Quick Answer:
Yes, underhand serves are legal in tennis. The rules state the ball must be struck before it bounces. While uncommon, the underhand serve is sometimes used as a surprise tactic, especially against opponents who stand far behind the baseline. Though controversial, it remains within the official rules of the sport.
📜 Rules On Underhand Serves
The International Tennis Federation rulebook allows serves struck underhand, provided the ball is hit before touching the ground.
This means players can use either overhand or underhand technique, as long as they stay within service box requirements.
There is no restriction on spin, speed, or trajectory beyond the general serving rules followed by all professionals.
Because of this, underhand serves are rare but fully legal in every sanctioned match or competition worldwide.
🧠 Why Players Use Underhand Serves
Underhand serves are often used strategically when opponents position themselves very far behind the baseline.
By dropping the ball short, servers can catch opponents off-guard and force them to rush forward unexpectedly.
It also reduces energy expenditure, which makes it useful for players struggling with fatigue, injury, or shoulder limitations.
Although controversial, it remains an effective tool in specific situations when used sparingly and with tactical awareness.
🎾 Famous Examples Of Underhand Serves
Several professional players have successfully used the underhand serve on tour in recent years.
Nick Kyrgios famously deployed it to surprise opponents, often drawing frustration but gaining tactical advantage in rallies.
Alexander Bublik has also experimented with underhand serves, making it part of his unpredictable and entertaining playing style.
These examples highlight that even at the highest level, the underhand serve has a valid place in competition.
👨 My Perspective On Underhand Serving
From my perspective, the underhand serve is misunderstood because many players view it as unsportsmanlike or disrespectful.
I’ve learned it can be a clever tactical choice, especially against opponents standing meters behind the baseline.
When used correctly, it punishes predictable positioning and proves tennis is also a game of strategy, not only power.
That’s why I believe it should be respected as part of the game, not dismissed as a cheap trick.
🤔 Why I Haven’t Used The Underhand Serve
Even though I understand the advantages, I personally have never attempted an underhand serve in competitive match play.
It has never matched my style, since I prefer relying on traditional serving patterns built around power and spin.
Still, I recognize that when victory is on the line, creativity sometimes outweighs style and personal preference on court.
That’s why I believe there may come a day when implementing it strategically could prove a valuable winning decision.
📝 Verdict
The underhand serve is completely legal and sometimes strategically valuable, though it remains controversial among players and fans.
Used wisely, it adds unpredictability to service games and forces opponents to adjust their baseline positioning.
While not a replacement for traditional serving techniques, it provides variety and a mental edge when applied in the right context.
Ultimately, tennis rewards creativity, and the underhand serve is a reminder that smart tactics often matter as much as raw power.
❓ FAQ
Q: Is an underhand serve legal in professional tennis?
Yes. The ITF rules allow it, as long as the ball is struck before it bounces.
Q: Why is the underhand serve controversial?
Some players consider it disrespectful, but it’s simply another tactic, especially effective against deep-returning opponents.
Q: Do pro players actually use underhand serves?
Yes. Players like Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Bublik have used it successfully in ATP matches.
Q: Should beginners practice the underhand serve?
Not as a main serve, but it’s useful to understand and practice for tactical variety.