experimental results: advantages from foot faulting a serve

[Grapto]

I'm not talking about slight crossing of the serving foot over the baseline. Let's say we ignore when the toe is still on the line and not into unpainted area of the court. I am talking about 'flagrant' foot fault where people would make a half or one step (or even more) into the court then make the contact.

Is there any experiment done to correlate how much advantage does a foot-faulting player get per inches into the court? Would their serving percentage and their point-winning percentage decrease much when they don't foot fault? Just curious.

My feeling is that, I am seeing more of repeatedly and flagrantly foot faulting recreational players have higher percentage of winning against those who are in similar skill level but not foot faulting. (especially in doubles match b/c of 1st volley position)

BTW, I don't foot fault most of the time and want to know how I should rate myself if every foot fault serve on earth was called a fault. I think I am losing matches to those who foot fault not because of the advantages they really get out of it but because of the distraction I get when I see them foot faulting and letting it go without calling it. I am very frustrated and reluctant to bring this issue directly within my club as the usual results are very hurting to both sides.

Foot faulting should be banned on this planet!

 

[WBF]

It's all in your head. If someone beats you while footfaulting, I would imagine the probability of them beating you without foot faulting would be exactly the same.

 

[dave333]

Yeah, footfaulting is generally a couple inches into the court. Absolutely does not make too much of a difference.

 

[Grapto]

Thanks for the advice but what I am really talking about is something like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78SBP6wXnvQ
If it was just a couple of inches then how would have I noticed that foot fault from the other side?

 

[chess9]

It is an advantage, and an illegal one. No one should tolerate foot faulters. I always tell guys they are foot faulting, and usually get only giggles in response, but it's one of those things that I think demonstrate the loss of values in America. It's a small thing, but a gentleman WILL NOT VIOLATE THE RULES. Ditto for gentle women.

-Robert