In doubles, the service box is the same size as it is in singles. The extra width of the doubles court—the alleys—does not make the target larger. A legal serve must land in the diagonally opposite service court, and a ball that lands on a line marking that court is good.
Knowing exactly where the service box ends can settle close calls and help you serve with more confidence. Here are the boundaries, serving positions, fault rules, and doubles-specific details to keep in mind.
Where Is the Service Box in Doubles?
Each side of the net has two service courts: a right-hand court and a left-hand court. They are divided by the center service line. The service line marks the back of each court, while the singles sideline marks its outer edge. The net is the front edge.
The doubles alleys sit outside the singles sidelines. They count as part of the court during a rally, but they are not part of the service box. A serve that lands in the alley is out, even if it would be a legal shot during an ordinary rally.
As a rough guide, each service court is about 21 feet long and 13½ feet wide (6.4 by 4.1 metres). The boundary lines count as part of the area they mark, so a serve touching the singles sideline, center service line, or service line is in.
Which Service Box Must the Serve Land In?
The server alternates sides after every point. From the server’s right-hand side, the ball must land in the diagonally opposite service court. From the left-hand side, it must land in the other diagonally opposite court.
Think of the serve as crossing the net and landing across the court’s center line. For example, if the server starts a point on the right, a ball that lands in the receiver’s right-hand service court is a fault; the target is the receiver’s left-hand box.
The serve must land in the correct box before the receiver hits it. If it lands beyond the service line, outside the singles sideline, or in the wrong service court, it is a fault. If the receiver hits a serve that would otherwise have been out, the server generally wins the point, unless the receiver calls a let under the applicable rules.
Where Can the Server Stand?
The server must stand behind the baseline, between the imaginary extensions of the center mark and the doubles sideline. The server can use the extra width of the doubles court when choosing a position, but that does not change the size or location of the service box.
At the moment of serving, the server must not touch the baseline or the court inside it with either foot. Stepping on or over the baseline before hitting the ball is a foot fault. The server also must not walk or run to change position while delivering the serve, although small foot movements are allowed.
What Counts as a Service Fault?
A first fault does not end the point. The server gets a second serve. If that serve is also a fault, it is a double fault, and the receiving team wins the point.
- Wrong box: The serve lands in the service court on the wrong side of the center line.
- Long or wide: The ball lands past the service line or outside the singles sideline.
- Net and out: The serve touches the net and then lands outside the correct service court.
- Foot fault: The server touches the baseline or court with a foot before making contact with the ball.
- Missed attempt: The server swings and misses the ball, or does not make a legal serve before the time to serve runs out.
A serve that clips the net but lands in the correct service box is a service let under the standard rules. The server takes that serve again, and it does not count as a fault. If the ball touches the net and lands in the wrong box or out, it is a fault instead. Some recreational or event formats use a no-let rule, so check the local rules before play.
How Doubles Serving Order Works
Each doubles team sets its serving order at the start of a set. One player serves the first game for that team, and their partner serves the team’s next service game. The order continues through the set; teams can choose a different order when a new set begins.
The receiving team also sets its receiving order for the set. One receiver takes the points served into one side, and the partner takes the points served into the other side. Players can stand where they like on their side of the court, but the designated receiver must return the serve. Calling out who is receiving before a close point can prevent confusion.
For instance, if your partner is the receiver for a particular side, you may stand near the net, closer to the baseline, or in another position on your half. But you should not strike the return if it is your partner’s turn to receive.
Common Doubles Service Box Mistakes
- Aiming into the alley: The alley is in for rallies, not for serves. Target the singles-width service court.
- Calling a line ball out: A serve that catches any line of the correct service box is good.
- Confusing service order: Agree on who serves and receives each side before the set starts.
- Stepping on the baseline: Check your feet, especially when serving close to the line under pressure.
- Changing sides incorrectly: Remember that the serve alternates between the server’s right and left sides after each point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the doubles service box include the alley?
No. The doubles alley is part of the court for rallies, but it is outside the service box. A serve landing in the alley is a fault.
Is a serve that lands on the service line in?
Yes. The service line is part of the service court, so a serve touching it is good if it lands in the correct box.
Can the receiver stand anywhere in doubles?
Yes. The receiver may choose a position anywhere on their side of the court, but the player assigned to receive that side must hit the return.
Does a serve that hits the net always get replayed?
No. It is replayed as a let only if it touches the net and then lands in the correct service box. If it lands out or in the wrong box, it is a fault.
Final Thoughts
The key doubles service box rule is simple: the serve must land in the correct diagonal box, inside the singles sidelines—not in the alley. Lines count as in, the server must avoid a foot fault, and teams must keep their serving and receiving order straight. Once those details are clear, close service calls are much easier to handle fairly.
