1. Basic goal of tennis
The main goal in tennis is to hit the ball over the net into the opponent’s court so that the opponent cannot return it correctly. You win a point when your opponent misses, hits the ball into the net, sends it out or cannot reach the ball.
For beginners, the most important rule is simple: the ball must land inside the court boundaries. During a rally, players hit the ball after one bounce or directly before it touches the court.
2. How a tennis match starts
A tennis match starts with a serve. One player serves from behind the baseline and must hit the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box. The server gets two attempts: first serve and second serve.
If the first serve misses, the player can try again with a second serve. If both serves are missed, it is called a double fault and the server loses the point.
3. Tennis scoring system: 15, 30, 40, game
The tennis scoring system is unusual for beginners. Points go like this: 0 is called love, then 15, 30, 40 and game. If one player wins four points and has at least a two-point lead, that player wins the game.
For example, if the score is 40-15 and the server wins the next point, the server wins the game. If both players reach 40, the score is called deuce.
4. What are deuce and advantage?
When the score is 40-40, it is called deuce. From deuce, a player must win two points in a row to win the game. The first point after deuce is called advantage.
If the player with advantage wins the next point, they win the game. If they lose the next point, the score returns to deuce.
5. What is a game in tennis?
A game is one small part of a set. During one game, the same player serves for all points. After the game ends, the serve usually goes to the other player.
To win a game, a player must usually win at least four points and have a two-point advantage. This is why a game can continue for a long time if players repeatedly return to deuce.
6. What is a set?
A set is made of games. In most formats, a player wins a set by winning 6 games with at least a 2-game difference. Common set scores are 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 or 7-5.
If the score becomes 6-6, many matches use a tiebreak to decide the set. Some tournaments may have special rules, but for beginners this is the most common structure.
7. What is a tiebreak?
A tiebreak is a special game used when the set score is 6-6. Instead of the usual 15, 30, 40 scoring, players count normal points: 1, 2, 3 and so on.
A tiebreak is usually won by the player who first reaches 7 points with at least a 2-point lead. For example, 7-4 wins the tiebreak, but at 6-6 players continue until someone leads by two points.
8. Singles and doubles rules
Tennis can be played as singles or doubles. Singles means one player against one player. Doubles means two players against two players. The scoring system is mostly the same.
In doubles, the court is wider because the side alleys are used. In singles, the side alleys are out during rallies. This is one of the main court differences beginners should remember.
9. When is the ball out?
The ball is out if it lands outside the court lines. If the ball touches any part of the line, it is considered in. This rule is very important because many close points depend on line calls.
For beginners, it is useful to remember: line is in. If the ball touches the line even slightly, the shot is good.
10. Common tennis faults and mistakes
Common mistakes include hitting the ball into the net, sending it outside the court, missing both serves, touching the net during a point or hitting the ball after it bounces twice.
If the ball bounces twice before you hit it, you lose the point. You must return the ball after the first bounce or hit it before it bounces.
11. Basic tennis etiquette
Tennis etiquette is also important. Players should respect opponents, call lines honestly, avoid disturbing others and wait for the right moment before walking behind another court.
Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable, especially for beginners who are just learning how tennis works.
12. Useful pages for beginners
If you are learning tennis rules, it is also useful to read about beginner training, racket selection and finding practice partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does tennis scoring work?
Tennis points go 15, 30, 40 and game. If both players reach 40, the score is deuce. From deuce, a player must win two points in a row to win the game.
What is a set in tennis?
A set consists of games. Usually, a player wins a set by winning 6 games with a 2-game difference.
What is a tiebreak in tennis?
A tiebreak is played when the set score reaches 6-6. It is usually won by the player who reaches 7 points with a 2-point lead.
How many serves do you get in tennis?
The server gets two attempts for each point. If both serves miss, it is a double fault and the server loses the point.