6 tips on how to play tennis

Tennis can be played indoors or outdoors, on clay, grass, synthetic surface, or just for fun on a paved court in your park or local club.

1. Objective

The object of the game is to hit the ball to send it into the opposing court in such a way that it cannot be returned.
The terrain is vast and good players need stamina, agility, and cunning.

A match is in fact a series of duels.
Players must earn four points (15, 30, 40, and “game”) to win the game.
A 40:40 tie is called a “tie” and a player must then earn two consecutive points (“advantage” and “play”) to win.
The serve alternates in each game and the first to win six or more games, with a two-game advantage, wins the “set”.
Most games are played to the best of three or five “sets”.
If in a “set” other than the deciding “set” the score reaches six games each, the players must decide between themselves and whoever scores seven or more points with a two-point advantage wins.

In a long game, you’ll use forehands and backhands, throw balls high above your opponent’s head, and return quick volleys.
Practice these basic strokes, then master the services that should result in each point.
A good serve puts the opponent on the defensive.

Stand on the baseline with your body perpendicular to the net and transfer some of your weight to your back foot.
With the right arm, throw the ball up and slightly forward, then bring the arm holding the racquet into the throwing position.
When the ball reaches its highest point, bring the racket forward over your head.
Try to hit the ball as high as possible to maximize impact power and rebound angle to make the service more difficult for your opponent to reach and return.

As the ball approaches you from the side of your racquet (your right, if you are right-handed), bring the racquet head back in a loop so that it reaches head height.
Turn the body around to throw all the muscle power in your legs and torso into the swing.
Bring the racquet back, trying to make contact with the body as the ball bounces at waist height.
Finish the movement by placing the racquet across your body, finishing high.

If the ball lands on the other side (your left, if you are right-handed), move the racquet across your body so that it rests horizontally on your abdomen.
Walk forward to reach the ball in front of your body and strike (with a double kick) as your weight lands on your front foot to give more power to your shot with the forward swing.
Push with your legs and arms on impact to finish high.