Master the Game: A Clear English Guide to Tennis Rules for Beginners & Fans

Tennis is a thrilling and globally beloved sport. Understanding its rules is the first step to truly appreciating the strategy and skill on display. Whether you're a new player picking up a racket or a fan wanting to deepen your knowledge, this guide provides a clear English introduction to tennis rules.

1. The Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles (36 feet wide for doubles). It is divided by a net. The main lines include the baselines (back), service lines, and the center service line. Players use a strung racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net.

2. The Basic Objective The core goal is simple: hit the ball over the net into the opponent's designated court area so they cannot return it successfully. A point is played from a serve until the ball is out of play.

3. Understanding Tennis Scoring This is often the most confusing part for newcomers. Scoring does not follow a linear 1,2,3 count.

• Point System: 0 points = "Love", 1st point = "15", 2nd = "30", 3rd = "40". If both players reach 40, it's "Deuce".
• Winning a Game: You must win by 2 points. At Deuce, the player winning the next point has "Advantage". Winning the next point wins the game; losing it returns to Deuce.
• Sets and Matches: A player wins a set by winning at least 6 games with a margin of 2 games (e.g., 6-4). A tie-break is played at 6-6. Matches are typically best-of-3 or best-of-5 sets.

4. Serving Rules The server must stand behind the baseline, between the center mark and the sideline. The ball must be hit into the diagonally opposite service box without touching the net. Each player gets 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 Play

• In/Out: A ball landing on any part of the line is "in". A ball landing outside the line is "out".
• One Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on your side before you return it, except on a volley (hitting the ball before it bounces).
• Net Play: If the ball hits the net cord and lands in the proper court during a rally, play continues. This is called a "let" during a serve, and the serve is retaken.

6. Conclusion Grasping these basic tennis regulations unlocks a new level of enjoyment. The unique scoring, the strategy of serving, and the fast-paced rallies all make tennis a captivating sport. Now, you're equipped with the essential knowledge to follow the action, understand the referee's calls, or step onto the court with confidence. Grab a racket and enjoy the game!