What is Tennis?
Tennis is a sport played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). Players use a strung racket to strike a hollow rubber ball covered with felt over a net into the opponent’s court. The object of the game is to play the ball in such a way that the opponent is not able to play a valid return. The points are scored when a player fails to return the ball within the rules.
What is a Game in Tennis?
A game in tennis is a segment of play between two players or teams that is won by the first player or team to reach a set number of points. A game is won by the first player or team to win at least four points with a two-point lead (e.g. 4-2). A game is started with a serve from one side of the court and then alternates between the players or teams until the game is won. To win a game, a player or team needs to win two consecutive points after deuce.
Point System in Tennis
In order to win a game, a player or team needs to score four points with a two-point lead, known as a game point. The points are scored in the following manner:
- Love or zero – the score is zero.
- 15 – the player has scored one point.
- 30 – the player has scored two points.
- 40 – the player has scored three points.
- Game – the player has scored four points and won the game.
Scoring System in Tennis
Tennis is played in a variety of different formats, from singles to doubles and from amateur to professional. The scoring system for each format is the same and is based on the point system. The first player or team to win at least four points with a two-point lead wins the game. The first player or team to win six games (with a two-game lead) wins the set. The first player or team to win two sets (with a one-set lead) wins the match.
How to Score Points in Tennis?
Players score points by winning the point during a rally. A point is won when the player or team that is serving wins the point. A point is also won if the opponent fails to return the ball within the rules of tennis. Points can also be won if the opponent commits a fault or if the opponent concedes the point.
Types of Shots in Tennis
There are various types of shots used in tennis. The most common shots are the forehand, the backhand, the serve, the volley, the overhead smash, and the lob. These are the shots that players use to win points and games.
Forehand
The forehand is a shot that is hit with the racket in the same direction as the direction of the body. This is usually the first shot players learn and is typically used to hit groundstrokes or to hit volleys.
Backhand
The backhand is a shot that is hit with the racket in the opposite direction of the direction of the body. This is usually the second shot players learn and is typically used to hit groundstrokes or to hit volleys.
Serve
The serve is a shot that is hit with the racket over the net and into the opponent’s court. This is the most important shot in tennis and the one that starts the point. The serve is typically used to gain an advantage in the point.
Volley
The volley is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the court. This is typically used when the player is close to the net and is looking to put away the shot quickly.
Overhead Smash
The overhead smash is a shot that is hit with the racket above the head. This is typically used when the player is far from the net and is looking to put away the shot quickly.
Lob
The lob is a shot that is hit with the racket over the opponent’s head. This is typically used when the player is far from the net and is looking to make the opponent run to the back of the court.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a game in tennis is a segment of play between two players or teams that is won by the first player or team to reach a set number of points. Points are scored by winning the point during a rally, or by the opponent failing to return the ball within the rules of tennis. Players typically use a variety of shots, including the forehand, the backhand, the serve, the volley, the overhead smash, and the lob, to win points and games.