Tennis rules explained: A complete beginner’s guide

Tennis is one of the world’s most popular racket sports, played by millions across the globe, writes MatchPoint Competitions writer Joshua Foster.

What is tennis?

Whether it’s on grass, clay, or hard courts, the aim is simple: hit the ball over the net into your opponent’s court in a way they can’t return it.

Played as singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two-on-two), tennis combines physical skill, strategy, and endurance, making it a sport for life.

The basic rules of tennis

1. How a point starts

Every point begins with a serve.

• The server must stand behind the baseline.
  
• The serve is hit diagonally into the opposite service box.
  
• The ball must land inside the correct box to be valid.
  
• Players get two serves per point, a first serve and, if needed, a second serve.
  

If the ball hits the net but still lands in the correct service box, it’s called a let serve, and the serve is replayed.

2. Scoring system

Tennis uses a traditional point-based scoring system:

• 0 = Love
  
• 1st point = 15
  
• 2nd point = 30
  
• 3rd point = 40
  
• 4th point = Game (must lead by two points)
  

If the score reaches 40–40, it’s called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two consecutive points, one to gain advantage, and one to win the game.

A set is won by the first player to win 6 games (with a 2-game lead). If the score reaches 6–6, a tiebreak is usually played to 7 points. A Match is typically best of 3 sets (women) or 5 sets (men in major tournaments).

3. Serving rules

• The server must keep both feet behind the baseline until contact.
  
• The ball must land in the diagonal service box.
  
• Players alternate serving sides (right to left) each point.
  

In doubles, the server serves from behind the right-hand court and must hit diagonally to the opponent’s correct service box.

4. During play

Once the serve is successful, the rally begins. Players can hit:

• Groundstrokes (after one bounce).
  
• Volleys (in the air before the bounce).
  
• Lobs, slices, and drop shots are all legal tactics.
  

The ball must land inside the lines of the opponent’s court. A shot landing on the line is considered in.

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5. Winning a point

You win a point when your opponent:

• Fails to return the ball before it bounces twice.
  
• Hits the ball into the net.
  
• Hits the ball out of bounds.
  
• Commits a double fault on serve.
  

6. Faults in tennis

A fault occurs if:

• The serve lands outside the service box.
  
• The server foot-faults by stepping on or over the baseline.
  
• The ball touches the net and fails to land in the correct box.
  

Two consecutive faults = double fault, and the opponent wins the point.

Equipment and court size

• Court dimensions: 23.77m long × 8.23m wide for singles (10.97m for doubles).
  
• Net height: 0.914m (3 feet) in the center.
  
• Rackets: strung rackets made from graphite, carbon, or similar materials.
  
• Balls: pressurised felt-covered balls (replaced regularly in matches).
  

Key tennis tips for beginners

• Get your serve consistent, it starts every point.
  
• Focus on rallying before going for winners.
  
• Learn proper grip and footwork early.
  
• Keep your eyes on the ball and move your feet.
  
• Practice both forehand and backhand evenly.
  

Common tennis rule mistakes

• Serving before the receiver is ready.
  
• Stepping on the baseline during a serve (foot fault).
  
• Playing a ball that clearly lands out.
  
• Forgetting to alternate serve sides.
  

Mastering these small details helps your game feel professional and fair

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