How to Play Tennis

Originating in 19th century England, Tennis has become a game that is played on a global level by almost all the countries. If you are a tennis fan, you would know about the four leading teams namely- Wimbledon, US Open, French Open, and Australian tournament.

Tennis is definitely a fun game which, if one starts playing, cannot avoid playing it again. However, like every other, this game also requires a lot of discipline for which you ought to know about the game.

Today, we will walk you through the game of tennis, in terms of what it is about, how it is played and the detailed rules and regulations.

How it is played?

Before knowing about any game’s rules and regulations, it is crucial to know the object of the game.

Object of the Game

The game of tennis is played in a rectangular-shaped court with a net in the middle of the court, dividing the two teams. Those who do not know about the game, you just have to hit the ball across the net in such a way that it lands in your opponent’s margin without his ability to hit at it. Your victory depends on how many times your opponent misses the ball as it hits his side of the court.

Tennis Equipment

In terms of equipment, this game is just about a racquet and a ball. A racquet has a handle, a frame, and strings that are bound to each other in a weaving pattern. The frame of the racquet is no longer than 32 inches in length and 12.5 inches in width. The ball is a tennis ball, usually white or yellow in color for tournaments, with a size of 2-1/2 to 2-5/8 inches in diameter and a weight of 2 to 2-1/16 ounces.

Players

As far as the players are concerned, it can be played by either one player on each side. This is known as singles. The other kind is known as doubles where two players play on each side of the court.

Lines of Play

The court comprises a baseline, service areas that have a couple of spaces over the net where a successful serve is ought to fall and two tram lines down either side. In a singles match, you are required to use the inner side tram line and in a doubles match, you use the outer tram line.

Court Surface Types

A court can be set up on various kinds of surfaces which essentially include- grass, clay, hard surface and carpet. However, as the condition of the game demands, even though you can choose any kind of court surface but you are supposed to stick to one throughout the game. 

Scoring

As far as the scoring in tennis is concerned, one needs to score four points to win a game of tennis. The scores are known as 15 (1 point), 30 (two points), 40 (three points) and the fourth leads to the winning point putting an end to the game. In case, the scores go 40-40, the situation is called deuce. In this situation, the player needs two clear points to win.

Who Serves?

Deciding the game is a crucial and foremost element in any game. In tennis, similar to cricket, the first serving team is determined by the toss, which is usually done by the flip of a coin or by spinning the racket. The player or the team gets to serve the first who chooses the right side of the flip or toss.

Rules and Regulations

Finally, we can come to the rules of the game, the most crucial part without which it is not possible to play the game. Here it goes:

• The game opens up with a coin toss to decide who will serve the game first.
• The server has to then serve each point from the other side on the baseline. There is no point from where the server’s feet can move in front of the baseline on the court before hitting their serve.
• In case the server is not able to get their first serve, they can take advantage of a second serve. If they fail to get the second serve, a double fault will be called out and the point will be lost.
• The receiver can stand anywhere in order to receive the serve. However, in case the ball is struck without the serve bouncing, the serve will get the point.
• After a serve is made, the players get an unlimited number of shots but the point is won once the ball gets hit and the opponent is unable to return it in the scoring areas.
• In order to win the game, a player needs to win 6 rounds of games by 2 or more.
• In case the game ends at 6-6, there is a tie-up break and players play again first to 7 points. The final round cannot have a tie break and needs the players to win by two games without any limits.
• A player will automatically lose the points in the conditions such as player touching the net, and distracting the opponent.
• In the game of tennis, balls are changed for new balls after every 6 games.
• A player will lose a point in case they are unable to return the ball either in the correct areas of the court, hit the net and unable to go into the opponent's area.
• There is a slight difference in the rules for single and double tennis games. It is essentially regarding the serving order and the court size. While the former has the innermost sideline and has a size of 27 feet wide by 78 feet long, the latter has the outermost sideline and sized at 36 feet wide and 78 feet long.
• The game is not rocket science if you are eager to learn its basics. You can start your learning classes by watching a tournament or a match on TV. It could appear a little complicated in the beginning but as you flow with it, the game flows with you.

Hope this was helpful. We wish you happy sporting!