the center line for the second point and alternates each point.

    Putting a Serve in Play

    • The server must hit the ball over the net in the air, and the ball must land in the service box on the opposite side of the center line on the other side of the net.

    Chances

    • The server gets two chances to put the serve in play or she loses the point.

    Exceptions

    • If the ball hits the net but lands on the other side in the correct service box, it is called a "let" and the server is not charged with a chance.

    Toss

    • The server tosses the ball and hits it with the racket before the ball bounces. Most players hit the serve as an overhead shot because of the power such a shot generates, but players can hit an underhand or sidearm serve. A server is under no obligation to serve a ball if she does not like the toss. She can catch it in the air or on a bounce and try again without penalty. Doing this often is not against the rules but is considered poor etiquette and warrants an apology.

    Foot Fault

    • The server is charged with a foot fault (losing a chance) if she does not come to a standing rest before her toss, or if she steps onto the court before hitting the ball (she must remain behind the baseline or in the air).