Serving is one of the most important skills in tennis. It sets the tone for each point, allowing the server to dictate play and gain an advantage. While a powerful and accurate serve can be a game-changer, understanding the official serving rules is just as crucial to avoid unnecessary faults and penalties.

This guide covers everything you need to know about tennis serving rules, including legal techniques, faults, let serves, and special cases to help players at all levels master this fundamental part of the game.

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Basic Tennis Serving Rules

The serve is the starting shot of every point, and it must follow these fundamental rules:

1. The server must stand behind the baseline between the singles sideline and the center mark.
2. The ball must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
3. The server gets two attempts to deliver a legal serve.
4. The serve must land in the correct service box without touching the net (unless it’s a let serve).
5. Players alternate serving each game and switch sides after every odd-numbered game in a set.

These foundational rules ensure that play remains fair and consistent, preventing any advantage from improper serving techniques.

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First and Second Serves: How They Work

In each service attempt, players have two chances to execute a legal serve:

• First Serve: Typically hit with more power and aggression to gain an early advantage in the point.
• Second Serve: If the first serve is a fault, players get a second attempt. The second serve is usually hit with more spin and safety to avoid a double fault.

If both serve attempts result in faults, it results in a double fault, awarding the point to the opponent.

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Faults and Double Faults Explained

A fault occurs when a player fails to deliver a legal serve. Here are the most common types of faults:

• Foot Fault: The server steps on or over the baseline before making contact with the ball.
• Missed Serve: The ball lands outside the correct service box.
• Net Fault: The serve hits the net and lands outside the service box.

If a player commits two consecutive faults, it results in a double fault, meaning they automatically lose the point.

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Let Serves: What Happens When the Ball Hits the Net?

A let serve occurs when the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box. In this case:

• The point is not counted, and the server retries the serve.
• There is no limit on the number of let serves a player can hit.

If the ball hits the net and lands outside the service box, it is a fault, not a let.

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Serving Order and Rotation Rules

Proper serving order ensures fairness in a match. The key rules include:

• Singles Matches: Players alternate serving each game. If Player A serves first, Player B serves the second game, and so on.
• Doubles Matches: Each team rotates serving every four games. Player A serves, then the opposing team serves, followed by Player B, then the final member of the opposing team before the cycle repeats.
• Tiebreak Serving Order: In a tiebreak, the first player serves one point, and then players alternate every two points.

Following the correct rotation and serving sequence prevents penalties and ensures fairness throughout the match.

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Special Cases: Serving in Different Formats

1. Underhand Serves – Are They Legal?

Yes, underhand serves are completely legal as long as the server follows the correct mechanics. Some players use it strategically to catch opponents off guard, especially against those who stand far behind the baseline.

2. Serving in No-Ad Scoring Matches

In no-ad scoring (common in doubles and recreational play), when the game reaches 40-40 (deuce), the next point decides the game. The receiving team chooses which side to return from before the final serve is played.

3. Sudden Death Tiebreak Serving Rules

In some formats, such as super tiebreaks (first to 10 points), serving follows an alternating pattern where each player serves two points at a time after the initial serve.

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Tennis Serving Strategies for Success

Mastering the serve goes beyond just following the rules—it’s about using it as a weapon to gain an advantage. Here are a few key strategies:

• Mix Up Your Serve Placement: A predictable serve is easy to return. Vary serves to the opponent’s forehand, backhand, and body.
• Use Spin for Control: Kick serves and slice serves can make it difficult for opponents to attack.
• Stay Relaxed and Balanced: A rushed serve often leads to faults. Take your time and maintain proper form.
• Develop a Reliable Second Serve: Avoid double faults by practicing a second serve with consistent topspin and placement.

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Conclusion

The serve is one of the most crucial shots in tennis, and understanding the rules, mechanics, and strategies can significantly impact performance. Whether playing in recreational matches or competitive tournaments, following proper serving rules ensures fair play while allowing players to maximize their strengths on the court.