Tennis Rules: What You Need to Know to Play Right
When you step onto a tennis court, you’re not just swinging a racket—you’re following a set of tennis rules, a standardized system governing how the game is played, scored, and enforced on courts worldwide. Also known as the laws of tennis, these rules are enforced by officials at every level, from local clubs to the Grand Slams. Whether you’re playing for fun or competing, knowing the basics keeps you from looking confused on the court—and keeps your matches fair.
Tennis rules cover more than just who wins a point. They define the tennis court dimensions, the exact size and layout of the playing surface, including singles and doubles sidelines, baselines, and service boxes, which are strictly 78 feet long and 27 feet wide for singles. Then there’s the scoring in tennis, a unique system using 15, 30, 40, and game—not numbers like other sports. You might wonder why it’s not 1, 2, 3, 4? It’s history, but you need to know it: you must win by two clear points after deuce. And don’t forget the tennis equipment rules, which limit racket size, string patterns, and ball type to keep competition fair. A racket can’t be longer than 29 inches, and balls must meet ITF bounce standards. Even your clothing can be regulated in tournaments—no distracting colors or logos in some events.
It’s not just about what you can do—it’s what you can’t. Tennis rules ban talking during points, foot faults on serves, and touching the net with your body or racket. A single violation can cost you a point. And while the rules might seem strict, they’re there to protect the flow of the game. You don’t need to memorize every line judge’s call, but knowing the core rules lets you play with confidence, call your own faults honestly, and respect your opponent’s game.
What you’ll find below are real stories and practical guides from players who’ve lived these rules—whether it’s how to handle a disputed call at 40-40, why your racket strings matter more than you think, or how to train for the mental side of tennis under pressure. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re lessons from courts across Britain, written by people who’ve been there.
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