For a singles serve, stand behind the baseline on the side of the court where the next point must begin. Your feet need to stay within the space between the imaginary extensions of the center mark and the singles sideline, and you cannot touch the baseline or the court inside it while serving.
The serving side changes after every point: start on the deuce court, then serve from the ad court, and keep alternating. Knowing where to stand helps you avoid foot faults and choose a smart angle without stepping outside the rules.
Where to Stand for a Singles Serve
Stand behind the baseline at the back of the court. For singles, the outer boundary of your permitted serving position is the singles sideline, not the wider doubles sideline. The other boundary is the imaginary line extending back from the center mark.
You can choose any spot between those two lines, as long as your feet do not touch the baseline, the court inside it, or the area beyond the relevant sideline while making the serve. You do not have to stand directly behind the center mark or aim the serve from a particular spot.
Which side do you serve from?
Begin each game on the deuce court: the right-hand side of your court when you face the net. After the first point, serve from the ad court, on your left. Then switch sides after every point.
| Point in the game | Serving position | Target service court |
|---|---|---|
| First point | Deuce court (right) | Receiver’s deuce service court |
| Second point | Ad court (left) | Receiver’s ad service court |
| Third point | Deuce court (right) | Receiver’s deuce service court |
| Fourth point | Ad court (left) | Receiver’s ad service court |
The serve must travel diagonally into the correct service box. For example, when you serve from the deuce court, the ball must land in the receiver’s deuce service box, across the net and to your left. The lines count as part of the service box.
Foot-Fault Rules to Remember
A foot fault happens if, during the service motion, you break the rules about where your feet can be. Common examples include stepping on the baseline before hitting the ball or placing a foot inside the court. You can also foot-fault by touching outside the imaginary extension of the singles sideline or center mark.
You may adjust your feet before starting the service motion. Once the motion begins, you cannot change position by walking or running, although slight foot movements are allowed. A foot fault counts as a service fault. If it happens on your first serve, you get a second serve; if it happens on your second serve, you lose the point.
A simple way to check your position
- Find the center mark on the baseline.
- Stand behind the baseline on the correct side for the score.
- Keep your feet between the center mark’s imaginary extension and the singles sideline’s imaginary extension.
- Make sure your feet do not touch the baseline or the court before you hit the serve.
Can You Choose Where Along the Baseline to Serve?
Yes. You can serve from closer to the center mark or closer to the singles sideline, provided you stay inside the permitted area. Players often shift their starting spot to change the serving angle or make a particular serve more effective.
From nearer the sideline, a server may find it easier to create a wide angle. From closer to the center mark, the server may have a more direct path toward the opponent or be better placed to cover the next shot. These are tactical choices, not requirements. You must still send the serve diagonally into the correct service box.
In singles, remember that the doubles alley is outside the playing area. Standing beyond the singles sideline is not a legal serving position just because the doubles court is wider.
Does the Receiver Have to Stand in a Certain Spot?
No. The receiver can stand anywhere on their side of the net, inside or outside the court boundaries, as long as they do not interfere with the server. They do not have to wait inside the service box. In practice, most players position themselves behind the baseline or close to it, depending on the server’s pace, spin, and placement.
The receiver must let the serve land or choose to hit it before it bounces. If they hit a serve that was going out before it bounces, the point continues; they cannot claim it was out just because it would have missed the service box.
Serve Position in a Tiebreak
The same deuce-and-ad-side pattern applies during a tiebreak: each player serves from alternating sides, switching between deuce and ad after every point they serve. What changes is the serving order. The first player serves one point, then the opponent serves two, and players continue in groups of two after that. The side for each point still follows the score’s alternating pattern.
If you lose track, use the point number: serve from the deuce court when the total number of points played in the game or tiebreak is even, and from the ad court when it is odd. At the start of a game or tiebreak, no points have been played, so the first serve is from the deuce court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stand outside the singles sideline to serve?
No. Your serving position must stay within the imaginary extensions of the center mark and singles sideline. The doubles alley does not make that outside area legal in singles.
Can my foot touch the baseline as I serve?
No. Touching the baseline with either foot during the service motion is a foot fault. Start far enough behind the line to avoid stepping on it as you serve.
Do I have to serve from the middle of the baseline?
No. You may choose any position behind the baseline within the permitted area. Just remember to serve from the correct side and aim diagonally into the correct service box.
Does the receiver have to stand behind the baseline?
No. The receiver may stand anywhere on their side of the court. Many receivers choose a position behind the baseline to give themselves more time to react.
Final Thoughts
In singles, serve from behind the baseline, between the center mark and the singles sideline, and alternate between the deuce and ad courts after every point. Keep your feet clear of the baseline and court during the service motion. Once those basics are automatic, you can focus on using your starting position to create angles and set up the next shot.
