Tennis Rules Explained: A Simple English Guide for Beginners
Welcome to the exciting world of tennis! Understanding the basic rules is your first step onto the court. This simple English guide will break down the essential tennis rules, making it easy for anyone to start playing or watching the game with confidence.
1. The Court and Equipment A tennis court is divided by a net. The main lines are the baseline (back), service lines, and the center service line. Players use a racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net into the opponent's side of the court.
2. The Basic Objective The primary goal is simple: hit the ball into your opponent's legal court area in such a way that they cannot return it successfully. A point is won when the opponent fails to return the ball within the bounds or hits it into the net.
3. Understanding Tennis Scoring Tennis scoring can seem unique. Points progress from Love (0), to 15, 30, and 40. If both players reach 40, it's called "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. Winning 6 games typically wins a "set," and winning 2 or 3 sets wins the match.
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. You get two attempts for a valid serve. A failed serve is a "fault"; two faults result in a "double fault," giving the point to your opponent.
5. During the Rally After a successful serve, players rally. The ball must bounce once on your side before you return it (except for volleys, where you hit it before it bounces). The ball must land within the boundary lines of the opponent's court. Hitting the ball out or into the net loses the point.
6. Key Rules to Remember
- One Bounce Rule: The ball can only bounce once on your side. Two bounces mean you lose the point.
- Net Touch: You cannot touch the net or cross the center line with your body or racket during play.
- Let: If a served ball touches the net but lands in the correct service box, it is a "let," and the serve is retaken without penalty.
Now that you know the basic tennis rules, you're ready to pick up a racket or better enjoy a professional match. The best way to learn is to play, so find a court and have fun! Remember, practice makes perfect in mastering these rules and your skills on the court.