Tennis is a sport that requires relatively little in terms of knowledge in order to begin playing. With a racket, a court, a tennis ball and an understanding of the rules of the game, you’ll be ready to play in no time. Whether you’re looking to start playing competitively or just go out and play a casual game with friends, there are some basic rules you’ll need to know.
Game, Set and Match
Tennis is played with a series of points that make up a game, and games that make up a set. In order to win a game, a player must win at least four points, however, the points in tennis are named differently from other sports. In tennis, zero is called “love,” one point is “15,” two points is “30,” three points is “40” and four points is “game.” A player must win the game by two points. Depending on the level of play, a certain number of games wins a set, such as six, in the case of professional tennis. Sets must also be won by two games. Typically, in men’s tennis, three sets are required to win a match, whereas two sets are required in women’s tennis.
Scoring
In order to score points, the ball is served by one player and hit back and forth between players until one player “faults.” A fault can occur by several different means. According to the rules of tennis, a fault occurs when a player allows a hit ball to touch the in-bounds area of their side without returning the hit to the in-bounds area of their opponent’s side of the court. A player can also fault by allowing the ball to hit their side of the court in bounds more than once. Players can also fault by two consecutive illegal services.
Service
Players alternate service by game and must also alternate the side of the court they serve from after each point. The section of the court closest to the net is divided into two areas. The player giving service must hit the ball into the section opposite from the side of the court they are serving to. Failing to do so, or allowing the ball to touch the net on service, counts as a fault. Two consecutive faults count as a point for the opponent. A player who steps on the service line before making contact with the ball is also called for a fault.
About this Author
With seven years of professional writing experience, James Patterson specializes in health and wellness topics, including disease, prevention, diet and nutrition as well as sports. His work has been featured by the National Institutes of Health and LIVESTRONG.com. Patterson was recently named as a national finalist for the Society of Professional Journalist’s Mark of Excellence Award.
