Tennis serves involve several terms that describe how the ball is hit, placed, and delivered. This glossary explains the most common tennis serve terms, from first and second serves to different serve types and placements.
First Serve in Tennis
The first serve in tennis is a player’s first attempt to start a point. Players often use more speed or power because they still have a second serve if the first one is a fault.
Second Serve in Tennis
The second serve in tennis is the player’s final serving attempt after a first-serve fault. Another fault results in a double fault and the loss of the point.
Let Serve in Tennis
A let serve in tennis occurs when the serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service box. The serve does not count and is taken again.
Foot Fault in Tennis
A foot fault in tennis occurs when the server breaks the rules for foot position during the serve. It counts as a service fault.
Flat Serve in Tennis
A flat serve in tennis is hit with little spin. It is usually used to generate more speed and a direct ball flight.
Slice Serve in Tennis
A slice serve in tennis uses sidespin to make the ball curve through the air. Its bounce can also pull the receiver towards the side of the court.
Kick Serve in Tennis
A kick serve in tennis uses heavy topspin to create a higher bounce. It is often used as a second serve because the spin provides more margin over the net.
Underhand Serve in Tennis
An underhand serve in tennis is struck with an underarm motion instead of the usual overhead action. It is legal as long as the normal serving rules are followed.
T Serve in Tennis
A T serve in tennis is aimed towards the centre of the court, near where the service line meets the centre service line. It gives the receiver less angle to move outside the court.
Wide Serve in Tennis
A wide serve in tennis is aimed towards the outer edge of the service box. It can pull the receiver away from the centre of the court.
Body Serve in Tennis
A body serve in tennis is aimed directly towards the receiver’s body. It can make it harder for the receiver to create space for a clean return.
Serve and Volley in Tennis
Serve and volley in tennis is a tactic where the server moves towards the net immediately after serving. The aim is to play the opponent’s return with a volley.
Serve Placement in Tennis
Serve placement in tennis refers to where the server aims the ball inside the service box. Common targets include wide, body and T serves.
Serve Speed in Tennis
Serve speed in tennis measures how fast the ball travels after it is struck. Faster serves give the receiver less time to react.
Ball Toss in Tennis
The ball toss in tennis is the release of the ball before it is struck during a serve. Its height and position help the server control the type and direction of the serve.
Serving can shape how points, games, and sets develop, which also makes serve-related statistics relevant to many tennis betting markets.
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