| Always wanted to learn how to play tennis, but | | | | he misses both times, his opponent gets a point. |
| have no idea where to begin? The best way to | | | | -If the serve goes in, the person returning must |
| learn is to take a few classes or find a friend who | | | | hit the serve either before it bounces (if he |
| knows how to play and hit the courts. But, if | | | | knows that the ball would be in) or after it |
| you're afraid of looking like a novice, look over | | | | bounces once. If it bounces more than once, the |
| these basic rules and game tips before hitting the | | | | server gets one point. |
| courts: | | | | The person returning must hit the ball over the |
| -The basic equipment needed: a racquet, tennis | | | | net, and it can bounce anywhere on the |
| balls, and a tennis court. | | | | opponent's side of the court. |
| -The lines painted on the court are: Service Lines: | | | | -The two players hit the ball back and forth until |
| The closest parallel lines to the net (on either side | | | | one person misses -The person who did not miss |
| of the net). Baseline: The parallel line furthest from | | | | gets a point. |
| the net is called the baseline. The Alleys: The two | | | | -The server switches sides for every serve. |
| long strips on both sides of the court, | | | | -A player wins a game after scoring at least four |
| perpendicular to the net. | | | | points and wins by two. |
| In singles tennis, the alleys are considered "out" | | | | -The next game, the other person serves and |
| so, if the ball bounces in them, it does not count. | | | | they continue to switch off, game after game, |
| But, in doubles play, the alleys are "in." | | | | until someone wins the set. Generally, to win a |
| -Each game starts with a serve. The serving | | | | set, a player must win at least six games, and |
| player starts behind the baseline on his right-hand | | | | two more than his opponent. |
| side of the court and hits the ball into the service | | | | -A match is made up of a number of sets with |
| box (the box on the opposite side of the court | | | | player with the most sets winning the match. |
| between the alley and the middle court) on the | | | | Remember, this is only a basic way to play tennis, |
| other side. | | | | there are many other strategies and rules to |
| -The ball must bounce once in this box for it to | | | | learn to play a "real" professional style game. |
| be considered a good serve. | | | | Regardless, just batting a few balls around can be |
| -A server always gets two tries to hit the box.. If | | | | fun and a great way to exercise! |