Study Guide

Background Info.

          Historical evidence indicates that a game similar to tennis was played in the ancient civilizations of the Orient, Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Persia. Modern-day tennis developed in England and France, where it was popular in the 16^th & 17^th centuries. 

          Tennis began as a lawn sport but eventually moved to clay, asphalt, and concrete.  Tennis was most popular among the American public during the 1970s after television began routinely airing tournaments and touring tennis tournaments.  Most of us are familiar with the four most prestigious world tennis tournaments: the US Open, Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. 

          Tennis appeals to many people because it can be played year round and needs only 2 to 4 players.  Both males and females can participate along with most age groups.

The Game

The game starts when one person serves from anywhere behind the baseline to the right of the center mark and to the left of the doubles sideline. The server has two chances to serve legally into the diagonal service court. On the second attempt if the server fails to serve into the court or makes a serving fault, it will result in a point for the opponent.  A server is allowed unlimited serves lets through out the game. The serve continues to alternate serving courts until the game is over, and then the opponent serves. The server may not serve until the receiver is ready. The receiver must let the ball bounce once before returning it.

 If a team makes a mistake (hits the ball into the net, out of bounds, etc.) the other team scores a point.  Player must have contact with racquet when returning a ball.

A ball landing on the line is good, along with a ball that touches the net during play before falling into the opponents’ playing court. A game ends when one team scores 4 points (must win by 2).

0 = Love  1 = 15  2 = 30  3 = 40 and 4 = Game

A team wins a point if the opponents double fault on the serve, do not return the ball before a second bounce and does not return it in-bounds, touch the net or post with their racket/clothing. A player may not have contact with the ball across the net or play the ball more than once on a side.

Terminology

Ace: A point-winning serve that is hit beyond the reach of a receiver.

Alley: The area on either side of the singles court that is included as inbounds for doubles play.

Backhand: Stroke used to play a ball on the opposite side of a player’s dominant hand.

Deuce: An even score in a game after six or more points have been played.

Double Fault: Failure of a player to get either of the two service attempts into the proper service court.

Fault: A served ball that does not land within the proper service court of any other violation of the rules of service.

Let: Any point that must be replayed. Most often it refers to a serve that hits the top of the net, then lands in the proper service court.

Lob: a high, arcing shot that lands near the opponent’s baseline.

Love: A score of zero.

Rally: The exchange of shots between opponents after the serve, usually referring to prolonged play.