While there are many codified rules of tennis, even a few governing sportsmanship, regular players of the game know the do's and don'ts of playing the game in polite tennis circles. Understanding what is considered courteous and acceptable behavior among the tennis set will get you invited to more matches, instead of hitting against the backboard.
Entering the Court
Don't walk onto a tennis court, even if you are entering through a gate between two courts, when a point is in play. The noise is a distraction and players don't know where you are if they are running back and forth during a point, making them worry about running into you. Do not walk behind a court while a point is in play since you'll be directly in the line of site of the player or players on the other side of the net.
Returning Balls
If a ball from another court comes onto or behind yours, don't return it during a point. Wait until after the point is over, then verbally alert the other court you are returning their ball, hitting or rolling the ball to them. If the other court is in the middle of a point, you may roll their ball to the back fence between the two courts, but not behind their court. Return balls to your opponent when they are looking and directly to them. After an odd-numbered game requiring a change in ends of the court, bring the balls to the net and hand them to your opponent; don't leave them on the court or against the back fence for your opponent to pick up.
Arrive Early
If your match starts at 1 p.m., be ready to put the first ball in play at 1 p.m. Don't arrive at the facility at 1 p.m., then register and pay at the desk, go to the restroom, go down to the court, wrap your grip, stretch or otherwise delay the start of the match. If you are playing on a team and are the first line playing, it's especially important that you start on time or you'll back the other matches up, making the last lines get home later than necessary.
Finish on Time
If your court time ends at 2 p.m., that means the people behind you are scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Don't finish your match at 2 p.m., then start picking up balls, packing your bags or chatting on the side of the court. If you are playing on soft courts and are required to brush and line the courts after your match, have that finished at 2. A coach who is teaching a lesson should finish the lesson five minutes early to make sure all balls are picked up and the teacher, student and any baskets or equipment are off the court when the next group's time starts.
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