What is a Tennis Serve?
A tennis serve is a shot used to start a point in a tennis match. It is the only shot in tennis where the server has complete control of where the ball is going. In order to win a point, the serve must be placed in a correct location in the opponent’s court, with the correct power and spin.
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What Makes a Fault in a Tennis Serve?
When attempting to serve, the server must follow the rules of the game. If the serve does not follow the rules, it will be called a fault and the point will be awarded to the receiver. In this article, we will take a look at the most common faults that can occur in a tennis serve and how to avoid them.
1. Not Standing Behind the Baseline
One of the most common faults that can occur in a tennis serve is not standing behind the baseline when attempting to serve. The server must stand completely behind the baseline before the ball is struck, and both feet must remain behind the baseline until the ball has been hit. If the server steps over the baseline before the ball is hit, the serve will be called a fault.
2. Hitting the Ball Before It Reaches its Highest Point
Another common fault that can occur in a tennis serve is hitting the ball before it reaches its highest point. The ball must be hit after it reaches its highest point and before it hits the ground. If the ball is hit before it reaches its highest point, the serve will be called a fault.
3. Not Reaching the Service Box
The ball must land inside the service box in order for the serve to be considered legal. If the ball does not land inside the service box, the serve will be called a fault.
4. Double Faults
A double fault occurs when the server commits two faults in a single serve. This can be due to the server failing to hit the ball before it reaches its highest point, or hitting the ball out of the service box. A double fault will result in the point being awarded to the receiver.
5. Foot Faults
A foot fault is a fault that occurs when the server steps over the baseline before the ball is hit. As mentioned before, the server must remain completely behind the baseline before the ball is hit. If the server steps over the baseline before the ball is hit, the serve will be called a foot fault.
6. Not Keeping the Ball Visible
The server must keep the ball in view during the entire service motion. If the ball is hidden from view while the server is serving, the serve will be called a fault.
7. Not Hitting the Ball
The server must make contact with the ball during the serve. If the server swings and misses the ball, the serve will be called a fault.
8. Not Serving in the Correct Direction
The server must hit the ball in the correct direction in order for the serve to be considered legal. If the server hits the ball in the wrong direction, the serve will be called a fault.
9. Not Hitting the Ball Hard Enough
The server must hit the ball with enough power for it to cross the net and reach the service box. If the ball does not have enough power to reach the service box, the serve will be called a fault.
10. Not Hitting the Ball with the Right Spin
The server must hit the ball with the correct spin in order for the serve to be considered legal. If the server hits the ball with the wrong spin, the serve will be called a fault.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many factors that can lead to a fault in a tennis serve. The most common faults are not standing behind the baseline, hitting the ball before it reaches its highest point, not reaching the service box, double faults, foot faults, not keeping the ball visible, not hitting the ball, not serving in the correct direction, not hitting the ball hard enough, and not hitting the ball with the right spin. By understanding and avoiding these faults, a tennis player can improve their serve and increase their chances of winning points.