Underarm Serve
Also known as: underhand serve in tennis, tennis underhand serve, underarm service, serving underarm, underhand serve legal, underarm serve legal, legal to serve underhand
Yes, an underarm (underhand) serve is legal in tennis. ITF Rule 16 only requires the server to release the ball by hand and hit it before it touches the ground, from a legal position behind the baseline. The serve must still land in the diagonal service court, and you may only serve when the receiver is ready.
The Rules of Tennis do not say how the server must swing. Rule 16 asks the server to stand at rest behind the baseline, within the imaginary extensions of the centre mark and the sideline. The server then releases the ball by hand in any direction and hits it before it hits the ground. An underarm swing meets that rule. The serve is then judged like any other. It must pass over the net and land in the service court diagonally opposite (Rule 17).
Two limits matter. First, the ball may not bounce before you hit it. Hitting it after a bounce breaks Rule 16, and Rule 19 makes that a fault. Second, Rule 21 says the server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. A serve delivered when the receiver is not ready is a let under Rule 22 and is served again. A receiver who tries to return it is treated as ready. The foot-fault rules in Rule 18 apply to an underarm serve as they do to any other.
Players use the underarm serve as a surprise against a receiver standing far behind the baseline. Some use it when an injury makes a full serve painful. A few opponents see it as poor sportsmanship. It is still within the rules. As a tactic it works best as a rare change. An underarm serve the receiver expects is easy to attack. Keep it short and low with slice, and be ready for a fast reply.
Tips by skill level
If an overhead serve is not working yet, an underarm serve is a legal way to start the point. Release the ball, hit it before it lands and aim for the middle of the service box.
Watch where the receiver stands. A receiver far behind the baseline is exposed to a short underarm serve with slice. Use it rarely so it stays a surprise.
Example
Her opponent is returning from well behind the baseline. At 40-15, once he is set and ready, she hits a short, sliced underarm serve that lands just over the net. He sprints in but can only push the ball up, and she puts the reply away.
Why it matters
Knowing the rule settles a dispute that comes up in club matches. It also gives you a legal surprise option and a way to keep playing when a full serve hurts.
Common mistakes
- Letting the ball bounce before hitting it. That is a fault under the standard rules.
- Serving before the receiver is ready
- Using it so often that the receiver starts standing close
- Claiming the point when an opponent serves underarm, as if it were illegal
Frequently asked questions
Is an underhand serve legal in tennis?
Yes. ITF Rule 16 only requires you to release the ball by hand and hit it before it touches the ground, from behind the baseline. The serve must still land in the correct service box.
Can you bounce the ball and then serve it underhand?
Not under the standard rules. Rule 16 says the server must hit the ball before it hits the ground. Hitting it after a bounce is a fault (Rule 19). You may let a bad toss drop without hitting it and start again.
Is an underarm serve bad sportsmanship?
It is within the rules, and many players use it as a legal surprise. You must wait until the receiver is ready. A serve delivered before then is a let and is served again (Rules 21 and 22).
Sources
Related terms
- Foot FaultA foot fault occurs when a server's foot touches the baseline or crosses into the court before contacting the ball on the serve. It results in a fault.
- Let (Serve Rule)A let is called when a serve clips the net cord and still lands in the correct service box. The point is then replayed with no penalty to the server.
- Double FaultA double fault occurs when both the first and second serve land outside the service box, awarding the point directly to the returner.
- Return of Serve PositioningReturn of serve positioning is how deep and how far to one side a returner stands. It is set to counter the server's pace, spin, and typical patterns.
- Second ServeThe second serve is the follow-up attempt after a fault. This requires enough spin and margin to give the serve a wide safety margin while still limiting the returner's options.
- Time ViolationA time violation is a penalty for taking too long between points or at a changeover. Under USTA rules the first one is a warning and each one after that costs a point. Pro tours set their own shot-clock penalties.
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