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