Tennis is one of the most popular sports worldwide. It is a great way to stay active and keep fit. However, there are certain rules that need to be followed in order to play tennis properly. To help you get started, here is a list of 10 rules of tennis that you should always keep in mind.
The 10 Rules of Tennis
1. Court Size
- The court size for singles is 23.77m long and 8.23m wide.
- The court size for doubles is 23.77m long and 10.97m wide.
2. Scoring System
- A game is won when one player has won four points with a two-point lead over the other.
- The points are scored as follows: 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, and game.
- If both players reach 40 points, the game is won by the player who has the advantage.
3. Serving Rules
- The server must serve the ball across the center line of the court and into the service box opposite them.
- The server must keep both feet behind the baseline while serving and must not touch the baseline or court with either foot.
4. Receiving Rules
- The receiver must stand behind the baseline and may not move until the ball is served.
- The receiver can choose to let the ball bounce before returning it, or they can return the ball before it bounces.
5. The Let Rule
- The let rule states that if a ball touches the net before it lands in the service box, the point is replayed.
- The let rule also applies to shots that are played over the net and hit the net before landing in the service box.
6. The Foot Fault Rule
- The foot fault rule states that if a player’s foot moves outside of the court while they are serving, they will lose the point.
- The foot fault rule also applies to shots that are played over the net and hit the net before landing in the service box.
7. The Double Bounce Rule
- The double bounce rule states that the ball must bounce on both sides of the net before a point can be scored.
- This rule applies to both the server and receiver.
8. Out of Bounds Rule
- The out of bounds rule states that if a ball lands outside of the court, the point is lost.
- This rule applies to both the server and receiver.
9. Double Fault Rule
- The double fault rule states that if the server fails to serve the ball into the service box twice in a row, the point is lost.
10. Footwear Rule
- The footwear rule states that all players must wear appropriate tennis shoes that provide adequate grip and cushioning.
- Players are not allowed to wear shoes with spikes or other sharp objects that could damage the court surface.
Conclusion
Tennis is a great sport that can be enjoyed by both beginners and advanced players alike. However, it is important to familiarize yourself with the 10 rules of tennis listed above in order to play the game correctly and safely. Following these rules will ensure that you have an enjoyable and competitive match.
FAQs
Q: What is the court size for singles and doubles?
A: The court size for singles is 23.77m long and 8.23m wide. The court size for doubles is 23.77m long and 10.97m wide.
Q: What is the scoring system?
A: The points are scored as follows: 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, and game. If both players reach 40 points, the game is won by the player who has the advantage.
Q: What is the let rule?
A: The let rule states that if a ball touches the net before it lands in the service box, the point is replayed. The let rule also applies to shots that are played over the net and hit the net before landing in the service box.