| How To Play Tennis |
Let's dive straight into the type of shots tennis players use.
The Serve
- How each point starts. The server has 2 chances to hit a ball over the net and into
the service box located diagonally across the court.
Forehand & Backhand
- These are called groundstrokes. This is when the opponent
hits the ball to you, it bounces once, and you hit the ball back over the net.
Volleys
- Unlike a groundstroke, you hit the ball before it touches the ground.
Played on either the backhand or forehand side when near to the net.
Overhead Smash
- If you are near to the net and the ball is returned to you very high this is the most
appropriate shot to play. It is similar to hitting a serve.
A Rally
- This is any combination of the above shots between players where the ball is kept in play.
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| Scoring |
Players serve alternate games. The server has the responsibility of calling the
score before commencing with serve. Correct practice is to call your own score first before your
opponent. Scoring is as folows:
0 points = love
1 point = 15
2 points = 30
3 points = 40
4 points = game
If both players have won 3 points each (40-all), this is called deuce.
The player who wins two consecutive points wins the game.
The first player to reach 6 games wins the set, provided he is 2 games clear of an apponent. The game can also
be won at 7-5, but at 6-6 a Tie-break is played. Our Rules Of Tennis (Brief)
explains this in good detail.
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| Where To Play |
Public Courts - There are thousands of free (mostly hard)
public tennis courts around the country. They are usually very accessible, except near Wimbledon
when there is a sudden rush to play tennis! Public courts usually have a 1 hour play limit if others
are waiting to play.
Tennis Centres - Arguably the among the best tennis facilities you will find. Some
require a yearly fee, while others allow pay per hour. Either way this is
usually an expensive option! Not the choice of team britishtennis.com - We prefer...
Tennis Clubs - If you are serious about playing regular tennis, then joining a club will be
your best option. For a yearly fee you can play as often as you like. Clubs usually have a good social aspect too.
Find your local tennis club in our huge database!
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| Improve Your Game |
Coaching - Tennis coaching can be expensive,
but it really depends on whether you want 1-to-1 coaching or group coaching. Coaching does work! If you are keen
to improve, visit to the head coach at your local tennis club. Many clubs offer drop in
group coaching sessions in the evenings, which are perfect if you don't wish to pay up-front for a course.
Watch The Pro's - There is no harm in watching tennis in TV and trying to emulate the Pro's! Pay
attention to how they position themselves before hitting the ball, how they are always on their toes, their timing, and
of course their tactics on serve and during a rally.
Video Yourself - So you know what the Pro's look
like when they serve and play their shots, well get someone to video tape you
and compare yourself to the Pro's. If you have never received coaching you will be surprised how different your own
service action and shots look!
Books & Videos - Richard Williams taught his daughters
Venus and Serena how to play tennis from a book! Why not browse our
Books and DVD sections.
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