Overview
This introduction to tennis covers the basics of the game, including court layout, rules, scoring, match formats, and key dos and don'ts for beginners and those looking to improve their understanding.
Court Layout and Equipment
- The tennis court is divided by a net, with boundaries marked by baselines, sidelines, and service boxes.
- Singles matches use the inner sidelines, while doubles matches use the full width including the doubles alleys.
- Rackets and tennis balls are the primary equipment needed, and public courts are often freely available.
Basic Rules of Play
- The ball must land inside the lines; touching a line counts as in.
- Points end when a player misses, hits out, hits into the net, or the ball bounces twice on their side.
- Players can volley, meaning hit before a bounce, but only one bounce is allowed.
Scoring System
- Points are scored as 0 (“love”), 15, 30, 40, and game; the origins trace back to medieval French game-keeping.
- A player must win by two points if the score is tied at deuce (40-40).
- Games make up sets, and sets make up matches.
Sets and Match Structure
- A set is won by the first player to win six games by a margin of two.
- If tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker decides the set.
- Most matches are best of three sets; major tournaments may require best of five.
Serving and Serve Rotation
- Serve alternates between right and left sides after each point, starting on the right.
- If the first serve is a fault, a second serve is allowed; two faults result in losing the point.
- In singles, players alternate serving each game; in doubles, all four players serve in a fixed rotation.
Essential Rules and Etiquette
- Contact with the net during play results in losing the point.
- Players cannot make contact with the ball over the net or throw their racket.
- If the ball hits a player before bouncing, the point goes to the opponent.
Health and Accessibility Benefits
- Studies indicate tennis can add up to 9.7 years to life expectancy.
- Tennis is accessible, requiring minimal gear and offering free courts in many locations.
Key Takeaways for Beginners
- Focus on keeping the ball in play and understanding court boundaries.
- Learn the unique scoring system and serve rotation procedures.
- Follow proper etiquette to avoid common rule violations.