Tennis Rules & Playing Techniques Explained: A Visual Guide in English

Welcome to your ultimate visual guide to understanding tennis! Whether you're a complete beginner picking up a racket for the first time or a casual player wanting to solidify your knowledge of the game, this guide breaks down the essential tennis rules and playing techniques in clear English, aided by simple diagrams.

Part 1: The Tennis Court - Your Playing Field (Visual Diagram)

A standard tennis court is a rectangle divided by a net. Key lines define the areas of play:

• Baseline: The back line from where you serve and often rally.
• Service Line: Parallel to the net; the area between it and the net is the service boxes.
• Centre Mark & Centre Service Line: Divide the court into the deuce court (right) and ad court (left) for serving.
• Singles Sideline & Doubles Sideline: Mark the width for singles and doubles matches. Understanding this layout is the first step in mastering how to play tennis effectively, as positioning is crucial.

Part 2: Decoding the Tennis Scoring System

The tennis scoring system is unique but simple once learned.

• Points: Love (0), 15, 30, 40, Game. If both players reach 40, it's "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game (Advantage, then Game).
• Games & Sets: A player needs to win at least 4 points to win a game. Win 6 games (with a margin of 2) to win a set.
• Match: Typically, matches are best of 3 sets (common for women and recreational play) or best of 5 sets (men's Grand Slams).

Part 3: Basic Tennis Strokes & Techniques

Now, let's explore the fundamental basic tennis strokes that form the core of play.

1. The Serve: The stroke that starts every point. It involves tossing the ball and hitting it into the diagonally opposite service box.
2. Forehand: The most common groundstroke, hit on the dominant side of the body with the palm facing forward.
3. Backhand: Hit across the body, either with one or two hands on the racket. The two-handed backhand offers more control for many players.
4. Volley: A stroke hit before the ball bounces, usually near the net. It requires quick reflexes.
5. Overhead Smash: Similar to a serve, used to hit a high ball powerfully downward, often to finish a point.

Part 4: Essential Rules for Gameplay

Beyond scoring, key tennis rules govern play:

• The ball must land within the boundaries of the court. If it touches any line, it is "in."
• A player gets two attempts to make a successful serve. A missed serve is a "fault." Two faults result in a "double fault," losing the point.
• The ball can only bounce once on your side before you must return it.
• Players or teams switch ends of the court after every odd-numbered game.

By combining knowledge of the court, scoring, strokes, and rules, you are well-equipped to step onto the court with confidence. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your tennis playing techniques. Grab your racket, use this guide for reference, and most importantly, enjoy the game