Did you know you can learn how to play tennis from the basic rules of tennis?
The sport, which traces its origin to England in the 19th century, is now played by several countries.
Today, it is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Tennis is a physically intensive sport that has about 17.96 million professional players worldwide.
That number has continued to rise.
The emergence of several young men and women players who cause a surprising upset in tennis tournaments has made tennis gain more fans worldwide.
This article insightfully reviews the basic rules of tennis and everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
The Objective of the Game
In tennis, the players’ primary objective is to win as many points as possible by playing the ball so that opponents can not return the ball to their half of the court.
Players
Depending on the match being played, either singles or doubles, the number of players on the court is decided.
In a singles match, one player is on each side of the court, while in a doubles match, two players are on each side of the court.
Tennis Equipment
Equipment needed in a tennis match includes a racquet, either wooden or an alloy with a handle, and strings in a weaving pattern.
A racquet should measure about 32 inches long and a handle 12.5 inches in width.
The surface of a racquet 15.5 measures inches long and 11.5 inches wide.
The tennis ball, usually bright yellow in color and measures 2.5–2.625 in diameter, is required for tennis matches.
Headband, wrist bands for sweat absorption, tennis shorts, and shirts or dresses often made from polyester are needed.
Scoring in Tennis
A tennis match contains 5 sets for men and 3 sets for women.
A set has six games.
In a game, a player is required to be two points ahead of his opponent to win.
A game begins at the ‘love,’ which is zero points.
The first point equals 15 points, the second 30 and the third 40, before a final point called game point seals the victory.
Points are earned when an opponent fails to return the ball to his opponent’s court or plays the ball past the baseline.
When a game is tied at 40-40 points, this is known as a deuce; a player must win two successive points to win a game.
If a game ties at 6-6, this is known as a tie-break; a player must win with 7 points with at least two points lead over his opponent.
Winning in Tennis
The player with the most sets emerges the winner.
For a tennis match that involves a male player, players with the most wins in 5 sets emerge the winner.
While in a female tennis match, players with the most wins in 3 sets win the match.
What are the Basic Rules of Tennis?
1. A tennis match begins with a toss, which involves either a flip of the coin or a spin of the racquet to determine the player to serve first and the player’s choice of the court.
2. A server foot must be on the baseline during serves. The foot of the server must not move past the baseline before he hits the ball.
3. If a server fails to play the ball within their service area of the opponent court in the first two serves, they can try the second service where if they fail, it will be counted as a double fault and result in loss of point.
4. If a served ball touches the net before it moves into the service area of his opponent, a let is called, and he retakes the service. If a served ball touches the net but does not go into his opponent’s service area, an out is called, and the service is lost.
5. A receiver of service can stand wherever he wishes to stand to receive the serve.
6. Once a service has been successfully made, the successful play between both players is unlimited until a side fails to play the ball within the baseline or the ball hits the net without entering the opponent’s court.
7. The first point equals 15 points, the second point equals 30 points, and the third point equals 40 points.
8. Four points are required to win a game. In the event of a deuce (40-40), players must score two successive points to win the game. When they score the first extra point, they are in advantage. If the opponent scores, they return to deuce.
9. A player must play 6 games to win a set, winning the games by 2 or more than his opponent. If they tie the game, 6-6, a tie break is played, a 7th game in which a player must win by two or more points.
10. Players lose a point if they touch the net or distract their opponent.
11. The ball must touch the line or the area within the line to be called in. If the ball lands outside the baseline, it is an out.
12. Every 6 games, the ball used is replaced.
13. Players lose a point if they hit the ball outside the baseline or if the ball touches the net without entering the opponent’s court or bounces twice in their court before returning the ball.
14. During odd-numbered games, players must switch sides.
15. A Penalty is given if a player engages in verbal abuse or if the racquet leaves a player’s hand.
To Wrap Up
There you have it, the basic rules of tennis and everything you need to know to enjoy the beautiful sport.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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