Serving in tennis is arguably the most crucial shot in the game. It’s the only shot where you have complete control, dictating the start of each point. While mastering the serve technique takes time and practice, understanding the Rules Of Tennis Serve is the first and most important step for any beginner, and even seasoned players looking to refine their game. This guide will break down everything you need to know about the rules of serving in tennis, ensuring you step onto the court with confidence and a solid understanding of this fundamental aspect of the sport.
Deciding the Start: Choice of Serve and Court Side
Before a match begins, players or teams need to decide who serves first and which side of the court they’ll start on. This is typically determined by a ‘toss’, often a racquet spin. The winner of the toss has several options: they can choose to serve or receive first, choose which end of the court to start on, or make their opponent choose.
If the toss winner chooses to serve or receive, the other player or team gets to pick their preferred court end. Conversely, if the toss winner selects a court end, the other player or team decides whether to serve or receive. Many players and teams opt to serve first, as it’s often seen as a slight advantage to start on the offensive. However, beginners who are less confident in their serve might choose to receive first to ease into the match. External factors like strong sun or wind can also influence the decision of which court end to start from, offering a tactical advantage.
Serving Order in Doubles Play
In doubles tennis, the serving order within a team is a strategic decision. The team who is serving gets to decide which of their two players will serve first in the set. Often, teams will have their stronger server begin. The partner of the first server will then serve the next time their team is due to serve, and this rotation continues throughout the set. This allows teams to strategically utilize their serving strengths and potentially gain an edge.
aerial shot of tennis complex with three tennis courts visible
Alt text: Aerial view of a vibrant tennis complex showcasing three well-maintained courts, emphasizing the structured layout for competitive play.
Starting a Point: Foot Placement, Readiness, and Score
Foot Placement: Setting the Stage for a Legal Serve
Proper foot placement is crucial for a legal serve. The server must stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline on their side of the court. In singles, players generally position themselves closer to the center mark to better cover the entire court. Doubles players, however, often stand nearer to the sideline, as they are responsible for covering only their half of the court, including the doubles alley.
Crucially, both feet must be behind the baseline at the start of the serve, and no foot can cross the baseline until after the serving motion is complete. Stepping over the baseline before contacting the ball results in a foot fault, and the serve is deemed illegal.
Each service game begins with the server positioned on the right side of the court, known as the deuce court (except in a tie-break situation). The serve must travel over the net, without touching it, and land within the service box diagonally opposite to the server’s position. If you’re unsure which side to serve from, the score provides a simple guide. When an even number of points has been played in the game (e.g., 0-0, 15-15, 40-40), serve from the right (deuce) court. When an odd number of points has been played (e.g., 15-0, 40-30), serve from the left (ad) court.
Receiver Readiness: Ensuring Fair Play
Before initiating the serve, the server must ensure the receiver is ready. While there isn’t a strict time limit for this, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules of tennis serve state that the receiver must play at a “reasonable pace of the server.” If the receiver delays the serve, the server is entitled to proceed without waiting.
In practical terms, this means the server should make a reasonable visual check to see if the receiver is in position and appears ready. Additionally, it’s good practice for the server to clear the court of any stray balls before starting a point to prevent distractions or hazards.
Calling the Score: Communication is Key
In most non-professional tennis matches, players are responsible for calling their own scores. Before each point, the server should clearly and audibly announce the score. At the beginning of a new game, the server should announce the set score first, followed by the game score (e.g., “Love-Love, first game”). Once the game is underway, only the game score needs to be called before each serve. Clear score calling ensures transparency and avoids confusion during the match.
Service Faults: Understanding Illegal Serves
A service fault occurs when a serve does not legally land in the correct service box. There are several scenarios that constitute a fault:
- Out of Bounds: The most common fault is when the served ball lands outside the boundaries of the service box diagonally opposite to the server.
- Missed Ball: If the server attempts a serve but misses the ball completely after tossing it, it’s a fault.
- Hitting Fixtures: If the served ball hits a permanent fixture (like the net post before landing in the correct service court) it is a fault.
- Touching Server: If the ball touches the server or their doubles partner after being served but before bouncing, it’s also a fault.
- Foot Fault: As previously mentioned, stepping over the baseline before contacting the ball is a foot fault.
Importantly, if a server has a bad toss, they are allowed to catch the ball or let it bounce without penalty, and re-toss for their serve. This provides an opportunity to avoid serving with a compromised toss.
Player on tennis court
Alt text: Focused shot of a tennis player in mid-serve motion on a clay court, highlighting the athletic posture and concentration required for a powerful serve.
Second Serves: The Chance for Redemption
If the first serve is a fault, the server gets a second opportunity to serve. This second serve must be attempted promptly after the first serve is called a fault and must be served from the same side of the court as the first serve. The pressure is higher on the second serve as another fault will result in a double fault and loss of the point.
Service Lets: Replaying the Serve
A service let, often mistakenly called a “net,” occurs when a served ball touches the net, strap, or band on its way over and still lands in the correct service court. A let also occurs if the serve hits the receiver or their partner before bouncing in the correct service box. Another type of let is when the server serves before the receiver is deemed ready.
When a let is called, the serve does not count, and the server gets to serve that point again. Crucially, if a let occurs on a second serve, the fault from the first serve is not cancelled out, and the server still only has one second serve remaining.
Double Faults: Losing the Point
A double fault is the server’s worst-case scenario. It happens when the server faults on both their first and second serve attempts in a single point. When a double fault occurs, the server automatically loses the point. Avoiding double faults is a key focus for improving serving consistency.
Service Calls: Fair Play and Etiquette
According to “The Code: The Players’ Guide to Fair Play and the Unwritten Rules of Tennis” published by the USTA, there’s a generally accepted etiquette regarding service calls, particularly on first serves. Neither the server nor their partner should call a fault on the first serve, even if they believe it might be out, as it is considered polite to give the receiver the benefit of the doubt. However, if the receiver attempts to return the first serve and misses, the server or partner can then call the fault.
For second serves, the etiquette is stricter. If either the server or their partner clearly sees the second serve is out, they should call a double fault. Any player on either the serving or receiving team is entitled to call a service let if they believe one has occurred. Fair play and clear communication are vital in self-officiated tennis matches.
Conclusion: Mastering the Serve for Tennis Success
The serve is the cornerstone of tennis. Understanding and adhering to the rules of tennis serve is fundamental, whether you’re just starting out or aiming to enhance your competitive edge. Once you grasp these basic rules, consistent practice is key. Grab your racquet, a basket of balls, and head to the court to practice your serves. As you become more proficient, you can start exploring advanced serving techniques like slice and kick serves, and strategically aiming your serves down the ‘T’ or out wide to gain a tactical advantage in your matches.
