Tennis Rules Explained in English: A Complete Guide for Beginners and Fans

Tennis is a thrilling and globally popular sport, but understanding its rules in English can enhance your enjoyment whether you're a player, a spectator, or a student of the game. This guide provides a clear and detailed overview of the essential rules.

1. The Court and Equipment A standard tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 meters) long and 27 feet (8.23 meters) wide for singles matches. The net divides the court, standing 3 feet (0.914 meters) high at the center. Players use a strung racket to hit a felt-covered rubber ball over the net.

2. The Basic Objective The primary goal is simple: hit the ball over the net into the opponent's designated court area in such a way that they cannot return it validly. Points are awarded when the opponent fails to make a legal return.

3. Understanding the Scoring System Tennis scoring is unique. A game is scored as follows: 0 points = "Love," 1 point = "15," 2 points = "30," 3 points = "40." If both players reach 40, it's called "Deuce." From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points to win the game. Winning six games typically wins a set, and winning two (women's) or three (men's) sets wins the match.

4. Serving Rules The serve must be hit from behind the baseline into the diagonally opposite service box. The server gets two attempts for each point. A "fault" occurs if the serve misses the box; two faults result in a "double fault," awarding the point to the opponent. A serve that touches the net but lands in the correct box is called a "let" and is replayed.

5. In-Play Rules After a successful serve, players rally. The ball must bounce once on each side initially but can be volleyed (hit before it bounces) afterward. A point is lost if:

• The ball is hit into the net or out of bounds.
• The ball bounces twice on one side.
• A player touches the net or the ball with their body/clothing.
• The ball is hit before it crosses the net.

6. Key Official Regulations Matches are overseen by a chair umpire. Professional play often uses electronic line-calling technology (like Hawk-Eye) to assist with close calls. The rules also govern aspects like time between points, player conduct, and equipment specifications.

Mastering these tennis rules allows for a deeper appreciation of the strategy and skill involved in every match. Whether you're just starting or looking to clarify the details, this English guide serves as your perfect reference. Grab your racket, hit the court, and enjoy the game!