Where to Stand

After deciding which team or player shall start the match the person who decides to serve stands on the right side of the center mark behind the baseline (deuce court).  For the serve to count it must land in the box diagonally across from the servers position.  After every point the server changes which side of the center mark he or she is standing on thus changing the box he or she is aiming for.  The server must stand anywhere between the center mark and the singles sideline for singles and anywhere between the doubles sidelines and center mark for doubles.

Fault

The server has two attempts every point to get his or her serve in.  Any serve that lands outside of the desired service box is known as a fault.  If a server misses two consecutive serves a double fault is called and the server loses the point.  If any part of the tennis ball touches the line the ball is good.  A fault can also be called if the server steps on the baseline or center marker prior to hitting the ball.  This is known as a foot fault and is the equivalent of a missed serve.

Let

A ball that touches the top of the net and lands within the desired service box is called a let.  A let results in a redo and the server gets to serve the point again.  A ball that touches the net and lands outside of the desired service box is considered a fault.  A let can also be called during a point if there is a distraction that effects a players ability to play the point, such as a ball rolling onto the court.  A dispute in a line call can result in a let if the players agree to replay the point.

Ball Toss

The server must throw the ball into the air using his or her hand and strike the ball prior to it hitting the ground.