Tennis Rules Explained in English: A Beginner's Guide to the Game

Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport. Understanding its rules is the first step to enjoying watching or playing the game. This guide provides a clear tennis rules简介 in English, covering the essentials for beginners.

1. The Tennis Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles matches. It is divided by a net. Players use a strung racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net into the opponent's court.

2. The Basic Objective The primary goal is simple: hit the ball into the opponent's legal court area so they cannot return it successfully. A point is won when the opponent fails to make a valid return.

3. Understanding the Tennis Scoring System This is often the most confusing part for newcomers. Points progress as follows: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, and Game. If both players reach 40, it's called "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game.

• To win a game, you must win at least 4 points with a 2-point lead.
• Winning 6 games (with a 2-game lead) wins a set.
• Matches are usually best of 3 or 5 sets.

4. Starting Play: The Serve Each point begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the diagonally opposite service box. Players get two attempts for a valid serve. A missed serve is a "fault"; two faults result in a "double fault," awarding the point to the opponent.

5. Key Rules During a Rally

• The ball must land within the boundaries of the court (including the lines).
• Players typically get one bounce to return the ball, but they may also volley it (hit it before it bounces).
• Touching the net or hitting the ball before it crosses the net results in losing the point.

6. Types of Matches Tennis can be played as singles (one vs. one) or doubles (two vs. two). The court is wider for doubles matches.

Mastering these basic tennis regulations will greatly enhance your appreciation for the sport. Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or watching a major tournament, this knowledge of how to play tennis by the rules is fundamental. The best way to learn is to practice on court or watch matches with this guide in mind