A Beginner's Guide to Western Tennis Rules: Key Terms & How to Play

Tennis is a globally beloved sport, and understanding its foundational rules is the first step to enjoying both watching and playing. This guide provides a clear introduction to the standard rules of Western tennis, explained in simple English.

1. The Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles matches (36 feet wide for doubles). The net divides the court, standing 3 feet high at the center. Players use a strung racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net into the opponent's designated service box or court area.

2. Understanding the Scoring System Tennis scoring is 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 secure the game. Winning six games typically wins a set, and winning two (or three in major tournaments) sets wins the match.

3. Basic Rules of Play A point starts with a serve, which must land in the diagonal service box. Players get two attempts for a valid serve. After the serve, players hit the ball back and forth over the net. The ball must land within the boundary lines of the opponent's court. A point is lost if a player fails to return the ball, hits it into the net, or sends it outside the court lines.

4. Key Regulations and Calls Important rules include the "let" (a served ball that touches the net but lands in the correct service box, resulting in a re-serve) and the "foot fault" (when the server's foot touches or crosses the baseline before hitting the ball). Line judges or electronic systems determine if a ball is "in" or "out."

5. Getting Started with Tennis Familiarizing yourself with these core tennis rules is the perfect foundation. Whether you're picking up a racket for the first time or seeking to better understand professional matches, knowing the scoring, court layout, and basic regulations greatly enhances your experience. Grab a racket, find a court, and enjoy this fantastic sport!

By mastering these fundamental Western tennis rules, you'll be well-equipped to step onto the court with confidence or engage more deeply as a spectator.