Games can be won when reaching four points. Organized tennis is played according to rules sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the world governing body of the sport. Study the basics of the Tennis scoring system: The game begins with zero points on each side. The ball must land in the service box, which is marked by lines on the court. The key to good footwork is to stay on the balls of your feet and maintain a low center of gravity. In this section, we will cover three aspects of technique that are essential for any aspiring tennis player: grip, footwork, and swing. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Nowadays, it gets played worldwide and in scores of diverse countries. Depending on how the match is structured (usually set up in advance), players need to win anywhere from one Set to three Sets (best of five), with best of three Sets being most common. Proper court shoes are essential for playing tennis safely and effectively. Rules of Tennis The game starts with a coin toss to determine which player must serve first and which side they want to serve from. The server will begin each game on the marks right. Forehands are most commonly played as a one-handed stroke, though it is possible to hit the forehand as a two-handed stroke. The player must serve diagonally on either side of this line, depending on their position. If the ball bounces twice, then the player with the last shot wins the point. Hard court shoes have a more durable sole, as they need to withstand the wear and tear of playing on a harder surface. Just like many other sports, a tennis match begins with a coin toss. However, the service line marks the areas limit lengthwise where the serve must go. The player serving first will be the one who was due to serve the next game. If a player commits a fault on his second serve also, it is called a double fault and the receiving player gets that point. When it comes to the service line and center mark, it will only be relevant when a player is serving. Your desire to play competitive tennis . After he laid out the basic rules, the game spread quicklythe first championship at Wimbledon was held in 1877, followed soon after by the first American tournament in 1880. . For the sake of fair play, players or teams should switch sides on all odd Game totals. The place where the tennis game held is called the tennis court. All Rights Reserved. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How does tennis scoring work? Any game starts at 0-0 and the zero point in tennis is called love. One serving strategy is hitting a powerful first serve that is difficult to return. Another important aspect of footwork is the split step. The baseline has two primary functions: The singles line indicates the boundaries in terms of width in a tennis match between two players. Knowing the layout will help you understand the difference between single and doubles games and the scoring rules. Racket strings are typically composed of nylon or polyester. Meanwhile, the game had spread to the United States in the 1870s. Playing Tennis in 3 Simple Steps Before you start - Singles or Doubles. Our new Sleep Story version of the rules covers everything from court and ball . If not, the score goes back to Deuce. If any shot goes beyond the baseline, it will result in a point loss as the shot will be out. The point starts with one of the players performing a serve, and the other player attempting to return the serve. Shots can be hit flat, that is with minimal spin on the ball. During single matches, the doubles line will be irrelevant. The game of tennis is played using various types of shots. Clay court shoes have a herringbone pattern on the sole, which provides better traction on the clay surface. The toss is done to determine which team or player will serve first. Racket head sizes vary depending on whether they are standard head size, mid-size, mid-plus, or oversize rackets. For comfort, players usually wear shorts with pockets (to hold the tennis balls) and either a t-shirt or polo shirt in more formal competitions. The correct landing will ensure the continuation of the game, and the server will switch to the left for the next point. The baseline, where players serve from, is 39 feet away from the net. In 1880 the first U.S. championship was held at the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club. When it comes to a tiebreaker, the serving order will be: Here is everything you must know about a doubles tennis match: A doubles match usually happens in the best of five sets. If the players are tied at 40-40, its called deuce. In 1904 the Lawn Tennis Association of Australasia (later of Australia) was founded. : A competition entailing two players as opponents, either two men or two women up against one another. Abuse of Balls: when players intentionally and violently hit the ball outside the point. Tennis courts measure 78 feet (23.77 m) in length and 27 feet (8.2 m) in width for singles matches or 36 ft (11 m) in width for doubles matches. Ninh explains the Rules of Tennis, a popular racquet sport played worldwide. 4. A brief overview & history of lawn tennis Origins Image Source: Wikimedia Commons Tennis is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt, according to several historians. A half volley is similar to a volley, except that it is hit just seconds after the ball bounces. The Western grip, on the other hand, is more advanced and is used by players who generate a lot of topspin. Dual (Two vs. two). Deuce: The deuce takes place when the game score is 40 40. The ball needs to cross the net and land within the serving area which is marked on the diagonally opposite side of the court for it to be deemed a legal serve. A tennis match begins with the umpire doing a coin toss. If the lead is less than two, then seven Games are required to win the Set. Basically, in doubles, a shot must bounce anywhere inside of the outer court boundaries to be considered as 'good'. The Official Site of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour - Women's Professional Tennis, The Official Site of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island, tennis - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), tennis - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Andy Murray exits Wimbledon with uncertainty after a 5-set, 2-day loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas. That is because the racquet was not in contact with their body. The player is required to hit the ball with the middle of the racket - the part with strings which is also known as hitting surface. That is because many people watch tennis but dont understand the rules and history of the sport in-depth. The Best Female Tennis Players of All Time. The team or player winning the toss will decide who serves first. tennis, original name lawn tennis, game in which two opposing players (singles) or pairs of players (doubles) use tautly strung rackets to hit a ball of specified size, weight, and bounce over a net on a rectangular court. Traditional point-scoring works in the following manner. This gets repeated every time the Game total is an odd number. However, during serves, the intended receiver must always receive the ball and is not allowed to switch with their partner. At no point must the server's feet move in front of the baseline on the court prior to hitting their serve. Tennis Doubles. Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray has been eliminated by Stefanos Tsitsipas after a five-setter contested over two days at Centre Court, Tennis appears set to follow the path of golf and other sports by doing business with Saudi Arabia and its $650 billion sovereign wealth fund, They finally got the first round of Wimbledon finished two days later than planned, Three environmental activists have been arrested at Wimbledon after running onto one of the courts and disrupting two matches by throwing orange confetti and puzzle pieces onto the grass, The developments at Wimbledon include Novak Djokovic joining Roger Federer and Serena Williams as the only players in tennis history to win 350 Grand Slam matches. A player must also wait for the ball to pass the net and come over to his side of the court and cannot step over the net to hit the ball. Understanding the court dimensions and game variations is crucial to playing tennis. So long as the shot lands within the boundaries of the court, the ball can be hit around the net post. Racket frames, which had been of a standard size and shape and constructed primarily of laminated wood, were suddenly manufactured in a wide choice of sizes, shapes, and materials, the most significant milestones being the introduction of metal frames beginning in 1967 and the oversized head in 1976. With the exception of the serve, shots can hit the net and still count as good as long as they land within the boundaries of the court. Similar to a Set, however, Games must be won by a difference of two points. A net measuring 3-0 (0.91 m) in height at the center and 3-6 (1.07 m) in height at the posts, divides the court into two equal halves. In the middle of the baseline is a center mark. Here is a brief overview of how to play lawn tennis. Of course, now people play tennis on various courts and not just grass. Tennis balls are made of a hollow, two-piece rubber shell filled with pressurized gas. He hopes to inspire readers to pick up a racquet and get out on the court, and to help them improve their skills and knowledge of the game. The only exception to this is junior balls for kids, which can be a mix of red/yellow, orange/yellow, or green/yellow felt. During the match, it will indicate the courts boundary in terms of width. Protesters and rain captured the attention. To win the game, a player must win two points in a row from deuce. Rules of Lawn Tennis Lawn tennis is a game that requires skill, strategy, and a good understanding of the rules. Here is everything you need to know about tennis rules. There are several types of grips, including the Eastern, Western, and Semi-Western grips. For example, in doubles, the court is wider to accommodate four players, and the service boxes are longer. The head size of your racket will also affect your game. Additionally, shots can be cross-court or down the line depending on where they are placed relative to the hitting players positioning. You can play tennis 1v1 (Singles) or 2v2 (Doubles). A tennis court length measures 78 by 27 feet for singles and 78 by 36 feet for doubles. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Spin is used on groundstrokes as well as on serves. During the first point, the server will start serving from the center marks right. Of course, playing the match with knowing all the basic rules is far better than handling the racket in hand and looking at the opponent childishly. Points are awarded whenever the opponent fails to correctly return the ball within the prescribed dimensions of the court. The person who serves first is determined based on who received serve the last Game. Tournaments offer tens of millions of dollars in prize money annually. Tennis shoes differ from other sports shoes in that they provide increased lateral support and a thicker outsole. Often times a guard is located over the beam to protect the head of the racket. In 1884 a womens championship was introduced at Wimbledon, and womens national championships were held in the United States starting in 1887. If that same player wins the next point, they win the Game. A good swing involves several steps. During a match, players are not allowed to touch the net with any part of their bodies or racket. A player or team has to win four points to win a game. The term All is used to indicate an even point count. Not only does it help absorb shock, but it can prevent knee damage in the long run. Tennis matches work in three phases: A game, a set and a match. If the ball hits the net and lands in the correct service box, its called a let and the server is given another chance to serve. The Basic Rules of Tennis In a game of singles, 2 players play against each other. Singles Sideline Offensive strategies in lawn tennis involve putting pressure on your opponent, making them move around the court, and forcing them to make errors. If the player manages to win by a margin of at least two points, they win the Game. Check out the link below to learn about basic rules of tennis. There have, of course, been modifications since but the basic rules remain essentially the same. Whereas groundstrokes involve a full swing and follow-through, a volley is played using a shortened swing and little to no backswing. Many people dont notice this, but tennis players are not allowed to talk, shout, or make any unnecessary noises during games. When a player hits a shot, the racquet must be in contact with their body. The goal is to neutralize their shots and force them to make errors. When the player hits an excellent shot that goes past the other player. A passing shot is a winner that is hit past an opponent while they are up at the net. Games: These consist of four points each. Regulations cover topics from eligibility and how to enter a tournament, to how draws should be conducted and how rankings are calculated. Most tennis courts are outdoor courts. In mens singles events at Grand Slams, the matches are a best-of-five sets but in all other ATP Tour events, a mens singles match is a best-of-three sets affair. At the time, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) was the governing body of real tennis, whose rules it had recently revised. Stiff rackets tend to provide less flex at the throat. If a player commits a fault, their opponent is awarded a point. The book The Original Rules of Tennis, . The game is played within bounds of the singles' sidelines of the court. Additional overrun space is needed beyond the boundaries of a court to allow players to reach shots that are very wide or very deep. Before you begin a game, the score is "love-love." The first point is called "15," the second point. While originally white in color, modern tennis balls are primarily manufactured in optic yellow. He published the first book of rules that year and took out a patent on his game in 1874. Under its auspices, the first official U.S. national championship, played under English rules, was held in 1881 at the Newport Casino, Newport, Rhode Island. This will keep the ball low and prevent your opponent from hitting powerful shots. Tennis covers or bags are used to store and protect rackets from damage. For example, the server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally over the net to the opposite side of the court. Lawn tennis is a game that requires skill, strategy, and a good understanding of the rules. A player/team needs to win two consecutive points after deuce to win a game. A drop shot is generally used when the opposing player is standing at the baseline and it becomes difficult for them to recover a drop shot as they have to cover quite a distance. Teams or players will switch sides for each odd-numbered game. They are also not allowed to cross the net with their racket, even if they themselves do not touch the net. During matches, players or teams alternate between serving and receiving each game. The server will serve for the entire duration of the first game. The service, or serve for short, is an overhead shot taken at the start of a point. First to four games wins Visible Obscenity: when a player makes an offensive gesture that other people see. The player who served first in the tie-breaker game serves from the other side in the next game. According to the International Tennis Federation, the tennis ball must be yellow or white, between 2.5 and 2.8 inches in diameter and between 1.975 and 2.095 ounces in weight. Typically a player will hit a deep shot in order to give themselves more time to approach the net. It is important to get a good pair to prevent injuries. After the first game, the next server will be the player who received last and will serve for the duration of the second game, and so on. History of tennis Players on a roofless centre court in 2008 The racket sport traditionally named lawn tennis, invented in Birmingham, England, now commonly known simply as tennis, is the direct descendant of what is now denoted real tennis or royal tennis, which continues to be played today as a separate sport with more complex rules. Tennis rackets are composed of a head, a throat, and a handle. Knowing the rules is essential for any player who wants to improve their game and avoid being penalized by the umpire. As you swing, your dominant hand should rotate, and your racket should be pointing towards the ball. The moment the ball is served, the game begins, and a point is earned as soon as it goes out of bounds, hits the net, or when a player misses it. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. If a player fails this first serve, it will lead to the second serve. If the player/team who has advantage wins the next point, then they win the game. All shots that pass over the net and land anywhere within the boundaries of the court, lines included, are considered good. On the other hand, tighter strings provide greater control and allow players to generate their own power. The original name of tennis was lawn tennis. They adapted the real tennis method of scoring15, 30, 40, gameand allowed the server one fault (i.e., two chances to deliver a proper service on each point). This can continue until one of the players wins by two consecutive points. Rules of Lawn-Tennis, Adopted by the M.C.C. Players and any other person involved in the match need to be in accordance with the rules. The full width of the court is used in doubles matches, while the singles matches are confined to the singles sidelines. Tennis rules, scoring system and all you need to know about the racket sport. If the score is tied at 40-40, this is referred to as Deuce. Another serving strategy is hitting a well-placed second serve. Typically half volleys are played a bit further back from the net than volleys, and low to the ground. A doubles court measures 78 feet in length and 36 feet in width as it utilizes the outermost sideline of the court. Serving is a crucial part of lawn tennis, and having a good serve can give you an advantage over your opponent. The basic rules of lawn tennis are quite simple and can be learned in a short amount of time. Understanding The Duration And Factors That Affect It, Understanding Racquet String Tension: Factors, Choosing, And Maintenance, Yonex Ezone Pro: Design, Performance & Specifications. The center mark indicates where a tennis player should stand before they serve. When it comes to a tiebreak game, the aim is to reach seven points first with a lead of two, which will result in winning the set. If the servers foot touches the baseline or goes out of bounds of the sideline, it is known as a foot fault and the server will have a second serve. Tennis matches are comprised of Sets. They tend to last longer than standard pressurized balls, making them ideal for practice. We hope you are now clear of what happens during a tennis match. If you want to stand out from other tennis players, here are some rules you should know: 1. Another defensive strategy is hitting a slice shot. and the A.E.C. & L.T.C., 1878 Appendix: Court Plans and Dimensions. It is played either individually against a single opponent (called singles games) or between two teams of two players each (called doubles games). The players also exchange ends after a set is completed. We always use the past to make sense of the present, which is why it is equally crucial to know the history behind any sport. The opening helps keep weight off the racket and is where most of the flex of the racket occurs. Learn how to play tennis is . The object of the game is to hit the ball in . If you are a beginner at tennis or want to understand the basic rules, you are in the right place. Such a shot is considered to be highly masterful and skilled. Here is everything you need to know about them: The player will begin serving on the right side of the court when the tennis match starts. Next, you need to transfer your weight to your front foot and swing forward. The victor was an Englishman, O.E. Tie-breakers require at least seven points to win, but the margin must be a minimum of two points. Whoever wins the next point is said to have the Advantage (also referred to as Ad for short). What is the size of a standard tennis ball? Scoring in lawn tennis can seem complicated at first, but its actually quite simple. Once a player wins the final point, thats referred to as Game. Why Do Tennis Players Wear White at Wimbledon? Any serve that goes beyond the service line are considered to be a miss. After the first game, the next server will be chosen from the opposing team and serve for the duration of the second game, and so on. They must set up on the side that corresponds with the point being played, that is either on the Deuce Court side or the Ad Court side. Wingfields court was of the hourglass shape and may have developed from badminton. Is it about sportswashing, women's rights or both? Each player is allowed two serves per point. When serving, a player must be careful not to step on or beyond the baseline. The player who received serve in the Game prior to the tie-breaker initiates serve during the tie-breaker. Thereafter, the serve changes after every two points played. In such a case, the player or team must win two consecutive points in order to win the game. The term "racket" is said to have originated from the Arabic word "rakhat," which meaning "palm." In a professional tennis match, these times are strict and kept by the umpire. Besides the tennis court, the game of tennis requires very little in terms of equipment. THE COURT The court shall be a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 m) long and, for singles matches, 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. The tennis ball is another important piece of equipment. Professional or advanced players often opt to use natural gut due to the feel of the strings. It decided on a rectangular court 78 feet (23.8 metres) long by 27 feet (8.2 metres) wide. The existing broad categories are -. For those who love to play this sport, it is vital to understand each aspect in-depth. The rubber shell is covered with felt made from nylon or wool. Tennis ball: According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), a typical tennis ball should weigh between 56-59.4 grams with a diameter of 6.54-6.86 centimeters. The lines at each end of the length of the court are known as the baseline. There are two service boxes on each side of the net, four in total in a tennis court. If a player won six games while the opponent won five games, the play would continue until the player gets the two games lead. . ACE - A ball that is served so well the opponent cannot touch it with their racquet. The only exception is natural grass. However, indoor tennis courts are not uncommon in areas where rain and snow are prevalent. In this section, we'll cover the basic rules of lawn tennis, from serving to scoring, and faults to let. The service boxes are 21 feet long and 13.5 feet wide. The goal of this is to serve the ball into the diagonal service box. This is followed by the return, the ensuing shot taken by the receiving player. Warmup: 5 minutes. Once the serve is returned, the two players engage in a rally, i.e trading shots back-and-forth over the net and within the sidelines and baseline. Points are awarded to a player or team whenever the opponent fails to correctly return the ball within the prescribed dimensions of the court. If both players win six games each in a set (6-6), then the set moves to a tiebreaker. Omissions? A beginner's explanation of Olympic and International Tennis Rules.Watch this sh. The split step is a small hop that you take just before your opponent hits the ball. Hi, I'm Gio Valle, creator of Tennis 4 Beginners. It is now played on a variety of surfaces. Points: Smallest measurement unit. What are the dimensions of a tennis court? There are four types of serves used in the modern game: the flat serve (minimal spin), slice serve (sideways spin), topspin serve (forward rotational spin) and the kick serve (bottom-to-top spin). The right side from the vantage point of the server is referred to as the Deuce court, while the right side is the Ad court. The first player to win seven points with a two-point lead wins the tie-breaker. Its width is 9 feet greater than a singles court. With this equipment in place and a comfortable pair of shorts and a tee shirt, you are ready to enjoy the game. The net posts are located3 feet (0.91 meters) beyond the doubles line on each side. Shots Used in Tennis The game of tennis is played using various types of shots. The next sequence of shots might include a groundstroke if played from the baseline after the ball bounces, or a volley if played up at the net without allowing the ball to bounce. Tennis or lawn tennis is often regarded as one of the most physically demanding sports around. Any shot bouncing outside these singles lines will be considered out. This may include hitting a shot into the net, out of the tennis court boundaries, or allowing the ball to bounce more than once. The throat connects the top of the handle to the head of the racket. You can also use a defensive lob to push your opponent back and create space for yourself. It involves placing the base knuckle of your index finger on the third bevel of the racket handle. Only in the US Open, a tiebreaker is permitted in the last set. Any player or the umpire can call a let. It is made up of two sections with an opening in the middle. When the players reach a score of 6 6, a tiebreak game will be played to determine the player that will win the set. Another offensive strategy is approaching the net after hitting a short ball. Lead tape is sometimes used to add weight to a racket in specific locations. During the backswing, your racket should be pointing upwards and your non-dominant hand should be pointing towards the ball. It determines the power, spin, and direction of your shots. In some tournaments, such as the French Open where tiebreakers are not used, players must win by two Games regardless. Serving is the starting point of any game of lawn tennis. Whether youre a seasoned tennis player or a beginner, having the right equipment is essential for playing your best game. Lower tension ranges increase power, comfort as well as the sweet spot of the racket. Badminton vs. Tennis: What Are the Differences? For a serve to be a let, the ball must not only touch the net but also land in the correct service box. In doubles, players on each team also alternate between serving or playing up at the net. During a tie-break, players alternate serve every two points, with the exception of the very first serve. table tennis, also called (trademark) Ping-Pong, ball game similar in principle to lawn tennis and played on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a net fixed across its width at the middle. Woodhouse. Its the object youll be hitting back and forth with your racket. Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules of Tennis to the masculine includes the feminine gender. If the service returner touches the ball but is not able to return the shot, this is known as a service winner. Depending on the lead, Set points can be repeated if the player who leads does not win the ensuing point. The court dimensions differ slightly between the two formats. Any tennis player can hit a shot around the net post as long as the ball lands on the opponents court. Understanding these dimensions and variations is essential to playing the game correctly and efficiently. In sunny weather, a visor or cap is sometimes used to prevent glare from the sun. If the second serve results in a fault referred to as a double fault then the player receiving the ball wins the point. In the Wimbledon, the match moves to a tiebreaker if each player has won 12 games in the last set (12-12). Tennis players use a variety of angles, speed and technique to hit the ball in a certain direction or to deceive their opponents to win a point. Each tennis player stands on opposite sides of the net and uses a tennis racket to hit the ball back and forth. It is the point scored after Deuce. The net stands 3 feet tall at the center and 3.5 feet tall at the posts. In a super tiebreaker, the rules are similar to a tiebreaker with the only difference being that the first team to win 10 points, with a two-point difference, is deemed the winner. The only significant difference in the rules between singles and doubles tennis is the boundaries. The service, or serve for short, is an overhead shot taken at the start of a point. The serve must go over the net cleanly, without hitting or even touching the net and must land in the service box located diagonally from the side the serve is taken from. Some additional shots used in the game include the lob, a shot placed over the opponents head when they are up at the net, the drop shot which is a lightly hit shot that just makes it over the net, and the smash which is an overhead shot taken with or without a ball bounce. Defensive strategies are used when your opponent is on the offensive. Use these strategies wisely, and you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled lawn tennis player.