General Rules of Tennis

Tennis is a fast-paced and strategic sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net. The rules of tennis are straightforward but can vary slightly depending on the format (singles or doubles). Below are the basic rules for the game: 1. Objective of the Game The objective in tennis is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s side of the court in such a way that they cannot return it. Players score points by forcing their opponent to miss or hit the ball outside the allowed playing area. 2. Scoring System Tennis uses a unique scoring system. The points are counted as follows:

• 0 points = Love
• 1 point = 15
• 2 points = 30
• 3 points = 40
• 4 points = Game point (if the player leads by at least 2 points)

If the score reaches 40-40 (called deuce), one player must win two consecutive points to win the game:

• Advantage: If a player wins the point after deuce, they have “advantage.”
• Game: The player who wins the point after having the advantage wins the game.

If the game is tied at 6-6 in a set, a tiebreak may be played to determine the winner of the set. 3. Sets and Matches

• Set: A set is typically won by the first player to win 6 games, with at least a 2-game lead. If the set reaches 5-5, a player must win 7-5 to win the set. In some cases, a tiebreak is played if the set is tied at 6-6.
• Match: A match is usually played in the best-of-three sets (for women) or best-of-five sets (for men). The player who wins the majority of sets wins the match.

4. Serving

• Serving Order: Players serve alternately at the start of each game. The player who serves first in a set will switch after every odd-numbered game.
• Serve Rotation: Each point starts with a serve. The server has two attempts to get the ball into the opponent’s service box.
• Fault: If the server fails both attempts (double fault), they lose the point.
• Let: If the serve touches the net but still lands in the correct service box, it is called a “let,” and the serve is retaken without penalty.

5. Court and Ball

• The tennis court is divided into two halves by a net. The court dimensions for singles matches are 23.77 meters long by 8.23 meters wide, and for doubles, it is 10.97 meters wide.
• Ball In/Out: The ball must land inside the boundaries of the court. If it lands outside, the player who hit the ball loses the point.
• Over the Net: The ball must pass over the net (not around it) and land in the opponent’s side of the court.

6. Types of Shots

• Forehand: A shot made with the front of the racket hand facing the ball.
• Backhand: A shot made with the back of the racket hand facing the ball.
• Serve: A shot used to start the game or point. It is typically made from behind the baseline.
• Volley: A shot hit before the ball bounces on the ground.
• Smash: A powerful overhead shot used to finish a point.

7. Faults and Violations

• Foot Fault: The server must not step over the baseline before hitting the ball. If they do, it is considered a foot fault.
• Double Bounce: If the ball bounces twice before a player hits it, they lose the point.
• Hitting the Net: A player loses a point if they hit the net with their racket or body while the ball is in play.
• Racket Abuse: Using the racket to hit the ground or net in anger can result in a warning, point penalty, or disqualification.

8. Tiebreaker

• If the score in a set is tied at 6-6, a tiebreaker is played.
• Players alternate serving every two points, with the player who wins the tiebreaker scoring 7 points (or more, with a two-point lead).
• The first player to reach 7 points wins the tiebreaker and the set.

9. Changing Sides Players switch sides of the court after every odd-numbered game (e.g., 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) in a set. 10. Common Violations

• Delaying the Game: Players should not deliberately waste time between points or games.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any behavior deemed disrespectful or against the spirit of the game can result in warnings or penalties.

Tennis can be played in different formats such as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). The above rules provide the foundation for the game, but variations may exist depending on the tournament or location.