Tennis Rules Explained: How to Play Tennis Step-by-Step

Tennis is a popular global sport. The leading sport is enjoyed by millions, from Dubai clubs to adventurous recreational players all around. Tennis offers combined skills, athleticism, and strategy. You could be a beginner learning the basic skills or a seasoned fan watching Wimbledon. You should know about basic tennis rules to make the overall experience fun.

If you wish to master the court truly, it is important to understand the standard rules of tennis. You should know about the tennis basics, including tennis scoring rules, serves, tennis faults, or even tennis tie breaker rules. With the help of clear tennis court rules, you can ensure fair play, avoid penalties, and improve your enjoyment every time you pick up a racket. Once you are aware of the tennis basics, the entire game becomes a thrilling experience. 

Basics of Tennis: What Beginners Should Know

Tennis is a strategic sport that is enjoyed across the world. Getting started with the game is easier than you think. You should know about basic tennis rules to understand the objective of the game. The primary objective is to hit the ball and get it over the net. As the ball reaches the court boundaries of the opponent, you can win points by delivering shots they are not able to return. 

According to the rules of tennis, you can play the game in singles or doubles by following a set of structured rules and a unique tennis scoring. As you set on the court, you will require essential components, including:

• A tennis racket that suits your grip preference and skill level
• Tennis balls that delivers a consistent bounce
• A net that divides the court equally. The net should be at least 3 feet in the center. 
• A standard court which is 23.77m in length. For singles, the width is 8.23m. For doubles courts, the width is 10.97m. 

It is also important to choose the right tennis shoes, especially when you are playing on hard courts. You could be aiming to play competitively or casually. Understanding tennis basics will help build a strong foundation. Once you are equipped with the right court essentials, you should know about the tennis court rules, tennis points, and tennis gameplay. 

Essential Tennis Rules You Need to Understand

1. Scoring System

Proper tennis scoring might appear complicated. However, it follows a well-structured system. Every game starts with the ‘love’ scoring system. It refers to the zero count. Then, the game progresses through 15, 30, 40, and finally ‘game’ when the player wins four points. However, if both players reach the score of 40-40. It is referred to as the ‘deuce.’

When the player achieves a deuce, the player is expected to win two points in a row, including the advantage and the game. In typical tennis scoring rules, matches are won by winning the best-of-five or best-of-three sets. Each set requires at least six games, along with a two-game lead. Tiebreakers can decide sets tied at 6-6.

2. Serving Rules

To understand the tennis serving rules, you should know about the right serving technique. A perfect serve commences behind the baseline. Serving in tennis should be done diagonally into the service box of the opponent. The server receives two attempts. In case both are missed, it is referred to as a ‘double fault.’ In this case, the point is lost. 

On the other hand, a clean & unreturned serve is referred to as an ace. Be attentive to foot faults or stepping on or over the baseline while serving. This will invalidate your serve. Serves that fall outside the box and hit the net without falling into the box will be counted as faults. 

3. Rallying & Gameplay Rules

Once the tennis ball is in action, it is expected to land within the court boundaries. In this case, the lines count as in. When the ball lands outside the court or bounces twice before the return, you will lose a point. Volleying (hitting before the bounce) is permissible anywhere except inside the court of the opponent. 

Some of the common faults include double hits (when you strike the ball twice) and net interference (touching the net during the game). These interactions can make you lose points.

4. Essential Tennis Equipment

Some of the essential tennis equipment includes:

• A tennis racket
• Tennis balls
• Attire

Single vs. Doubles Tennis Rules

• Court Boundaries: Singles makes use of a 27-foot length and 8.23m width court. While in doubles tennis rules, the court expands to 10.97m in width.
• Serving Order: In a singles game, one player will serve for every game. In case of a doubles game, four players will take turns to serve the ball.
• Player Positions: The serving partner is allowed to stand anywhere. On the other hand, returners remain on the designated deuce for the whole game.

Common Tennis Rule Violations & Penalties

• Time Violations: If the time between sets or points exceeds, it can lead to violations and tennis penalties.

• Verbal Conduct: Shouting aggressive remarks will result into escalating penalties.

• Ball or Racket Abuse: If you smash or throw equipment, it will lead to code violations.

Tennis Etiquette and Sportsmanship

In addition to volleys and serves, tennis is a sport that is built on the concepts of fair play and respect. Good tennis etiquette makes sure that everyone is able to enjoy the game while building positive relationships on the court. You should shake hands at the net when the match ends. Moreover, you should also return balls promptly to avoid any delays. 

Conclusion

Learning about the essential rules of tennis is an important step to enjoying a skillful sport. You should understand the scoring system and know about the right serving techniques to add more excitement and depth. With the right techniques and knowledge, you can become a competitive player easily.

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FAQs

1. What are the basic rules of tennis for beginners?

While serving, players should take turns. Moreover, you should aim to hit the ball within the opponent’s court.

2. How does scoring work in tennis?

Points advance from 15, 30, 40, and game in a match. A player is expected to win the game by 2 points. 

3. How long is a set in tennis?

Typically, a set in a tennis game is played until one player wins six games with at least a 2-games lead.

4. What is a tennis tie-break, and when is it used?

A tie-break is played when the set is tied at 6-6. The one who reaches 7 points first with a 2-point lead will win the set.

5. What are the differences between singles and doubles tennis?

Singles courts feature a narrower court. On the other hand, a doubles court uses a full court, including alleys.

6. How many sets do you need to win a tennis match?

In a typical match, the best of three sets will win. In Grand Slams, it is the best of 5 sets.