Tennis is a game of athleticism and strategy that is played between single players or doubles teams. The basic rules for singles and doubles tennis are the same, except that in doubles, it is legal to hit the ball in the doubles "alleys," the outer sides of the court marked off by white lines. Familiarize yourself with the general rules of the game to develop your skills in singles and doubles play.
Serving
The server begins his service game by standing on the right side of his court behind the baseline and serves the ball to the opposite service box. The service box is the box closest to the net on the other side of the court. The second point of the game is served to the opposite service box, and the server continues to alternate between the service boxes until the game is completed. The server must stand behind the baseline when serving. The receiver can stand anywhere he desires, but may not hit the ball before it bounces in the service box.
A player is given two chances to serve the ball in play. If the serve does not go over the net or does not land in the correct service box, a "fault" is called. Two faults result in a "double fault," and the point is awarded to the player receiving the serve. If the server steps on or over the baseline while serving, a "foot fault" is called. If the ball hits the net, yet bounces over, it is called a "let" and the server is given an additional service attempt.
Game Preparation
Before each match, the side each player will be on and who serves first are determined by a coin toss. Players change sides after odd-number games to ensure there is no advantage because of any intangible playing condition, such as the positioning of the sun or wind direction.
Scoring
Scoring is performed by the increments: 15-30-40. When a player has no points in a game, their score is considered "love." For example, if the person serving has three points, yet the receiver has none, the score is 40-love. When a player wins four points, by a margin of two points, they win the game. The first player to win six games first by a margin of two games wins the set, and matches are ended by winning two or three sets, depending on the rules the players choose to abide by.
If both players have 40 points for the game, they are at "deuce," which is similar to overtime. The winner of the first point in this overtime gets an "advantage." Play continues until someone reaches "advantage," then wins the next point. If the player with an advantage does not win the next point, it returns to deuce.
Playing the Net
If the ball in play hits the net and does not go over, the receiver gets the point. If the ball strikes the net, yet continues to bounce on the other side, play is considered to still be alive and the other player must attempt to return the ball, assuming it did not land out of bounds.
A player loses the point if any part of his body or his racket touches the net or if, after his swing, his racket passes over the net.
Out of Bounds
A ball is legally out of bounds if it lands outside the outer-most white lines. If a ball lands on or touches the line, it is considered to be legal and in play.
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