foot fault

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.

foot fault

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of foot fault¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

All hell broke loose when Serena Williams was called for a foot fault in the 2009 U.S. Open semifinals.

From The Daily Beast