Central service line
The central service line runs perpendicular to the net and divides each service zone into a deuce box and an advantage box. Under the FIP 2026 rulebook, it extends 20 cm past the service line on the back-wall side - a 2026 clarification that codified what most courts already had in practice.
What is the central service line?
The central service line is the painted line that runs perpendicular to the net and divides each service area into two equal boxes - the right-hand (deuce) box and the left-hand (advantage) box. It is required on every FIP-homologated court and is part of the marking spec.
When did the 2026 extension rule come in?
The FIP 2026 rulebook clarified that the central service line must extend 20 cm past the service line on the back-wall side. This was always the practice on FIP-built courts but had not been written into the rule wording until 2026. Existing courts comply with no change required.
How the central service line defines play
The central service line defines which side of the service area a serve must land in. A serve from the deuce side must land in the opposite-side deuce box; a serve from the advantage side must land in the opposite-side advantage box. Misreading the line is a fault.
Quick reference: Splits each service area into deuce and advantage boxes. FIP 2026 codified the 20cm extension past the service line.
Common misconceptions
The central service line does not run the full length of the court. It only divides the service area between the net and the service line. Beyond the service line toward the back wall, the line extends just 20 cm under FIP 2026 - the back of the court has no central marking.
