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

Pliskova served first and got pushed to deuce in the opening game, when she was called for a second-serve foot fault.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 6, 2021

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

Down 5-6 in the second set, a line judge called a foot fault on Williams, the tournament favorite.

From New York Times • Aug. 22, 2018

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