Tennis rules: A basic guide to getting started

Knowing the rules of tennis is the first step to enjoying every match, whether you are starting from scratch or already play and want to better understand how the game works. With a clear grasp of the basics, playing or following a match becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

Rules of tennis: what to keep in mind before you play

These are the rules every player needs to master to move confidently on court, from the playing area to behavior during the match.

1. The court and its lines

A tennis court is 23.77 metres long and 8.23 metres wide for singles. For doubles the width increases to 10.97 metres, because the side tramlines are added. The net divides the court in half and measures 91.4 centimetres at the centre and 1.07 metres at the posts.

The baselines and the sidelines mark the limits of the court. The service lines, located 6.40 metres from the net, mark out the two boxes the serve must land in.

Knowing this layout helps you position yourself better and decide where to direct each shot.

2. How does scoring work?

Tennis does not count points one by one. Scoring is organised into four levels:

• Points: counted as 15, 30 and 40. When a player has not scored yet, it is called “love” (zero). The next point after 40 wins the game.
• Deuce and advantage: if both players reach 40, you need to win two points in a row to take the game. The first player to win a point after deuce has the “advantage”.
• Set: won by reaching six games with a two-game lead over your opponent.
• Match: played as the best of three sets, or five in some competitions. The first player to win the majority wins.

3. The rules of the serve

The serve starts every point and is always made from behind the baseline, without stepping on it before hitting the ball. The ball must land in the diagonally opposite service box, and the first point of each game is served from the right and the next from the left, alternating. You have two attempts: if you miss both, it is a double fault and the point goes to your opponent.

If the ball touches the net but lands in the correct box, it is a let and the serve is replayed without penalty. In each game, the player who did not serve in the previous one serves.

4. When is a ball good and when is it not?

Knowing whether a point is valid avoids a lot of arguments on court. These are the most common situations:

• Ball in: if it touches the line, even just an edge, it is good.
• Ball out: if it bounces completely outside the lines, the point goes to your opponent.
• Ball in the net: if it gets stuck in the net or bounces back to your own side, you lose the point.
• Ball hitting a fixed object: if the ball hits the fence or another fixed object before bouncing on the opponent’s side, the point goes to your opponent.

5. Faults during the point

Once the ball is in play, only one bounce is allowed on your side before you return it. If it bounces twice, the point goes to your opponent. You can also hit it before it bounces, which is known as a volley.

There are other situations that make you lose the point: touching the net with your body, racket or clothing while the ball is in play, hitting the ball twice in a row, or being touched by the ball on your body or clothing. It is also not allowed to reach your racket over to the other side of the net to hit the ball, unless you have already completed the stroke on your own side.

In addition, if a player intentionally distracts their opponent, they lose the point. If the interruption is unintentional, the point is replayed.

6. Changes of ends and tie-break

Players change ends after the first game, the third, and from then on every two games. This way they share the court conditions equally, such as sun or wind, and take the chance to catch their breath.

When the set reaches 6-6, a tie-break is played to decide it. Points are counted one by one and the first player to reach 7 wins, always with a two-point lead. The first point is served by the player whose turn it was, and after that each player serves two points in a row, alternating. Players change ends every six points.

7. The court surface

The surface greatly changes how the ball behaves. On clay, friction slows the ball down and makes it bounce higher and with less speed, so rallies last longer and you need to move with more patience. On hard courts, the bounce is more consistent and faster, which favours a more direct and aggressive game.

That is why it is worth learning to read the bounce on each type of court and adjusting your position and the spin you put on the ball. Players who train on several surfaces often notice that what works on one does not always work on another.

8. Basic rules of conduct

Tennis also has a code of conduct that all players respect:

• Suitable footwear: wear shoes designed for the surface you play on. They protect the court and provide the grip needed for lateral movement, which helps prevent injuries.
• Honesty on line calls: if a ball has gone out, say so clearly, even when it works against you.
• Respecting turns: wait until the point has finished before walking behind another court or collecting balls.
• Caring for the facilities: leave the court and equipment as you found them.

Learn the rules of tennis with professional training

At RozaRossa Tennis Academy we know that every player arrives with a different goal: learning from scratch, correcting technique or preparing to compete. That is why we offer individual lessons, in which the coach focuses solely on you, and groups adapted to each student’s age and level. Understanding the rules is only the beginning, and guided practice is what allows you to put them into play with confidence.

As a tennis academy in Estepona, we also offer court rental so you can practise at your own pace. If you prefer to progress faster, get in touch and we will help you choose the option that suits you best.