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serve

sports
Also known as: service

Quick Summary

In sports like tennis, badminton, and volleyball, a serve is the action of putting the ball or shuttlecock into play. It's the initial act that starts a point or a game. The server typically has an advantage, especially in sports like tennis, where a powerful or well-placed serve can win the point outright (an "ace") or force a weak return. The rules for serving vary by sport, but generally involve hitting the ball diagonally across the net into the opponent's designated service court. Failing to execute a valid serve can result in a fault or loss of the point.123

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