# Law 17: Serving (ITF Rules of Tennis)

Tennis · Law 17: Serving · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/tennis/laws/law-17-serving/)

Where each serve is made from and where it must land: alternate halves from the right in every game and tie-break, over the net into the service court diagonally opposite.

## 17.171 Serving

Serving from alternate halves in games and tie-breaks, and the service court a serve must reach.

### Test 1: Where to serve from and to

- Every game starts from behind the right half of the court. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- Serves are made from alternate halves of the court. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- A serve crosses the net into the box on the opposite diagonal. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- The ball has to clear the net on its way to the box. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- After an odd number of points the serve comes from the left. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- The serve must reach the service court before the receiver returns it. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- Tie-break serves also come from alternate halves, starting from the right. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- The halves alternate from the right. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- Over the net, into the diagonal box, then the return. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)
- Four points have been played, an even number, so the serve comes from the right. (Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17)

Sources: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 17 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

Take the tests: https://insporta.app/try?utm_source=book&utm_medium=referral