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How To Play Tennis : Tennis Rules : The Rules of Tennis EXPLAINED!
Mr.Animate
Overview
This video explains the fundamental rules of tennis, covering how a match is structured, how points, games, and sets are scored, and the basic procedures for serving and playing points. It details the scoring system from love to forty, the concept of deuce and advantage, and how sets are won, including tiebreakers. The video also outlines common ways to lose a point, such as faults, hitting the ball out, or touching the net, and defines a 'let' in play.
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Chapters
- Tennis is played between two players (singles) or four players (doubles).
- The main goal is to hit the ball over the net so the opponent cannot return it legally.
- Matches are won by winning a predetermined number of sets (best of three or best of five).
- Sets are won by winning a certain number of games (usually at least six).
Understanding the overall objective and structure of a match provides context for all the specific rules that follow, helping you grasp the flow of the game.
A player wins a point by hitting the ball over the net and the opponent fails to hit it back before it bounces twice.
- Points are scored in increments: 15 (1 point), 30 (2 points), 40 (3 points).
- A game is won by scoring at least four points, starting from 'love' (zero).
- If the score reaches 40-40, it's called 'deuce,' and a player must win two consecutive points to win the game (advantage in/out).
- A set is typically won by the first player to win at least six games, with a margin of two games.
The unique scoring system is a core element of tennis strategy and understanding it is crucial for following the progress of any match.
If the score is 40-30 and the server wins the next point, they win the game. If the score is 40-40 (deuce), and the server wins the next point, they have 'advantage in'; if they win the point after that, they win the game.
- If a set score reaches 6-6, a tiebreaker game is usually played.
- The first player to reach 7 points in a tiebreaker, by a margin of two, wins the tiebreaker and the set (7-6).
- The final set of a match often does not have a tiebreaker.
- In a deciding final set without a tiebreaker, players must win by two clear games (e.g., 8-6, 9-7).
Knowing how tiebreakers and final set rules work is essential for understanding how matches conclude, especially when scores are close.
If a set score is 6-6, players will play a tiebreaker. If one player wins it 7-5, they win the set 7-6.
- The game begins with a coin toss to determine who serves first and which side to serve from.
- Servers alternate sides of the court for each point.
- The server's feet must remain behind the baseline until after the ball is struck.
- A server gets two attempts per point; a 'double fault' (failing on both serves) results in losing the point.
Serving is the only action where a player has complete control, and understanding these rules is fundamental to starting play correctly.
If a server steps on or over the baseline before hitting their first serve, it's a fault. If their second serve also lands outside the service box, it's a double fault, and they lose the point.
- A point is lost if a player fails to return the ball legally into the opponent's court.
- This includes failing to return the ball before it bounces twice or hitting it into the net.
- If a ball hits the net and doesn't land in the correct service box on a serve, it's 'out'.
- A player loses the point if their body, clothing, or racket touches the net while the ball is in play.
- Distracting or obstructing an opponent also results in losing the point.
These rules define the boundaries of fair play and explain the most common ways a point can be decided outside of an opponent's winning shot.
If a player hits the ball and it lands outside the opponent's court lines, the point is lost because the ball is 'out'.
- A ball landing on any part of the line is considered 'in'.
- A 'let' is called when a point must be replayed, most commonly if a serve hits the net and lands in the correct service box.
- A let is also called if a serve hits the net and then the opponent before bouncing, or if the server hits before the opponent is ready.
- The tennis ball is typically changed after every six games.
Understanding how lines are judged and the specific conditions for a 'let' clarifies common situations that can affect the flow and outcome of points.
If a serve hits the top of the net and then drops into the correct service box, the umpire will call 'let,' and the server will replay that first serve.
Key takeaways
- Tennis matches are won by winning sets, which are won by winning games, which are won by winning points.
- The scoring system (15, 30, 40, deuce, advantage) is unique and requires careful attention to track.
- Proper serving technique, including staying behind the baseline, is crucial to avoid double faults.
- A point is lost if the ball is not returned legally within the opponent's court boundaries or before the second bounce.
- Balls landing on the lines are considered 'in'.
- A 'let' allows a point to be replayed under specific circumstances, most commonly on serves.
- Understanding tiebreaker rules is key to knowing how sets are decided when scores are tied at 6-6.
Key terms
SinglesDoublesSetGamePointLoveDeuceAdvantageTiebreakerServeFaultDouble FaultLetBaseline
Test your understanding
- What is the primary objective of a tennis player during a rally?
- How is a game won in tennis, and what happens if the score reaches 40-40?
- What are the conditions under which a 'let' is called during a tennis match?
- Why is it important for a server to stay behind the baseline when serving?
- How does a player win a set, and what is the role of a tiebreaker?