The Rules of Tennis
A primary lesson on the rules of tennis: learn how to serve, score points, win games and sets, and the basic court rules, with a fun quiz to check what you know.
Key takeaways
- Hit the ball over the net so the other player cannot return it
- The ball may bounce only once on your side before you hit it
- Tennis scoring goes 15, 30, 40, then game
- The game starts with a serve from behind the baseline
What is tennis?
Tennis is a sport you play with a racket and a soft, bouncy ball. You hit the ball back and forth over a net. 🎾
You can play one against one (called singles) or two against two (called doubles).
The aim of the game
Your goal is to hit the ball over the net so that the other player cannot hit it back. When they miss, you win a point.
The bounce rule
This is an important rule: the ball may bounce only once on your side before you hit it.
- If it bounces twice, you lose the point.
- You are also allowed to hit it before it bounces (this is called a volley).
The serve
Every point starts with a serve.
- Stand behind the back line, called the baseline.
- Throw the ball up into the air.
- Hit it over the net into the other player's service box.
You get two tries to serve. If you miss both, the other player wins the point.
Scoring points
Tennis has a special way of counting. It is not 1, 2, 3!
| Points won | Score |
|---|---|
| 0 | love |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 30 |
| 3 | 40 |
| 4 | game |
Win four points (and be ahead by two) to win a game. Win enough games to win a set, and enough sets to win the match.
Staying inside the lines
The ball must land inside the court lines to count. A ball that lands on the line is "in". A ball outside the lines is "out", and the point goes to the other player.
Play fair and have fun
Shake hands at the start and end. Call the ball honestly. Tennis is more fun when everyone plays fairly.
Now you know the rules
You understand serving, the bounce rule, and the funny scores. Find a racket and a partner to practice!
For more sports, read The Rules of Basketball or The Rules of Soccer for Beginners.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
How do you win a point in tennis?
You win a point when the other player cannot return the ball over the net and inside the lines.
How many times can the ball bounce on your side before you hit it?
The ball may bounce only once on your side. If it bounces twice, you lose the point. You can also hit it before it bounces.
What comes after a score of 30?
Tennis scoring goes 15, 30, then 40, and then you win the game.
How does each point of the game begin?
Every point starts with a serve, hit from behind the baseline into the other player's service box.
Where must the ball land to be 'in'?
The ball must land inside the court lines. A ball on the line counts as in.
FAQ
In tennis, 'love' means zero. So if you have not won any points yet, your score is 'love'.
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