Tennis is a sport that is loved and enjoyed by people from all around the world. One of the most important aspects of playing tennis is the court. The size of the court affects the game play, and it is important to know how big a full size court is. This article will answer the question “How long is a full size tennis court?” and discuss the various components of a full size court.
What is a full size tennis court?
A full size tennis court is an area that is used to play the sport of tennis. It is usually rectangular in shape and consists of a net in the middle, two end lines, and two side lines. The court is used for singles and doubles matches, and is usually 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 36 feet (11.0 meters) wide.
Components of a full size tennis court
A full size tennis court is composed of several components that are important to the game. These include the net, the playing surface, and the lines.
The Net
The net is a 3 foot (0.91 meter) tall barrier that runs across the center of the court. It is used to divide the court into two halves and to keep the ball in play. The net is suspended by a net post on either side of the court, and is held up by a net cord that runs horizontally across the top of the net.
The Playing Surface
The playing surface is the area of the court that the players stand on. It can be made of different materials such as grass, clay, or hard court. The playing surface should be level, and should not be slippery.
The Lines
The lines are the boundaries of the court. There are two side lines that run parallel to each other and two end lines that intersect the side lines. The lines should be clearly marked on the playing surface.
Rules of a full size tennis court
There are certain rules that must be followed when playing on a full size tennis court. The rules are designed to keep the game fair and ensure that the players abide by the rules of the game.
Serving
The server must stand within the service box when serving the ball. The ball must be served over the net and land within the opposite service box. The serve must be hit with an underhand motion and must not touch the net.
Scoring
The match is won when a player or team reaches the predetermined number of points. Points are earned when the opponent fails to return the ball within their service box. The points are awarded as follows:
- Love (0 points) – when the opponent fails to return the ball in their service box
- 15 (1 point) – when the ball lands within the opponent’s service box but is not returned
- 30 (2 points) – when the ball lands within the opponent’s service box but is not returned
- 40 (3 points) – when the ball lands within the opponent’s service box but is not returned
- Game (4 points) – when the opponent fails to return the ball within their service box
Faults
If a player commits a fault, the point is awarded to the opponent. Faults include hitting the ball into the net, hitting the ball out of bounds, and hitting the ball with an illegal stroke.
Foot Faults
A foot fault occurs when the server steps outside of the service box before hitting the ball. If the server commits a foot fault, the point is awarded to the opponent.
Dimensions of a full size tennis court
A full size tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 36 feet (11.0 meters) wide. The court is divided into two halves by a 3 foot (0.91 meter) tall net. The lines marking the boundaries of the court should be clearly visible on the playing surface.
Conclusion
Knowing the dimensions of a full size tennis court is important for the game of tennis. The size of the court affects the strategy and the outcome of the match. A full size tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 36 feet (11.0 meters) wide, and is divided into two halves by a 3 foot (0.91 meter) tall net. The court should also have lines marking the boundaries of the court. Following the rules of the game and understanding the dimensions of the court are important for players of all levels.