Tennis Rules Explained in English: A Beginner's Guide to the Game | 网球英文规则科普
Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport. Understanding its rules in English not only enhances your viewing experience of international tournaments like Wimbledon or the US Open but also helps you communicate effectively on court. This guide will break down the essential tennis rules in clear, simple English.
1. The Court and Equipment (场地与装备) A standard tennis court is a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 27 feet (8.23 meters) wide for singles matches. The net divides it into two equal halves. Key lines include the baseline (底线), service line (发球线), and the center mark (中点标记). Essential equipment includes a racket (球拍) and tennis balls (网球). Players usually wear comfortable athletic clothing and proper tennis shoes.
2. Scoring System (计分系统) The tennis scoring system is unique:
- Points (分): 0 = "Love", 1st point = "15", 2nd point = "30", 3rd point = "40". If both players reach 40, it's called "Deuce" (平分).
- Deuce & Advantage (占先): After deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. The first point after deuce is called "Advantage" (占先, often shortened to "Ad").
- Games and Sets (局与盘): A player needs to win at least 4 points (with a 2-point lead) to win a game (局). Winning 6 games (with a 2-game lead) typically wins a set (盘). Most matches are best-of-3 sets.
3. Basic Rules of Play (基本比赛规则)
- Serve (发球): The game starts with a serve. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball into the diagonally opposite service box (发球区). Each player gets two attempts for a valid serve. A failed serve is a "fault" (失误); two faults result in a "double fault" (双误), losing the point.
- Rally (对打): After a successful serve, players hit the ball back and forth over the net. The ball must land within the boundaries of the court. Hitting the ball into the net or outside the lines results in losing the point.
- In/Out (界内/界外): A ball touching any part of the line is considered "in" (界内).
4. Key Terms and Etiquette (关键术语与礼仪) Knowing common phrases is helpful:
- "Let" (重发): A serve that touches the net but lands in the correct service box. It is replayed.
- "Out" (出界): Called when the ball lands outside the valid playing area.
- "Foot Fault" (脚误): A violation where the server's foot touches the baseline or court before hitting the serve. Basic etiquette includes waiting for your opponent to be ready before serving and retrieving balls for your opponent when it's on your side of the court.
By mastering these fundamental rules and terms in English, you'll be well on your way to enjoying and participating in the exciting world of tennis with greater confidence. Grab a racket and hit the court!