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