• Tennis Servebig serve in tennis image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
  
  In the game of tennis, a point is started with a serve and a player is allowed two service attempts. It is thought to be a disadvantage to the receiver if the ball touches the net, strap or band during the serve. When this happens and otherwise would be a good serve, it is taken over with no penalty to the server. However, this rule has been changed for professional tennis leagues and some levels of college tennis.
  
  

Service "Let"

• According to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) rules, the term "let" is used when the ball touches the net, strap or band, during a serve. The ball must, however, bounce within the boundary lines of the correct service box. It is also considered a "let" if, after touching the net, strap or band, the ball touches the receiver or his partner before hitting the ground. A "let" can be called if a player serves the ball and the receiver is not ready. In all of these situations, the server is allowed to re-serve without a fault being charged against him. In theory, it is possible for a player to hit an infinite number of "let" serves in a row.
  
  

Fault Serve

• If the ball touches the net, strap or band and fails to bounce within the boundary lines of the service box, it is called a "fault." If this was the first of the two allowed service attempts, the server continues with a second serve. However, if this was the second service attempt, no more serves are allowed and the server loses the point. It should be noted that a service "let" does not cancel out a previous fault.
  
  

No Let Rule

• An alternative rule for serving and one used for World Team Tennis matches and Division I men's college matches, is the "no let rule." This rule states that all serves count, including those that hit the net and sit up for an easy put-away or those that hit the net or strap and dribble over for an ace.