Every tennis serve starts from behind the baseline, between the imaginary extension of the centre mark and the sideline. Serve from the right side, called the deuce court, when the total points in the game are even, and from the left side, the ad court, when the total is odd. In singles, most players stand close to the centre mark so they can cover both sides of the court after serving. In doubles, servers usually stand farther out, roughly halfway between the centre mark and the doubles sideline, because their partner covers the other half. Your exact spot depends on the score, the format and your strategy.
This guide explains the rules on where you can stand, singles and doubles positioning, how to use position tactically, foot faults, a step-by-step setup routine and common mistakes.
Where you are allowed to stand
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Behind the baseline | Both feet must be behind the baseline until the ball is struck |
| Between centre mark and sideline | Stand within the imaginary extensions of the centre mark and the correct sideline |
| Correct side | Deuce side (right) when the game score total is even, ad side (left) when odd |
| Sideline in use | Singles sideline for singles, doubles sideline for doubles |
| No walking or running | You may not change position by walking or running during the service motion, though slight foot movements are allowed |
Singles positioning
In singles, stand close to the centre mark on each side. This lets you serve down the T or wide while staying in a central position to cover your opponent’s return. Some players move a step wider to create better angles for wide serves, especially left-handed servers in the ad court, but standing too wide leaves the other side of the court open.
Doubles positioning
In doubles, the server is responsible for only half the court after the serve, since the partner is at the net. Most servers stand about halfway between the centre mark and the doubles sideline. This gives better angles for wide serves and makes it easier to cover the returner’s crosscourt reply. Teams using the I-formation or Australian formation may adjust where the server stands based on their tactics.
Using position tactically
- Move wider to create sharper angles for wide serves.
- Move closer to the centre to serve down the T and protect the middle.
- Change position occasionally to disrupt the returner’s rhythm.
- Consider your follow-up shot: stand where you can best play the next ball.
Foot faults
A foot fault happens if, during the service motion, the server touches the baseline or the court inside it with either foot, touches the area outside the correct sideline extension, or changes position by walking or running. A foot fault counts as a fault, just like a missed serve. In unofficiated matches, the receiver may call foot faults only after warning the server and only for flagrant cases, according to widely used etiquette codes.
For full details, check the ITF Rules of Tennis, especially the rules on service and foot faults, and the USTA’s The Code or your national guidance for unofficiated play.
Step-by-step setup routine
- Check the score to confirm which side to serve from.
- Take your spot behind the baseline, at the right distance from the centre mark.
- Line up your front foot at an angle to the baseline, pointing roughly toward the net post.
- Bounce the ball and settle into your routine.
- Pick your target in the service box.
- Serve without stepping on or over the baseline before contact.
Common mistakes
- Serving from the wrong side: check the score before every point.
- Standing on the baseline: leads to foot faults.
- Standing too wide in singles: leaves the court open for the return.
- Always standing in the same spot: makes your serve predictable.
- Rushing the setup: a consistent routine helps consistency.
Where to stand for each serve target
Small changes in where you stand along the baseline change the angles available to you. Use this table as a starting point, then adjust to your own strengths and your opponent’s weaknesses.
| Goal | Suggested position | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Serve down the T | Close to the centre mark | Shortest path to the middle and keeps you central for the return |
| Wide serve on the deuce side | A little further from the centre mark | Opens a sharper angle toward the sideline, especially with slice |
| Wide serve on the ad side | Slightly wider along the baseline | Helps a right-hander swing the kick or slice away from the returner |
| Serve to the body | Your normal position | Jams the returner without giving away your target |
| Doubles serve | Roughly halfway between the centre mark and doubles sideline | Covers your half of the court while your partner holds the net |
Platform stance vs pinpoint stance
How your feet move during the serve affects where you line up. In a platform stance, the feet stay roughly apart throughout the motion, which many players find more stable and repeatable. In a pinpoint stance, the back foot slides up to meet the front foot before the jump, which can add upward drive but makes timing harder. Players who use a pinpoint stance should be extra careful about foot faults, because the front foot can drift forward onto the baseline during the slide.
Drills to groove your setup
- Mark your spot: Place a small marker behind the baseline where you want to stand and serve ten balls from it before moving.
- Target practice: Put cones in the corners of the service box and serve to each target from the same position, then shift your stance and notice how the angles change.
- Foot-fault check: Ask a partner or record video from the side to confirm your front foot stays behind the line until contact.
- Pressure sets: Play practice games where you must hit your first serve to a chosen target, which builds a reliable routine under pressure.
Serving rules come from the ITF Rules of Tennis. Local leagues rarely change them, but check the current rules for any event you play.
Reading the returner before you serve
Where you line up should also depend on the player across the net. Before each point, glance at where the returner is standing. If they stand far behind the baseline, a wide serve with angle can pull them off the court. If they crowd the baseline, a serve into the body or down the T can rush them. Changing your position slightly from point to point also stops the returner from predicting your target.
Frequently asked questions
Which side do you serve from first in tennis?
The right side, known as the deuce court, at the start of every game.
Can you stand anywhere behind the baseline to serve?
No. You must stand between the imaginary extension of the centre mark and the sideline for the format being played.
What is a foot fault?
Touching the baseline or court with your feet before striking the ball, or changing position by walking or running during the serve.
