Rule 4.1 Serve

In singles, the player winning the toss of a coin serves first in the first game. The other player serves first in the second game. If a tiebreaker is necessary, the player who scored the higher total of points in the first two games serves first. If both players score an equal number of points in the first two games, another coin toss will be made to determine which player serves first.

In doubles, the side winning the toss of a coin chooses to serve or receive in the first game. The other side shall choose for the second game. If a tiebreaker is necessary, the team scoring the higher total of points in the first two games shall choose. If both teams score an equal number of points in the first two games, another coin toss will be made to determine which team has the choice.

Games are started by the referee announcing “play ball,” and then the score, “0 – 0.”

The server may serve from any place in the service zone. No part of either foot may touch the floor beyond the outer edge of either line of the service zone. Server must remain in the service zone until the served ball passes the short line. Violations are called “foot faults." (See Rule 4.3 C.1.).

The server must come to a complete stop in the service zone before beginning the serve. The serve is begun by bouncing the ball to the floor in the service zone. Although the server may bounce and catch the ball several times before serving, when actually beginning the serve the ball must be struck on a single bounce. If a player allows the ball to bounce more than once after a single drop and then hits it, a fault will be called (See Rule 4.3 C.8). The ball must be struck by the server's hand or fist so that it hits the front wall first and on the rebound hits the floor behind the short line, either with or without touching one of the side walls. If the server bounces the ball outside the service zone as he begins his serve, a fault will be called (See Rule 4.3 C.7).

A serve may not be made until the referee has announced the score (See Rule 3.4.A.9). The referee shall call point or side out as soon as a rally ends. The receiver then has up to 10 seconds to assume a receiving position. When the receiver has assumed a receiving position or 10 seconds have elapsed, whichever occurs first, and the server has had reasonable time to get to his serving position, the referee shall announce the score and the server must serve (strike the ball) within 10 seconds.

If the first serve results in a fault or screen, the referee shall give the receiver a reasonable time to take a receiving position and then the referee shall announce "second serve" after which the server must serve within 10 seconds. (See Interpretation No. 4).