Tennis is a popular sport that millions of people around the world play and watch. It is a game of skill, strategy, and athleticism that requires players to have a thorough understanding of the court, the rules, and the various strokes. One important concept in tennis is the service area. This is the area of the court where the player is allowed to serve the ball. It is important to understand the service area in order to be a successful tennis player.
What is the Service Area?
The service area is the section of the court where the server is allowed to start each point. In singles, the service area is a box that is marked by the sidelines and the center service line. In doubles, there is an additional line that runs parallel to the center service line that divides the service box into two equal halves. The server must hit the ball from within the service area during the serve. If the ball is hit from outside the service area, it is considered a fault.
The Service Area in Singles
In singles, the service area is a box that is 21 feet wide and 13.5 feet deep. It is marked by the center service line and the sidelines. The player stands within the service area when they are serving and the ball must be hit within the service area. If the ball is hit outside of the service area, it is considered a fault.
The Service Area in Doubles
In doubles, the service area is divided into two equal halves by an additional line that runs parallel to the center service line. The two halves are each 21 feet wide and 6.75 feet deep. Each player must serve from within their respective half of the service area. If either player hits the ball from outside their half of the service area, it is a fault.
The Rules of Serving
In addition to serving from within the service area, there are several other rules that must be followed when serving in tennis. The server must stand with both feet behind the baseline when they are serving. They must also not go over the baseline or the center service line when they are serving. The server must also hit the ball with their racquet and the ball must travel over the net and into the service box on the other side of the court. If any of these rules are not followed, it is considered a fault.
The Service Position
The service position is the stance that the player takes when they are preparing to serve. The player must be standing within the service area with both feet behind the baseline. The player should be balanced, with their weight evenly distributed on both feet. The player’s body should be turned sideways, with their non-dominant side facing the net. The player should be facing the direction in which they are serving and they should hold the racquet in their non-dominant hand.
Serving Techniques
Once the player is in the correct service position, there are several different techniques that they can use to serve. Players can use different grips, stances, and strokes to properly hit the ball. The most common serves are flat serves, topspin serves, and slice serves. Each serve has its own advantages and disadvantages and players should practice all of them in order to become a successful server.
The Serve Return
After the server has hit the ball, the receiver must return the serve. The receiver must be standing within the service area and must hit the ball within the service area. If the receiver hits the ball outside the service area, it is considered a let and the point is replayed. If the receiver is able to return the serve, the rally begins and the players can move around the court to hit the ball.
The Service Court in Professional Tennis
In professional tennis, the service area is slightly different than in recreational tennis. The service area is larger and is marked by the sidelines and two service lines. The inner service line is 2.5 feet closer to the net than the outer service line. The server must hit the ball within the inner service line in order to be considered in play. If they hit the ball outside the inner service line, it is a fault.
Conclusion
The service area is an important concept in tennis and it is essential for players to understand it in order to be successful. The service area is marked by the sidelines and the center service line in singles, and by the sidelines and two service lines in professional tennis. The server must stand within the service area and hit the ball from within the service area. If any of these rules are not followed, it is considered a fault. Understanding the service area and following the rules of serving can help players become successful tennis players.
Service Area, Singles, Doubles, Rules, Serving, Position, Techniques, Return, Professional Tennis, Conclusion