foot fault

American  

noun

Tennis.

1. a fault consisting in the failure of the server to keep both feet behind the base line until the ball is hit or to keep at least one foot on the ground while hitting the ball.

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foot fault British  

noun

1. tennis a fault that occurs when the server fails to keep both feet behind the baseline until he has served

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Etymology

Origin of foot fault

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The Briton again went 3-0 down, airing her frustrations towards her family and coaches in the crowd and shaking her head at the scoreboard after being penalised for a foot fault.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2023

Serena Williams is no stranger to disputed Grand Slam calls, including a foot fault at the end of her 2009 U.S.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 11, 2021

Open was in 2009 when Serena Williams, seeded No. 2, received a point penalty for threatening a line judge who had called a foot fault in her semifinal against Kim Clijsters.

From New York Times • Sep. 6, 2020

Evans fought back, however, breaking Isner twice in quick succession to capture the second set before breaking again in the second game of the final set, aided by an Isner foot fault.

From Reuters • Feb. 23, 2019

Open when defending champion Serena Williams was charged with a point penalty on match point after yelling at a line judge for calling a foot fault on her previous serve.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2015