USTA RULE 18 : Foot Fault

During the semifinal match at the U.S. Open between Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams an official called a  foot fault (an offense that nine out of 10 recreational players commit nearly every  time they serve and one that their opponents generally ignore) on Serena Williams.  At the professional level, however, foot faults are taken seriously: If the server steps on the baseline, the serve will be ruled out.

This is one of the most famous foot faults calls because it gave Clijsters a match point.  Williams then harangued the line judge, letting out a stream of threats that led the umpire to call for the referee. After a short discussion, Williams was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct. Williams had already received a warning for breaking her racket when she lost the first set. And in tennis, the second penalty leads to an automatic penalty point for code violation.  Serena was fined a record $82,500. 

USTA RULE 18 : Foot Fault
During the service motion, the server shall not:
a. Change position by walking or running, although slight movements of the feet are permitted; or
b. Touch the baseline or the court with either foot; or
c. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline with either foot; or
d. Touch the imaginary extension of the centre mark with either foot.

If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot Fault”.
Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed to serve standing behind the part of the baseline between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline?
Decision: No.

Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both feet off the ground?
Decision: Yes.

USTA Comment 18.1: Where may the server stand? In singles, the server may stand anywhere behind the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline. In doubles, the server may stand anywhere behind the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the doubles sideline.

USTA Comment 18.2: What does the rule mean when it says that the server may “not change position by walking or running”?
One key to understanding this rule is to realize that the server’s feet must be at rest immediately before beginning to serve. The delivery of the service then begins with any arm or racket motion and ends when the racket contacts the ball (or misses the ball in attempt to strike it). To define walking or running with precision is difficult. This rule is intended to prevent the server from taking advantage of the receiver by serving while “on the move” and requiring the receiver to guess the position from which the serve will be launched, and the rule should be enforced with that intent in mind.
• A server who takes more than one step with either foot after the “feet at rest” position described above is at risk for being called for a foot fault. The serve becomes a foot fault when, in the judgment of an experienced official, the server has materially changed position before or during any racket or arm motion.
• A server whose footwork changes significantly from one serve to the next is at risk for being called for a foot fault.
• Serves that look like the running volleyball serve violate the rule. Serves in which the server runs or walks from a point well behind the baseline to the baseline are also illegal, as are serves in which the server walks or runs along the baseline before choosing a spot from which to deliver the serve.

USTA Comment 18.3: When does a foot fault occur? A player commits a foot fault if after the player’s feet are at rest but before the player strikes the ball, either foot touches:
• the court, including the baseline;
• any part of the imaginary extension of the center mark; or
• beyond the imaginary extension of the outside of the singles sideline in singles or the doubles sideline in doubles.

USTA Comment 18.4: Is it a foot fault if the server’s foot touches the baseline and then the server catches the tossed ball instead of attempting to strike it? This is not a foot fault as long as the server makes no attempt to strike the ball.

USTA Comment 18.5: May a player ask an official how he foot faulted? Yes. The official should then give a brief answer.

USTA Comment 18.6: When may the receiver or the receiver’s partner call foot faults? In a non-officiated match, the receiver or the receiver’s partner may call foot faults after all efforts (warning the server and attempting to locate an official) have failed and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the receiver’s side.

Here are some great questions and answers from the USTA website that help explain situatiions we face during many league matches...

Q. Can your opponent call foot fault on you when there is no referee?
A. The Code states that “compliance with the foot fault rule is very much a function of the player’s personal honor system.” If a player is committing flagrant foot faults, then an opponent CAN call him/her on it. But it is a pretty bold move to do so. He/she had better be certain that you have stepped on or over the line prior to contact before making this call.

For the record, habitual foot faulting is as bad as intentionally cheating on line calls. That said, I always urge players to focus on their side of the net, and executing their returns of serve, instead of worrying about whether an opponent has or has not stepped on or over the baseline during the serve.

Q. In a league match (no officials around), what happens when someone is told they are foot faulting, and they (a) disagree, or (b) say "sorry" but do it again. Who gets to decide if they should lose the point?
A. Ahhh… this seems to be a lingering issue…
If they are truly guilty of foot faulting, then they are cheating. If they disagree or continue doing it, then you have a challenging situation on your hands. I would advise you to avoid worrying about their side of the net and concentrate on what you need to do to win the next point.

There will always be players out there who cheat, sometimes- of course- unwittingly. It is your prerogative to handle yourself. If they CHOOSE to cheat, there is not much that you can do to get satisfaction. Maybe try extra hard to beat them.

Q. I would like to know the appropriate course of action to take when an opponent is grossly foot faulting consistently. I found myself in this situation recently, and was not sure how to handle the situation and stay within USTA guidelines.
A. Ask them politely to stop stepping over the line when they serve. You had BETTER be sure that you are in the right though. Remember, you are basically telling them that they are cheating- so be careful with how you handle this accusation.

Taking this a step further, I realize that a “foot fault” is not legal and that it should be considered a missed serve. However, as an opponent, does the foot fault have much effect on your own play? Not really. You might be better served to just concentrate on your side of the court.

Q. When I am serving I tend to foot fault. What should I do so I don't foot fault, but still have a good serve?
A. If/when you are called for foot fault during a match, do NOT change anything. Just simply back up a few inches.

During a match, it is best not to change your technique. Backing up a few inches will not compromise the power or placement of your serves.