Tennis Basic Rules Explained in English: A Beginner's Guide to the Game
Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport. Understanding its basic rules in English is the first step to enjoying watching or playing the game. This guide breaks down the fundamental regulations in clear, simple English.
1. The Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 27 feet (8.23 meters) 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 side of the court.
2. The Scoring System Tennis has a unique scoring method:
- Points: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, Game. If both players reach 40, it's called "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to secure the game.
- Games: Winning a number of points wins a game.
- Sets: A set is won by the first player to win 6 games, with a margin of at least 2 games (e.g., 6-4). If the set reaches 6-6, a "tiebreak" game is usually played to decide the set (first to 7 points, win by 2).
- Match: Most matches are best of 3 sets (win 2 sets) or best of 5 sets (win 3 sets).
3. Starting the Match: The Serve Play begins with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the diagonally opposite service box. Each player gets two attempts for a successful serve. A missed serve is a "fault"; two faults result in a "double fault," giving the point to the opponent.
4. Basic Rules of Play
- The ball must be returned after it bounces once on your side (or before it bounces, which is a "volley").
- The ball must land within the boundaries of the court. Hitting the ball into the net or outside the lines loses the point.
- Players alternate hitting the ball until one fails to make a legal return.
5. Common Match Formats
- Singles: One player against another.
- Doubles: Two teams of two players each, using the wider court.
Mastering these tennis basic rules in English opens the door to fully appreciating the strategy and excitement of the sport. Whether you're picking up a racket or watching a major tournament, this knowledge enhances your experience. Grab a ball, find a court, and start playing!