The lines, the rules
A good serve is, first of all, a legal and fair one. Even on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, you’ll see the very best of players committing foot faults, so make sure you know the drill.
The first service of the match should be from the right-hand side of the court. Both feet must be behind the baseline and on the correct side of the centre line until the ball is struck. The ball must be served into the diagonally opposite service court.
Believe it or not, there’s no rule about serving overhand, and if you’re not yet comfortable with a toss-and-serve or the wind is high, just serve underhand – if your opponent asks what you’re doing, just say we told you so. Although bear in mind that you’re expected to let your opponent know your intention. It’s also your duty (or your doubles partner) to police your own foot position in the absence of a chair umpire. Just remember, honest tennis, there’s no other way.
