Objective of the Game
The objective in Tennis is to score more points than the opponent by hitting the ball over the net into the opponent's court, in a way that the opponent fails to return it legally.
Game Material
- A tennis court with a net.
- A tennis ball.
- Two to four tennis rackets (depending on whether playing singles or doubles).
Basic Rules
- Players and Serve: Tennis can be played as a singles game (two players) or a doubles game (four players). For serving, the player stands behind the baseline. The serve must be directed diagonally into the opponent's service box.
- Rally: After the serve, players alternately hit the ball over the net. The ball must bounce at least once in the opponent’s court before being returned.
- Scoring: Tennis has a unique scoring method: points, games, and sets:
- Points: are counted as 15, 30, 40, and game. A tie at 40-40 is called "Deuce,” and a player must win two consecutive points to win the game ("Advantage").
- A set is won when a player wins 6 games with at least a two-game lead.
- Winning the Match: A typical tennis match is decided by the best of three or five sets.
- Serve Change: The serve alternates to the next player after each game.
- Ball Out of Bounds: If the ball lands outside the marked court boundaries, it is "out" and the point goes to the opponent.
- Fault Types:
- Double Fault: When a player fails to make a successful serve on both attempts, they lose the point.
- Net Fault: If the ball hits the net on serve and lands in play, the serve is restarted (unless it's a double fault).
Strategic Tips
- Ball Placement: Try to place the ball near the edges of the court, making the opponent run more.
- Variety in Play: Alternate between powerful shots and precise, soft strokes to destabilize the opponent.
- Serve Variations: Use different types of serves (topspin, slice) to make it harder for the opponent to respond effectively.
Situational Nuances
A good feel for distances and timing is important to hit the ball precisely and efficiently. Physical endurance also plays a crucial role, especially in longer matches.
