Tennis Serve Rules and Types Explained

The play in tennis begins with a serve for every single point. It is a shot that the serving player takes entirely on their own terms. There is just the player, the ball and the toss, when you get down to it. That makes serving the most controllable stroke in the game and also one of the most important elements to master. Whether you’re a beginning player or a fan who wants to understand things better, knowing both the tennis serve rules and the different tennis serve types is essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about serving in tennis in plain terms. We will explain what a serve is and the official rules that govern this element of play. Plus, the main types of tennis serves will also be discussed. So, if you’re interested in expanding your horizons, scroll down to learn all about it!

What is a Tennis Serve?

In simplest terms, a tennis serve is the shot that puts the ball into play at the start of every point. Here’s how it usually plays out:

1. The server stands behind the baseline
2. They toss the ball into the air with one hand
3. The ball is struck with the racket before it bounces off the ground
4. The server aims to land it in the diagonally opposite service box on their opponent’s side

Until the serve lands in-play, the point has not begun.

Why the Serve Matters?

The serve matters more than every other shot for one very simple reason: it is the only stroke a player executes without having to react to the opponent’s strike. Every other shot is a response to an incoming ball, but the players themselves entirely initiate the serve. They can read the positioning and the preparation of the rival to choose the most appropriate method of attack.

Such control is a huge advantage. A strong server can dictate the point and tempo from the very beginning and win points through aces. 

1st and 2nd Serve Differences

Players get two attempts at serving. The 1st and 2nd attempts are generally executed very differently. Keep in mind that the 2nd attempt is only necessary if the first one fails.

• The first serve is usually much more aggressive. You can see players hit the ball harder and flatter, aiming to win the point outright.
• The second serve is more of a safety net. It’s slower, spinnier and more conservative, as the players try to prioritise precision over power. 

Missing both serves (double fault) concedes the point entirely, which is why all athletes try to avoid double faults as much as possible. 

Change of Serving Tactics Throughout the Match

The consistency of serves, form, and the overall match flow can impact what type of serve the player uses throughout the contest.

The goal is to vary ball speed, spin and placement to keep returners guessing. This is done to protect a lead or attack specific weaknesses. Since a predictable server is easier to read, mixing it up is an entirely new skill. 

Tennis Serve Rules

While quality serving is considered an art form with many different approaches, there are actually official tennis serving rules set out in the ITF Rules of Tennis. There are quite a few of them, but all rules regarding this are straightforward once broken down. Please find the information on what governs a legal serve below.

Starting Position

The server must stand behind the baseline, between the centre mark and the singles or doubles sideline, depending on the format.

Both feet must be at rest before serving, and they may not touch the baseline of the court inside it until the racket strikes the ball. The first serve of every game is always delivered from the same spot – right-hand side (deuce). The server then alternates sides for each subsequent point.

Service Direction

According to official tennis serving rules, the ball must travel diagonally into the service box that sits opposite the server. So, when serving from the right side (deuce) of the court, the ball must land in the receiver’s deuce service box and vice versa.

Only a serve that lands in the correct box or on any of its lines is considered good. If it lands outside the box, in the net, or in the wrong box, it is a fault.

The Two-serve Rule

For every point, the server has two attempts to land a legal ball. If the first serve is a fault, there is a second attempt, which is usually, as we mentioned, a more conservative one.

If the second serve is also a fault, it is a double fault, and the point is awarded to the receiver. This structure means that players have more room to gamble on the first attempt but need to tidy things up immediately for the second try.

Service Sequence

According to official tennis serve rules, one player serves for an entire game. After that, the right passes to their opponent for the next game, and so on. This alternates throughout the set.

Within a game, the server switches sides after every point, and it’s mandated that they have to start from the deuce side. In doubles, the serving order will rotate through all four players across consecutive service games. Each player serves whole games.

Let Serve

The ‘Let’ is a unique rule. If a serve clips the top of the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s called a ‘Let’, and the serve is simply replayed with no penalty. A player can serve any number of ‘Lets’ in a row – each one is just the serve retaken.

However, it’s important to note that this rule only applies when the ball lands in the correct box. If it hits the net and lands out, it is an ordinary fault. Some formats remove this rule, but the traditional outcome is a retake.

Foot Fault

A foot fault can occur when the server’s foot touches the baseline or steps onto the court, or the wrong side of the centre mark or sideline before the racket makes contact with the ball. In short, the server may leave the ground (jumping is legal), but the feet mustn’t touch prohibited areas until after contact.

A foot fault counts as a regular fault.

Time Between Serves

Time-based tennis serve rules are often overlooked, but they do exist. The official rulebook requires continuous play, meaning the server can’t take an unlimited amount of time between points. 

In pro tennis, this rule is enforced by a shot clock, which gives the server a set number of seconds to begin their motion. Exceeding it will bring a warning and the loss of a serve. The exact allowance and enforcement vary by competition, but the underlying principle applies at every level.

How to Serve in Tennis?

If you’re learning about the game, it’s crucial to know how to serve in tennis. The motion and process can be broken down into repeatable steps. Even though every player adds a few unique elements to their serve, grooving a consistent routine matters more than raw power. Here is a simplified serving sequence in steps:

1. Stance. Stand behind the baseline with your feet at shoulder-width. The front foot should point towards the net post, while the body needs to be turned side-on to the court. 
2. Racket grip. Use a continental grip, as if you were shaking hands with the racket edge. It might feel unusual at first, but it’s what allows the ball to spin and enhances the arm motion.
3. Align the ball and the racket. Rest the ball against the racket strings, then drop both hands and raise them together in a smooth, symmetrical fashion.
4. Toss the ball. Release the ball from your non-racket hand. You should hold the arm straight and place it slightly to the racket side and in front. A consistent toss is one of the main keys to a reliable serve.
5. Load and drop. As the ball rises, bend your knees and let the racket drop behind your back into the ‘backscratch’ position. Coil your body to release, and prepare for the swing motion.
6. Swing up to the ball. Drive upwards with your legs and swing the racket out. It should meet the ball when you’re at full stretch. If you’re practising, try the motion without hitting the ball first, just to find optimal timing and motion. The goal is to contact the ball when it is at its highest comfortable point. 
7. Follow through. As the final step, snap the wrist so the racket makes contact with the ball. Let the racket follow through naturally as you land inside the baseline. Repeat the first steps and adjust subtly to find the perfect rhythm and balance. 

Most tennis coaches agree that beginners should focus on the ball toss to improve their tennis serve faster. Practise the toss on its own until it lands in the same spot every time. Only add other elements then.

Types of Tennis Serves

While the set-up for the serve is very similar for all athletes, several types of tennis serves exist. Strong servers can utilise all of them. Having multiple tools in a player’s arsenal is greatly beneficial because by changing the speed, spin and placement of the ball, the server can keep the returner guessing. We’ll look at all of the main types of serves in more detail below, but the table can give you a short summary. 

Flat Serve

This one is all about speed. It’s struck with minimal intent for a spin and a near-square racket face. The flat ball travels fast and in a relatively straight line. The returner has very little time to react, which is why flat balls are usually reserved for situations when the server hunts an ace. 

Since there is a smaller margin for error, a flat tennis serve is often reserved for a first attempt. If you see a flat ball expert, you can notice that they often target corners of the service box or go straight at the body of the returner. 

Slice Serve

The ‘Slice’ is defined by a sideways spin which curves the ball through the air and makes it skid-bounce. A right-hander slicing the ball will make it swing to their left, pulling a returner off the court — especially effective in the deuce court, where it drags the opponent wide.

Because the spin will naturally bring the ball down, it gives much more precision control than the ‘Flat’ serve. This helps a slice shot work well as both a 1st and a 2nd serve. The real value here is tactical, as you can force an opponent out of position.

Kick Serve

Most often, you’ll see the Kick used as the classic second serve. The ‘kick’ motion is generated when the player brushes upwards and across the ball. The motion combines top and side spins to produce a ball that should easily clear the net and dip into the box, bouncing off high. 

The high, awkward bounce is actually tricky to deal with for the returner, as it requires moving out of the comfort zone. Plus, a ‘Kick Serve’ ball is unlikely to fly long, making it a great option for when there’s no room for error.

Topspin Serve

This one is closely related to the ‘Kick Serve’. With the Topspin, you’ll need to apply a forward spin motion, making the ball dip sharply into the service box, while bouncing high towards the returner. 

This option is favoured in situations where the player wants to continue an aggressive approach for the second serve. The delivery with a Topspin isn’t going to be flat, but it’s a tricky skill to master. It’s also important to know that in practice, ‘Kick’ and ‘Topspin’ sit on a spectrum. The more sidespin a player adds, the more the ball kicks sideways. On the other hand, the more topspin is given, the more it jumps straight up.

Underarm Serve

A sneaky tactic that fans love, but your opponents hate. Instead of tossing the ball and striking it overhead, the server gently scoops it underarm, dropping a very short and low shot over the net. The slow ball barely crosses the net when it bounces twice, giving the opponent very little time to cover a lot of ground.

It’s a surprise tactic, usually used to gain a cheap point against an opponent that’s sagging well behind the baseline. It is an entirely legal serve.

First Serve vs Second Serve

Players approach the 1st and 2nd serve very differently. Knowing why the contrast exists is central to better reading the game. The first serve is usually the best shot at attacking. The second one is all about avoiding the point forfeiture. Look at the table below to better understand the difference between these serves:

In practice – both serves have entirely different jobs. The player wants to pounce with the first one, and usually falls back a bit with the second one. Because a missed first serve only costs the attempt, not the point, players can afford to be bold. The tennis serve rules are the same for both tries.

It’s also interesting to know that the 2nd serve win percentage is a telling statistic in any match. It shows how well a player deals with a weaker delivery. A vulnerable 2nd serve is one of the quickest routes to conceding a break of serve. 

Common Serving Mistakes

After covering how to serve in tennis, we also think it’s beneficial to look at the most common errors. Recognising them is the first step to fixing them:

• • Poor ball toss – even slightly too much inconsistency or a misplacement in your toss forces mid-motion adjustments which only the pros can pull off, and even for them it can wreck timing. A repeatable toss is the foundation for everything else. 
  • Bad grip – don’t grip the racket like a frying pan. It makes spin almost impossible and limits power. The continental grip is the right way to go. 
  • Careless foot placement – stepping on or over the baseline before the ball contacts the racket is an easy habit to pick up. It costs the serve. Start with your feet clearly behind the line.
  • Overtrying – if you always swing for maximum power, this will drastically reduce the percentage of balls that land in-play. Control and placement are better than raw speed 99% of the time.

• Standing in the wrong position – serving from too far or being on the wrong side narrows the angles available. It’s tricky to convert a serve into a point from these positions. 

• Not using enough spin on the 2nd serve – most experts agree that trying to hit a flat second serve is the best recipe for a double fault. Spin balls should be the default as they bring the ball down safely and offer more control.

• Inconsistent rhythm – a rushed routine undermines timing and ruins the flow. Make sure that when you serve, you can focus on the ball placement 100 %, and have no issues doing what you planned.

The encouraging news is that all of these mistakes are fixable with practice. If you want a wider look at the serve and its role in a match, our full guide to the serve in tennis is a useful next read.

FAQ

What are the Rules for Serving in Tennis?

The tennis serve rules dictate that the player must stand behind the baseline. They must hit the ball diagonally so it flies into the opposite service box before bouncing. Two attempts per point are allowed. A double fault loses the point. If the serve clips the net, it’s a ‘Let’, allowing a replay. The foot may not touch the baseline before contact.

How Many Serves Do You Get in Tennis?

There are two per point. However, if the ball hits the net and lands in play, the serve can be replayed.

What Happens if a Serve Hits the Net?

The answer depends on where the ball lands. If it clips the net cord, but drops into the correct service box on the opposite side, it’s a ‘Let’, allowing for a replay without a penalty. If it hits the net and lands outside the box or doesn’t even clear it, it is a fault. 

What is the Difference Between a Flat, Slice and Kick Serves?

A flat serve is hit with little spin and aims for maximum speed. A slice uses underspin to curve the ball and pull the defender wide. Finally, a kick serve uses a heavier topspin-slice to clear the net safely and bounce up high. 

Is an Underarm Serve Legal in Tennis? 

Yes, this is a completely legal move. The rules do not require an overhead motion, which makes the Underarm serve a really effective surprise tactic when executed right. 

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