If your whole tennis experience is hitting a few balls against a wall or watching Grand Slams from the couch, this is your quick catch‑up.

Tennis is a racket sport played 1v1 (singles) or 2v2 (doubles), where players hit a ball back and forth over a net. The court is rectangular, split by a net at 0.914 m. Boundaries shift slightly for singles vs doubles. Rallies reward placement, spin, and patience as much as raw power.

Matches are usually played as best of 3 sets. Each set is a race to 6 games (win by 2).

Why people get hooked

Tennis looks technical from the sidelines, but the basics are easy to grasp. On court, it's footwork, timing, and the satisfaction of a clean, well‑placed shot. You don't need a huge serve or a pro forehand to enjoy it. If you like longer rallies, a bit of strategy, and a game you can play at your own pace, you'll probably like tennis.

What to bring

• Shoes: Court shoes (non‑marking soles) are ideal, but any supportive trainer works fine. Running shoes with worn‑down treads aren't great for the quick lateral movement tennis demands.

• Clothes: Breathable, stretchy clothing beats fashionable. Avoid jeans or restrictive fabrics. You'll be lunging, sprinting, and stretching more than you’d expect.

• Water bottle: Matches run long, especially in warm weather. Remember to stay hydrated.

• Racket: Bring your own if you have one. If not, many clubs and courts have rackets available for rent. 

• Towel and sunscreen: A towel to wipe up sweat between points, and sunscreen if you're playing outdoors.

Rules of the game

1. How to serve

You get two attempts per point. Miss the first, and you get a second serve. Miss both, and it's a "double fault”. The serve must be hit diagonally and land inside the opposite service box. You have to toss the ball and strike it before it touches the ground. Stepping onto or over the baseline before making contact is a foot fault.

2. Singles vs. doubles court

This is the one that trips up most beginners. Singles use the narrower court markings, and the side alleys (tramlines) are always out of bounds. Doubles uses the full width of the court, including those alleys. This gives both teams more room to defend.

3. Scoring a game

Tennis scoring has its own quirky language. Points go 0 ("love"), 15, 30, 40, then game. If both players reach 40, it's called "deuce," and from there you have to win by 2 clear points. Win the point right after deuce, and you have "advantage"; win the next one too, and you take the game. Lose it instead, and you're back to deuce.

4. Winning a set and match

The first player or team to win 6 games takes the set, but you must win by 2 clear games (6–4 is valid, 6–5 is not). If the set reaches 6–6, most casual and competitive matches use a tiebreak: first to 7 points, win by 2. Matches are typically best of 3 sets, though some professional formats use best of 5.

5. Who serves next?

Players alternate serving each full game, regardless of who won which points along the way. In doubles, teams typically alternate which partner serves each game for their side. Basically, everyone gets a turn.

6. In or out?

The lines are part of the court. If the ball touches any part of the line, it's in, no matter how close it looks.

Common faults

• The ball lands outside the lines (long, wide, or into the net).

• The ball bounces twice on your side before you return it.

• You touch the net with your racket, body, or clothing during play.

• You hit the ball before it crosses to your side (except on a legal return of serve). 

• You carry or double‑hit the ball instead of one clean stroke.

When a point gets replayed

If something unexpected interrupts play, it's called a "let," and the point is simply replayed with no penalty. 

• The serve clips the top of the net and still lands in the correct service box.

• A ball rolls onto the court from a neighbouring one; play is interrupted by something outside anyone's control. 

These are rare in casual games, but useful to know so a point doesn't turn into a debate.

A few unwritten rules

Tennis, like most casual games, often doesn't have an umpire, so a few norms keep things running smoothly:

• Call your own lines, honestly. If you're unsure, give it to your opponent.

• In doubles, communicate constantly with your partner. A quick "mine" or "yours" avoids most confusion and collisions.

• Keep it friendly. Ease off on blasting winners if you're playing against someone green.

• Win or lose, shake hands or tap rackets at the net afterwards. Small thing, but it sets a positive tone for the whole match.

Ready to play?

Tennis is easy to pick up, but it's best when you're playing with the right crowd. You don't need to be a pro; you only need a partner who's there to have fun.

Find local games tailored to your skill level, coordinate with people who match your pace, and join a community that cares about the rally, not just the score.