An ace is a legal serve the receiver cannot touch. Most aces come from accurate placement to the T or wide corners, a consistent toss that disguises direction, and good leg drive and pronation for pace. Placement matters more than raw speed.
Serve targets
| Target | Effect |
|---|---|
| T (down the middle) | Shortest distance, little angle for the returner |
| Wide | Pulls the returner off the court |
| Body | Jams the returner; rarely an ace but forces errors |
How to serve more aces
- Use the same toss for every target to disguise direction.
- Drive up with the legs and reach high for contact.
- Pronate the forearm through contact for pace.
- Practise hitting targets in each corner of the service box.
- Mix spins so the returner cannot settle.
Rules reference: ITF Rules of Tennis. National federations (such as the USTA) and tours may add their own regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as an ace?
A legal serve that lands in the service box and the receiver does not touch it.
If the receiver touches the serve but misses, is it an ace?
No. It is a service winner, not an ace.
Is a let serve an ace?
No. A let is replayed; only a legal serve counts.
