From the grip to the toss, from the trophy position to the follow-through: the steps and rules of the serve.
The serve is the only stroke entirely under the player’s control. That’s why a good serve is a big advantage in matches. It takes time to learn, but starting with the right basics shortens the process.
The rules first
- You serve from behind the baseline, between the centre mark and the sideline.
- The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box.
- You have two serves for each point; two faults make a double fault.
- A serve that touches the net and lands in the correct box is a let and is replayed.
For scoring details, see rules and scoring.
The serve, step by step
1. Grip: continental
The recommended grip for the serve is the continental grip; you hold the racket as you would a hammer. Serving with a forehand grip feels easier at first, but it limits how far your serve can develop.
2. Stance
Your front foot is angled to the baseline and your body is turned sideways. Your weight starts on your back foot.
3. The toss
This is the most important part of the serve. Toss the ball without spin, slightly in front of your hitting arm and to a height you can reach comfortably. Instead of hitting a bad toss, it’s within the rules to catch the ball and toss again.
4. Trophy position
As the ball rises, take the racket back and bend your knees slightly. This is the moment power is stored.
5. Hit and follow-through
The movement starts in your legs and passes through your body to your arm; hit the ball close to its highest point. After contact, the racket continues across to the other side of your body.
Second serve
If your first serve is a fault, the aim of the second serve isn’t speed but to start the point safely. It’s hit with more spin and less risk.
Common mistakes
- Tossing the ball to a different place every time.
- Hitting with just the arm and not using the legs.
- Stepping on the baseline (foot fault).
- Trying to hit too hard and losing control.