Outdoor Games
How to play Tennis
Hit over the net into the singles court so opponents cannot return legally. Points build games, games build sets, and two sets win this match format.
What you need
Two rackets, balls, net, marked singles court and surface-appropriate shoes
Set up the game
- Use the inner sidelines. Toss to choose serving/receiving or an end; the opponent takes the remaining choice.
- The server begins behind the baseline on the right and serves diagonally into the opposite service box. Alternate right/left each point.
Playing Tennis
- Serve before a bounce. Two failed serves lose the point. A serve touching the net and otherwise landing correctly is a let and replays that attempt.
- Return before the second bounce. Volleys are permitted during rallies, but the receiver cannot volley the serve. A relevant line is in.
- Lose a point for a second bounce, out return, failure to cross the net or illegal contact.
- Call server score first: love, 15, 30, 40, game. At deuce, win two consecutive points: advantage then game. Change server after each game.
- Win six games with two clear, or at 6–6 play a tie-break to at least seven points, two clear. First to two sets wins.
Deuce is a two-point finish
At deuce Sam wins one point: advantage server. Riley wins the next, returning the game to deuce instead of winning it for Riley. Sam must now win two in succession to finish. A tie-break at 6–6 likewise cannot finish at 7–6: both players still need a two-point gap. Say the score before every serve to make errors easier to catch.
Announce shorter scoring before starting
No-ad games, short sets and a ten-point match tie-break replacing the final set are announced alternatives, not the chosen format here. For a brief session agree one tie-break set before starting and call it shortened. Doubles widens the court and fixes each partnership’s serving order; learn that separately rather than assuming partners may choose the server each game.
Beginner decisions
- Aim several feet inside the baseline and sideline while learning depth. A generous target gives your stroke room for error.
- Recover to cover likely replies after hitting. Remaining where the previous ball landed can leave a large part of court open.
- Build a dependable first serve into the right box before chasing speed. A double fault gives away the entire point without a rally.
Common rule mix-ups
- Using the doubles alley in singles.
- Replaying a rally ball merely because it touched the net before landing legally.
Questions about this game
Who serves during a tie-break?
The due server takes one point, then alternate two-point serving turns. Change ends every six points.
When do we change ends normally?
After odd-numbered games; at set end, the next change depends on the number of games just played.
Sources and edition notes
ITF 2026 standard singles; chosen match format: best of three tie-break sets, seven-point tie-break at 6–6 in every set.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
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