Tennis Basics: Rules, Scoring, Equipment, and Beginner Strategies

Rules and Scoring: From First Serve to Match Point

Before you trade forehands, it helps to anchor the court in your mind. A standard court is 23.77 m (78 ft) long. The singles width is 8.23 m (27 ft), and doubles expands to 10.97 m (36 ft). The net dips to about 0.914 m (3 ft) at center and rises to roughly 1.07 m (3.5 ft) at the posts. Serves must land in the diagonal service box; players get two chances. A miss is a fault; two faults lose the point. If a serve nicks the net and lands good, that’s a let and is replayed. Foot faults—stepping on or over the baseline during the serve motion—also count as faults.

Scoring follows a unique ladder: 0 (called “love”), 15, 30, 40, then game. If both players reach 40–40, that’s deuce; you must win two points in a row from there: advantage, then game. Many recreational matches play “no-ad” scoring, where a single deciding point ends deuce to speed up play. A set is won by reaching six games with a margin of two. At 6–6, most formats use a tiebreak—first to 7, win by 2—to decide the set. Matches are commonly best of three sets. For example, if you win a long game after multiple deuces, then lose a quick no-ad game, the set score might read 3–2, and pressure shifts to serve holds and second-serve reliability.

Rally flow varies by surface and style. On faster lawns, points can finish in two to four shots, rewarding aggressive serving and early contact. Clay generally lengthens exchanges to five or more shots, favoring height and spin. Acrylic hard courts tend to sit between, where placement and first-strike patterns matter. Safe margin—aiming higher over the net and a meter inside lines—dramatically reduces errors. Even small habits, like calling balls clearly (“out” or “let”), taking brief breaks on changeovers, and starting each point from a balanced ready position, add rhythm and fairness.

– Key reminders for new players:
– Announce scores before serving to avoid confusion
– Give your opponent two clear bounces to question a close call in friendly play
– Re-rack to neutral if a stray ball rolls on court mid-point for safety
– Use crosscourt targets to increase net clearance and court length
– Track your own serve percentage; winning with a reliable second serve is common at all levels

Equipment Essentials: Racquets, Balls, Shoes, and Surfaces

Good equipment supports good habits. A racquet’s three broad traits—head size, weight, and balance—shape how it feels and forgives. Many beginners prefer mid-to-large head sizes (around 100–108 sq in) for a slightly bigger sweet spot. Weight typically ranges from roughly 260–320 g unstrung; lighter frames swing easier but can flutter on off-center contact, while moderately heavier, head-light frames absorb pace and steady the wrist. Balance matters: head-light racquets turn quickly for volleys, while head-heavy frames can add depth with less effort. Grip size should allow your index finger to fit between palm and fingertips when you hold a forehand; too small strains the arm, too large limits wrist mobility.

Strings and tension fine-tune response. Softer synthetics and multifilaments offer comfort and lively power, while stiffer polyester blends trade comfort for control and bite on heavy swings. Typical tension ranges sit around 45–60 lb (about 20–27 kg). Lower tension increases trampoline effect and comfort; higher tension tightens launch angle for flatter hitters. If you’re just starting, choose a comfortable string at moderate tension and restring when shots start sailing or the bed feels dead; consistent feel beats chasing specs.

Tennis balls come in two main types: pressurized and pressureless. Pressurized balls feel livelier but go flat over a few sessions, making them great for match play. Pressureless options last longer and are useful for practice baskets and consistent feeding. Court shoes are not generic sneakers; they need lateral support, durable outsoles, and non-marking rubber. Hard-court shoes favor cushioning and abrasion resistance; clay shoes use a herringbone-style tread that releases clay and improves grip; grass soles prioritize gentle traction to protect the surface. A stable shoe guards ankles during hard cuts far more than minimalist trainers.

Court surfaces influence bounce, movement, and maintenance. Acrylic hard courts provide medium bounce and straightforward footing. Clay slows the ball and kicks it higher; sliding is a skill, not a stumble. Grass stays low and fast, demanding quick first steps and compact swings. Weather matters too: wet clay gets heavy and slower; hot, dry hard courts play faster; wind nudges balls off course, making spin and height valuable. A few small accessories round out your kit: overgrips to refresh tack and size, a simple vibration dampener if you prefer a muted feel, a hat and sunscreen for long sessions, and a water bottle to keep decision-making crisp.

– Quick starting setup:
– Mid-to-large head racquet with a comfortable grip size
– Soft or all-around string at mid tension for a predictable launch angle
– Pressurized balls for matches, pressureless for drills
– Court-specific shoes with solid lateral support
– Overgrips and a towel to manage sweat and maintain hold

Beginner Strategies and Next Steps (Conclusion)

Strategy in tennis starts simple: put one more ball in play with intention. Consistency outruns highlight shots, especially when rallies average only a handful of strokes. Begin each point with a split step as your opponent hits, then recover to a central position that covers their stronger patterns. Crosscourt is your friend: it grants more net clearance and a longer distance to the opposite corner, buying reaction time. Aim for a net-high window on groundstrokes, keep your contact out in front, and build spin for safety rather than trying to flatten every ball.

High-percentage habits stack quickly. On serves, groove a reliable motion before chasing power. Toss to a consistent height slightly in front; imagine serving “up and out” to lift the ball over the net with shape. A steady second serve—even a simple topspin or safer loop—cuts double faults and steadies nerves. On returns, shorten your backswing, block deep crosscourt, and prioritize depth over line-painting. At net, take the ball early, keep the racquet head up, and punch volleys through the court rather than swinging wildly. Footwork links it all: small adjustment steps, a decisive plant at contact, and a few quick recoveries reset your balance for the next shot.

Drills convert ideas into timing. Start with mini-tennis inside the service boxes to feel clean contact. Rally crosscourt forehands for five-ball pyramids, then switch to backhands. Serve to simple targets—deuce wide, deuce body, ad wide, ad body—and record makes out of ten. Shadow swings build muscle memory without stress; wall sessions sharpen reflexes and footwork on your schedule. When possible, film a few points to spot patterns: short balls left unpunished, late contact on backhands, or serves that drift too central.

– A simple weekly plan:
– Session 1: 20 minutes mini-tennis and footwork ladders; 20 minutes crosscourt rallies; 20 minutes serves to two targets
– Session 2: 30 minutes pattern play (serve + first ball); 20 minutes net approaches; 10 minutes point play to five games
– Light conditioning: 2 x 10 minutes of skipping or jogging on off days
– Mobility: 5–8 minutes dynamic warmup before, easy stretching after

Mindset keeps progress steady. Treat mistakes as information, not verdicts. Use a brief between-point routine—exhale, loosen grip, pick a single target—to clear noise. Hydrate and pace yourself on hot days to keep decisions sharp in tight games. As you gain comfort, try organized drills or a clinic; hitting with slightly stronger players raises your ceiling, while sessions with peers build confidence. The takeaway for new players is direct: choose comfortable gear, learn the scoring language, and practice a few safe, repeatable patterns. With those foundations, matches feel clearer, rallies last longer, and your growth follows a path you can trust.