Tennis Serving Rules
To serve, stand behind the baseline between the center mark and the sideline, toss the ball and hit it before it bounces so it lands in the service box diagonally opposite. Start every game from the right side and switch sides after each point. You get two attempts: a miss is a fault, and two in a row is a double fault, which loses the point. A serve that clips the net and lands in the right box is a let and is played again. Underarm serves are legal.
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026.
Where to stand
Under ITF Rule 16, just before starting the service motion the server stands at rest with both feet behind the baseline, between the imaginary extension of the center mark and the sideline (the singles sideline in singles, the doubles sideline in doubles).
Rule 17 says which half: in each game the first serve is from behind the right half of the court, and the server then alternates halves after every point. In a tiebreak the first point is also served from the right, and the sides alternate from there.
The service motion
The server releases the ball by hand in any direction and hits it with the racket before it touches the ground. The service is complete when the racket hits or misses the ball. A player who can use only one arm may release the ball with the racket.
There is no rule requiring an overhead serve, so an underarm serve is legal. If you toss the ball and decide not to hit it, you may catch it or let it bounce; that is not a fault.
Faults and double faults
Under Rule 19 the serve is a fault if:
- it lands outside the correct service box (the lines are good);
- the server swings and misses the ball;
- it hits a permanent fixture, the singles stick or the net post before landing;
- it hits the server, the server's partner or anything they wear or carry;
- the server breaks the stance or position rules, including a foot fault.
After a first-serve fault the server serves again from the same side (Rule 20). Two faults in a row lose the point (Rule 24).
Foot faults
During the service motion the server must not (Rule 18):
- walk or run to change position (small foot movements are fine);
- touch the baseline or the court inside it with either foot;
- touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline;
- touch the imaginary extension of the center mark.
Jumping is allowed: the server may have one or both feet off the ground. Without an umpire, the receiver may point out a flagrant foot fault that is clearly visible from their end.
Service lets
Under Rule 22, the serve is a let if it touches the net, strap or band and then lands in the correct box, or touches the net and then hits the receiver or their partner before bouncing. It is also a let if the server serves when the receiver is not ready.
A let is simply replayed, but it does not cancel an earlier fault: a let on the second serve means you take the second serve again. Some events use the No-Let alternative (ITF Appendix VI), where a net serve that lands in the box is in play.
The receiver
The receiver may stand anywhere on their side, inside or outside the lines, but must let the serve bounce before returning it; volleying the serve loses the point. The server must not serve until the receiver is ready, and the receiver must play to the server's reasonable pace. If the receiver tries to return the ball, they are considered ready.
If the served ball hits the receiver before bouncing, the server wins the point (unless it is a let).
Who serves first, and in what order
A toss decides who serves first (Rule 9): the winner may choose to serve or receive, choose the end, or make the opponent choose. After each game the receiver becomes the server (Rule 14). In doubles the four players rotate, as explained in the doubles rules; in a tiebreak the serve changes after the first point and then every two points, as in the tiebreak guide.
Between points the server has up to 25 seconds (Rule 29).
Singles calculator
At 4-3, that is 7 completed games.
Next server
Player 1
Game 1 of the set
Player 1 serves the opening game of the set.
Keep score while you serve
In a match without an umpire, the server announces the score before each point. In the Racketlovers app you and your opponent agree the games at each changeover, the opponent confirms them, and family and friends follow the live score from the link you share.
Frequently asked questions
Is an underarm serve legal in tennis?
Yes. The rules only say the ball must be released by hand and hit before it bounces. Nothing requires an overhead motion.
Do you get a second serve after a let?
A let is replayed and does not cancel an earlier fault. A let on the first serve gives you the first serve again; a let on the second serve gives you the second serve again.
Which side do you serve from first?
Always from the right half of the court at the start of each game, then alternating sides after every point.
What is a foot fault in tennis?
Touching the baseline or the court with either foot during the service motion, stepping past the sideline or center-mark extension, or walking or running into the serve.
Can you bounce the ball before serving in tennis?
You can bounce it as often as you like before your toss. The serve itself must be hit before the tossed ball touches the ground.
How long do you have to serve between points?
Up to 25 seconds between points under ITF Rule 29.