SERVICE FAULT

SERVICE FAULT

The service is a fault if:

1. The server breaks Rules 16, 17 or 18; or

2. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it; or

3. The ball served touches a permanent fixture, singles stick or net post before it

hits the ground; or

4. The ball served touches the server or server’s partner, or anything the server

or server’s partner is wearing or carrying.

Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and catches it instead. Is this a fault?

Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit it, is allowed to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let the ball bounce.

Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with net posts and singles sticks, the ball served hits a singles stick and then hits the correct service court. Is this a fault?

Decision: Yes.