Ivan Larsen 
Tennis captures hearts and challenges athletes with its rich heritage and global following. It demands a combination of physical endurance — recognized as one of the most physically demanding sports — and strategic depth and has given rise to an array of global stars. This article aims to clear the haze surrounding tennis rules for beginners, offering concrete advice on equipment, preparation, and conduct. Stepping onto the court for the first time can be daunting, but with the proper knowledge, that experience can evolve into an empowering introduction.
Understanding Tennis Rules
Points System
Tennis scoring unfolds in a sequence unlike any other sport, starting at zero, commonly referred to as “love”, and moving as follows:
- the first point won is called “15”,
- “30” is the second,
- the third brings it to “40”.
Securing one more point after “40” typically wins the game.
However, if both competitors score three points, leading to a 40-40 tie, this is known as a “deuce.” Here’s when the game enters a stage where winning requires a player to gain a two-point advantage, indicating they need only one more point to win. If the opponent scores the next point instead, the score returns to deuce until one player achieves the two-point lead needed for victory.
Serving Rules
A tennis match kicks off with a coin toss, allowing the winner to choose serving, receiving, or the courtside. The server, positioned behind their court’s baseline and within the limits of the center mark and sideline, initiates play. They must toss the ball upward and strike it before it touches the ground, aiming for the diagonally opposite serving area. A legal serve must cross the net and land within this marked zone. Players are granted two attempts per serve; failing the first leads to a second chance.
A service fault occurs if the ball hits the net or lands outside the serving area while stepping on or over the baseline during service would result in a foot fault. A second serve fault awards the point to the opponent, known as a double fault. Yet, if the serve clips the net but still lands correctly, that would be a let, allowing the server two fresh attempts.
Good to Know: Servers alternate court halves with each point.
There’s nothing like observing professionals in action to grasp the technique. Legends like Rod Laver and Martina Navratilova set the stage for the sport, a legacy that Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf carried on. More recently, the exceptional skills of Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka have continued to inspire fans and players alike, with several leading Canadian sports betting sites continuously backing these pros in major international tournaments.
In-Play Rules
The server starts each point by launching the ball to the receiver, who must return it successfully. Winning a point involves striking the ball before or right after its first bounce; letting it bounce twice awards the point to the last player who hit it. They must allow the ball to cross the net to their side before returning it, without crossing the net themselves. After finishing a game, roles swap: the server becomes the receiver, and vice versa.
Note: In doubles, the team on the receiving end decides who will first return serve, with partners alternating receiving duties with each new point.
Court Conduct
Sportsmanship holds the highest place in tennis, embodying the spirit of the game beyond skills and scores. At the heart of these is exchanging handshakes at the match’s conclusion, a gesture of mutual respect regardless of the outcome.
Additionally, making honest line calls is crucial; amateur players often have to judge whether a ball lands in or out of bounds themselves, especially in games without line judges.
Essential Gear and Preparation
Racquet Selection
Choosing the right racquet involves considerations such as:
- Grip size. A racquet with a grip size that fits your hand prevents strain and adds control for more precise shots. However, one that’s too large or too small can lead to discomfort or even injury over time.
- Weight. Heavier racquets provide more power but require greater strength to handle effectively, making them potentially challenging for beginners. On the other hand, lighter racquets offer easier maneuverability and quicker swings.
- Head size. A larger head size offers a bigger sweet spot, which makes it more forgiving of off-center hits. Conversely, a smaller surface provides greater precision at the cost of a reduced margin for error.
Appropriate Apparel
Proper tennis attire, especially footwear, is key in performance and injury prevention.
Tip! Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics help regulate body temperature and keep sweat at bay.
Pre-Match Preparation
Players at any level should incorporate exercises and stretches that target the arms, legs, and core in their warm-up routine before any match. Techniques such as dynamic stretching and light cardio activities prepare the body and mind for the demands of the game and sets the stage for peak performance.
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Writer: Charlon Muscat
