Hey Lykkers! Think you know tennis? Let’s break down the rules together. So, you’ve picked up a racket and maybe even played a few casual games. But have you ever stopped to really get into the rules of tennis?

Knowing the rules inside out makes the game way more fun—and helps you avoid those awkward moments when you’re not sure what’s allowed or not. Let’s chat about all the key tennis rules, from scoring to serving and everything that keeps the game fair and exciting.

First off, tennis can be played as singles (just you versus one other player) or doubles (teams of two). The court has clear boundary lines and a net in the middle. When playing singles, you use the smaller inner sidelines; doubles players get the extra space.

Serving: Where It All Begins

Every point starts with a serve. The server must hit the ball diagonally into the opponent’s service box. You get two chances: if your first serve doesn’t land right, you try again. Miss twice? That’s called a “double fault,” and the other player takes the point.

Watch your footing too—if you step on or over the baseline during your serve, it’s a fault. Serve safe!

Scoring: The Fun Part (But It Can Be Confusing!)

Here’s how scoring goes in tennis, and yes, it’s a bit quirky but stick with me:

- Points go 0 (called “love”), then 15, then 30, then 40.

- Win a point at 40, and you usually win the game.

- But if it’s 40-40, that’s called “deuce.” Then, a player needs to win two points in a row to win the game. The point scored right after deuce is called “advantage.” If the player with the advantage wins the next point, they win the game; if they lose it, the score returns to deuce.

Sets and Matches

A set is a collection of games. To win a set, you need to win six games with at least a two-game lead. If it’s tied at 6-6, you’ll usually play a tiebreaker to decide the set quickly.

Matches can be best of 3 or 5 sets, depending on the tournament or level you’re playing at.

Other Important Rules You Should Know

- The ball is in if it lands on or inside the court lines; if it lands outside, it’s out.

- If a serve clips the net but still lands in the service box, it’s called a “let” — and you get to serve again without penalty.

- Players switch sides after every odd-numbered game (1, 3, 5, etc.) to keep things fair, especially if there’s wind or sun.

- Always play fair and call your own lines if there’s no umpire watching.

Tennis Etiquette: Play Nice!

Respect on the court is everything. Shake hands or tap rackets with your opponent at the end of the match. Don’t yell during points or distract your opponent—good sportsmanship makes the game enjoyable for everyone.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—tennis rules broken down in a friendly, no-stress way. Once you get the hang of serving, scoring, and the basics, tennis becomes not just a sport but a whole lot of fun.

Got questions? Want tips on improving your forehand or backhand? Just ask, and we’ll keep this tennis chat going!