Tennis Rules: What Every Player Needs to Know

If you’ve ever watched a match and wondered why the umpire shouted ‘fault’ or ‘let’, you’re not alone. The game has a few core rules that keep play fair and fun. Below we break down the biggest ones, so you can follow a rally, win points, and avoid common mistakes.

First off, tennis is played on a rectangular court divided by a net. The basic layout stays the same for singles and doubles, but the side lines differ. In singles you stay inside the inner lines; in doubles you can use the outer alleys. Knowing which lines apply is the easiest way to avoid foot faults.

Scoring Made Simple

Scoring can look odd at first – love, 15, 30, 40 – but it’s just a way to keep track of points. A player needs four points to win a game, but they must be two points ahead. If the score reaches 40‑40, it’s called ‘deuce’. From deuce, you need to win two consecutive points: the first is ‘advantage’, the second wins the game.

Games are grouped into sets. Most matches are best‑of‑three sets; men’s Grand Slams use best‑of‑five. To win a set, you must claim six games with at least a two‑game lead. If the set hits 6‑6, a tiebreaker decides the winner (except in some major finals where they play an extended final set).

Key On‑Court Rules

The serve starts every point. You stand behind the baseline, toss the ball upward, and hit it diagonally into the opponent’s service box. If the ball lands outside the box, it’s a fault. Two faults in a row mean you lose the point – that’s a double fault.

A ‘let’ happens when the serve clips the net but still lands in the correct box. In that case you replay the serve, no penalty. Some players think a let is a fault; it’s not, so stay relaxed.

When rallying, the ball must stay within the court boundaries. If it bounces twice on your side, you lose the point. Hitting the ball before it bounces (a volley) is allowed, but you still can’t step over the baseline on a serve.

Touching the net or its posts with any part of your body or racket ends the point in your opponent’s favor. It’s easy to forget this during a frantic rally, so keep an eye on your shoes and racket.

Players can ask for a ‘challenge’ in professional matches using electronic review systems, but at most local clubs you just accept the umpire’s call. Learning to trust the call speeds up play and avoids arguments.

Lastly, sportsmanship matters. Handshakes, saying ‘good game’, and respecting the line judge’s decisions keep tennis friendly. The rules aren’t just about penalties; they’re there to keep the match flowing for everyone.

Now you have the basics: court layout, scoring steps, serve rules, and common fouls. Use this cheat‑sheet the next time you pick up a racket, and you’ll feel more confident on the court. Happy playing!