Everything starts with the serve in tennis. It's such an important component of the game, you get at least two chances each point to get your serve in play. The differences between the first and second serves are generally strategic and technical, so understanding the rules covering the first serve is a key step toward learning and enjoying the game of tennis.
Position
The server must serve the ball from behind the baseline, which is the horizontal line running parallel with the net at the far end of the court. No part of you body, racket or apparel may touch the baseline or the court once the ball has left your hand as you toss the ball to serve. You must stand to the right of the center service line, which is the mark in the middle of the baseline, and serve to the left service box on the first point, then reverse this serving direction on subsequent points, alternating sides on each point.
A Good Serve
If your serve goes over the net on a fly and lands in the correct service box, your serve is considered in play and you begin the point. You can serve underhand, sidearm or overhand.
A Fault
If your serve does not land in the proper service box, it's a "fault," and you deliver your second serve. A second fault results in a "double fault," and the point is awarded to the receiving player. If your serve hits your doubles partner, that is a fault. If a serve hits the receiving player on a fly, it is ruled interference and the server is awarded the point. If you swing on a serve and miss, your serve is a fault; if you toss the ball and then catch it before you hit it, you are considered not to have served. You can toss and catch as many times as you like, as long as you are not purposely delaying the match. If any part of your body, equipment or apparel touches the court while you are serving, the serve is a fault. If you serve outside the boundaries of the singles sideline during a singles match, or the doubles sideline during a doubles match, the serve is a fault. You must serve from a stationary position, and may take a short step to serve, but you may not use a running start or several steps as part of your serve motion.
A Let
If your serve hits the net but lands in the proper service box, or hits your opponent before it lands, your serve is considered a "let" and you play the serve over. If you are hindered during your motion, you can claim a let and replay the serve after you have hit it. You must claim the hindrance immediately; you can't claim a hindrance after you have attempted to play another shot. In TeamTennis, a ball that hits the net and lands in the correct service box is considered live, and the receiver or his partner must play the ball.
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