|
Points in tennis are called love, 15, 30, 40,
deuce and advantage.
THE GAME
0, or nothing, is called 'love'. It is
believed to come from the pronunciation of the
French word 'l' oeuf', which sounds like 'love.
The use of 'l'ouef', meaning 'egg', to denote
nothing, is derived from the shape of an egg.
The first point won by a player is called 15,
the second point, 30, the third point, 40. If
a player then wins a fourth point before his
opponent has won three points, then that player
wins the game. However, if both players have
won three points (40-all), the score is then
deuce, and it is necessary to win two points
in a row to win the game.
The word 'deuce' comes from an Old French word
'deus', meaning 'two'. The first point won after
a score of deuce is called advantage, either
to the server of receiver, but if that player
loses the next point then the score returnes
to deuce.
Scores of the game in which deuce occurs:
15 - love
15 - all
30 - 15
40 - 15
40 - 30
deuce
advantage receiver (or player' s name)
deuce
advantage server (or player's name)
game server
THE SET
The first player who wins six games, wins
the set, provided he has won two more games
than his opponent. If the score reaches five
games to six, then the winning player must win
the next game. If the score reaches six games
all, then it becomes a tiebreak.
ThHE TIE-BREAK
In most matches, when a game score of six
all is reached, a tiebreak is played. In a tiebreak
the points are called 1, 2, 3, etc. The
player who wins the tiebreak game is the player
who wins seven points with at least two more
points than his opponent. He wins the set seven
games to six. In a tiebreak the players must
keep playing until one player is two points
ahead.
In doubles the players serve alternately in
the same order as before.
CHANGE OF ENDS
The players change ends every time the
total number of games played is uneven. This
is so as not to give one player an advantage
in outside conditions, such as wind or sun.
This sometimes looks silly when tennis is played
indoors, but those are the rules, and it also
gives the players a chance to get some rest.
In the tiebreak the players change ends after
every six points.
TIME BETWEEN POINTS
The rulebook says play must be continuous,
but it also says that you may take no longer
that thirty seconds before playing the next
point.
On the changeover the resting time is one minute.
So as soon as the last point of the game is
played, you will have ninety seconds before
you have to start the next point.
ON THE LINE
A ball that touches only a hair of the
line is in, even if 99 per cent of the ball
touches the ground outside the line.
|
| Tennis
Rules Comprehensive guide |
SCORE IN A GAME (rule
5)
a. Standard game
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s
score being called first:
No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
except that if both players/teams have won three points,
the score is “Deuce”. After “Deuce”,
the score is “Advantage” for the player/team
who wins the next point. If that same player/team
also wins the next point, that player/team wins the
“Game”; if the opposing player/team wins
the next point, the score is again “Deuce”.
A player/team needs to win two consecutive points
immediately after “Deuce” to win the “Game”.
b. Tie-break game
During a tie-break game, points are scored “Zero”,“1”,
“2”, “3”, etc. The first player/team
to win seven points wins the “Game” and
“Set”, provided there is a margin of two
points over the opponent(s). If necessary, the tie-break
game shall continue until this margin is achieved.
The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the
first point of the tie-break game. The following two
points shall be served by the opponent(s) (in doubles,
the player of the opposing team due to serve next).
After this, each player/team shall serve alternately
for two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break
game (in doubles, the rotation of service within each
team shall continue in the same order as during that
set).
The player/team whose turn it was to serve first in
the tie-break game shall be the receiver in the first
game of the next set..
SCORE IN A SET
There are different methods of scoring in a set. The
two main methods are the “Advantage Set”
and the “Tie-break Set”. Either method may
be used provided that the one to be used is announced
in advance of the event. If the “Tie-break Set”
method is to be used, it must also be announced whether
the final set will be played as a “Tie-break
Set” or an “Advantage Set”.
a. “Advantage Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”,
provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s).
If necessary, the set shall continue until this margin
is achieved.
b. “Tie-break Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”,
provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s).
If the score reaches six games all, a tie-break game
shall be played..
SCORE IN A MATCH
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (a player/team
needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best
of 5 sets (a player/team needs to win 3 sets to win
the match)..
SERVER & RECEIVER
The players/teams shall stand on opposite sides of
the net. The server is the player who puts the ball
into play for the first point. The receiver is the
player who is ready to return the ball served by the
server.
Case 1: Is the receiver allowed to stand outside the
lines of the court?
Decision: Yes. The receiver may take any position
inside or outside the lines on the receiver’s
side of the net.
CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE
The choice of ends and the choice to be server or
receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss
before the warm-up starts. The player/team who wins
the toss may choose:
a. To be server or receiver in the first game of the
match, in which case the opponent(s) shall choose
the end of the court for the first game of the match;
or
b. The end of the court for the first game of the
match, in which case the opponent(s) shall choose
to be server or receiver for the first game of the
match; or
c. To require the opponent(s) to make one of the above
choices.
Case 1: Do both players/teams have the right to new
choices if the warm-up is stopped and the players
leave the court?
Decision: Yes. The result of the original toss stands,
but new choices may be made by both players/teams.
CHANGE OF ENDS
The players shall change ends at the end of the first,
third and every subsequent odd game of each set. The
players shall also change ends at the end of each
set unless the total number of games in that set is
even, in which case the players change ends at the
end of the first game of the next set.
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends
after every six points.
BALL IN PLAY
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in
play from the moment the server hits the ball, and
remains in play until the point is decided.
BALL TOUCHES A LINE
If a ball touches a line, it is regarded as touching
the court bounded by that line.
BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture after
it has hit the correct court, the player who hit the
ball wins the point. If the ball in play touches a
permanent fixture before it hits the ground, the player
who hit the ball loses the point.
ORDER OF SERVICE (rule
14)
At the end of each standard game, the receiver shall
become the server and the server shall become the
receiver for the next game.
In doubles, the team due to serve in the first game
of each set shall decide which player shall serve
for that game. Similarly, before the second game starts,
their opponents shall decide which player shall serve
for that game.
The partner of the player who served in the first
game shall serve in the third game and the partner
of the player who served in the second game shall
serve in the fourth game. This rotation shall continue
until the end of the set.
ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES
(rule 15}
The team which is due to receive in the first game
of a set shall decide which player shall receive the
first point in the game. Similarly, before the second
game starts, their opponents shall decide which player
shall receive the first point of that game.
The player who was the receiver’s partner for
the first point of the game shall receive the second
point and this rotation shall continue until the end
of the game and the set.
After the receiver has returned the ball, either player
in a team can hit the ball.
Case 1: Is one member of a doubles team allowed to
play alone against the opponents?
THE SERVICE (rule
16)
Immediately before starting the service motion, the
server shall stand at rest with both feet behind (i.e.
further from the net than) the baseline and within
the imaginary extensions of the centre mark and the
sideline.
The server shall then release the ball by hand in
any direction and hit the ball with the racket before
the ball hits the ground. The service motion is completed
at the moment that the player’s racket hits or
misses the ball. A player who is able to use only
one arm may use the racket for the release of the
ball.
SERVING (rule 17)
When serving in a standard game, the server shall
stand behind alternate halves of the court, starting
from the right half of the court in every game.
In a tie-break game, the service shall be served from
behind alternate halves of the court, with the first
served from the right half of the court.
The service shall pass over the net and hit the service
court diagonally opposite, before the receiver returns
it.
FOOT FAULT (rule 18)
During the service motion, the server shall not:
a. Change position by walking or running, although
slight movements of the feet are permitted; or
b. Touch the baseline or the court with either foot;
or
c. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension
of the sideline with either foot; or
d. Touch the imaginary extension of the centre mark
with either foot.
If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot
Fault”.
Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed
to serve standing behind the part of the base line
between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both
feet off the ground?
Decision: Yes.
SERVICE FAULT
The service is a fault if:
a. The server breaks rules 16, 17 or 18; or
b. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it;
or
c. The ball served touches a permanent fixture, singles
stick or net post before it hits the ground; or
d. The ball served touches the server or server’s
partner, or anything the server or server’s partner
is wearing or carrying.
Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server
decides not to hit it and catches it instead. Is this
a fault?
Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then
decides not to hit it, is allowed to catch the ball
with the hand or the racket, or to let the ball bounce.
Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with
net posts and singles sticks, the ball served hits
a singles stick and then hits the correct service
court. Is this a fault?
Decision: Yes.
SECOND SERVICE
If the first service is a fault, the server shall
serve again without delay from behind the same half
of the court from which that fault was served, unless
the service was from the wrong half.
WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE
The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready.
However, the receiver shall play to the reasonable
pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within
a reasonable time of the server being ready.
A receiver who attempts to return the service shall
be considered as being ready. If it is demonstrated
that the receiver is not ready, the service cannot
be called a fault.
THE LET DURING A SERVICE
The service is a let if:
a. The ball served touches the net, strap or band,
and is otherwise good; or, after touching the net,
strap or band, touches the receiver or the receiver’s
partner or anything they wear or carry before hitting
the ground; or
b. The ball is served when the receiver is not ready.
In the case of a service let, that particular service
shall not count, and the server shall serve again,
but a service let does not cancel a previous fault.
THE LET
In all cases when a let is called, except when a service
let is called on a second service, the whole point
shall be replayed.
Case 1: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls
onto court. A let is called. The server had previously
served a fault. Is the server now entitled to a first
service or second service?
Decision: First service. The whole point must be replayed.
PLAYER LOSES POINT (
Rule 24)
The point is lost if:
a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or
b. The player does not return the ball in play before
it bounces twice consecutively; or
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it
hits the ground, or an object, outside the correct
court; or
d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before
it bounces, it hits a permanent fixture; or
e. The player deliberately carries or catches the
ball in play on the racket or deliberately touches
it with the racket more than once; or
f. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s
hand or not, or anything which the player is wearing
or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles sticks,
cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s
court at any time while the ball is in play; or
g. The player hits the ball before it has passed the
net; or
h. The ball in play touches the player or anything
that the player is wearing or carrying, except the
racket; or
i. The ball in play touches the racket when the player
is not holding it; or
j. The player deliberately and materially changes
the shape of the racket when the ball is in play;
or
k. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning
it.
Case 1: After the server has served a first service,
the racket falls out of the server’s hand and
touches the net before the ball has bounced. Is this
a service fault, or does the server lose the point?
Decision: The server loses the point because the racket
touches the net while the ball is in play.
Case 2: After the server has served a first service,
the racket falls out of the server’s hand and
touches the net after the ball has bounced outside
the correct service court. Is this a service fault,
or does the server lose the point?
Decision: This is a service fault because when the
racket touched the net the ball was no longer in play.
Case 3: In a doubles match, the receiver’s partner
touches the net before the ball that has been served
touches the ground outside the correct service court.
What is the correct decision?
Decision: The receiving team loses the point because
the receiver’s partner touched the net while
the ball was in play.
Case 4: Does a player lose the point if an imaginary
line in the extension of the net is crossed before
or after hitting the ball?
Decision: The player does not lose the point in either
case provided the player does not touch the opponent’s
court.
Case 5: Is a player allowed to jump over the net into
the opponent’s court while the ball is in play?
Decision: No. The player loses the point.
Case 6: A player throws the racket at the ball in
play. Both the racket and the ball land in the court
on the opponent’s side of the net and the opponent(s)
is unable to reach the ball. Which player wins the
point?
Decision: The player who threw the racket at the ball
loses the point.
Case 7: A ball that has just been served hits the
receiver or in doubles the receiver’s partner
before it touches the ground. Which player wins the
point?
Decision: The server wins the point, unless it is
a service let.
Case 8: A player standing outside the court hits the
ball or catches it before it bounces and claims the
point because the ball was definitely going out of
the correct court.
Decision: The player loses the point, unless it is
a good return, in which case the point continues.
A GOOD RETURN
It is a good return if:
a. The ball touches the net, net posts/singles sticks,
cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that
it passes over any of them and hits the ground within
the correct court; (there are some exceptions); or
b. After the ball in play has hit the ground within
the correct court and has spun or been blown back
over the net, the player reaches over the net and
plays the ball into the correct court, provided that
the player does not break Rule 24; or
c. The ball is returned outside the net posts, either
above or below the level of the top of the net, even
though it touches the net posts, provided that it
hits the ground in the correct court; except as provided
in Rules 2 and 24 (d); or
d. The ball passes under the net cord between the
singles stick and the adjacent net post without touching
either net, net cord or net post and hits the ground
in the correct court, or
e. The player’s racket passes over the net after
hitting the ball on the player’s own side of
the net and the ball hits the ground in the correct
court; or
f. The player hits the ball in play, which hits another
ball lying in the correct court.
Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a
singles stick and hits the ground in the correct court.
Is this is a good return?
Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and
hits the singles stick, it is a service fault.
Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is
lying in the correct court. What is the correct decision?
Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear
that the actual ball in play has been returned, a
let should be called.
HINDRANCE
If a player is hindered in playing the point by a
deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall
win the point.
However, the point shall be replayed if a player is
hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional
act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player’s
own control (not including a permanent fixture).
Case 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance?
Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (e).
Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because
the player thought that the opponent(s) was being
hindered. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No, the player loses the point.
Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the
court. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed.
Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that
was lying on the player’s side of the net when
the point started hinders the player. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No.
Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner
and receiver’s partner allowed to stand?
Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s
partner may take any position on their own side of
the net, inside or outside the court. However, if
a player is creating a hindrance to the opponent(s),
the hindrance rule should be used.
CORRECTING ERRORS
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules
of Tennis is discovered, all points previously played
shall stand. Errors so discovered shall be corrected
as follows:
a.
During a standard game or a tie-break game, if a player
serves from the wrong half of the court, this should
be corrected as soon as the error is discovered and
the server shall serve from the correct half of the
court according to the score. A fault that was served
before the error was discovered shall stand.
b.)
During a standard game or a tie-break game, if the
players are at the wrong ends of the court, the error
should be corrected as soon as it is discovered and
the server shall serve from the correct end of the
court according to the score.
c.
If a player serves out of turn during a standard game,
the player who was originally due to serve shall serve
as soon as the error is discovered. However, if a
game is completed before the error is discovered the
order of service shall remain as altered.
A fault that was served by the opponents(s) before
the error was discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out
of turn, a fault that was served before the error
was discovered shall stand.
d.
If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break
game and the error is discovered after an even number
of points have been played, the error is corrected
immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd
number of points have been played, the order of service
shall remain as altered.
A fault that was served by the opponent(s) before
the error was discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out
of turn, a fault that was served before the error
was discovered shall stand.
e.
During a standard game or a tie-break game in doubles,
if there is an error in the order of receiving, this
shall remain as altered until the end of the game
in which the error is discovered. For the next game
in which they are the receivers in that set, the partners
shall then resume the original order of receiving.
f.
If in error a tie-break game is started at 6 games
all, when it was previously agreed that the set would
be an “Advantage set”, the error shall be
corrected immediately if only one point has been played.
If the error is discovered after the second point
is in play, the set will continue as a “Tie-break
set”.
g.
If in error a standard game is started at 6 games
all, when it was previously agreed that the set would
be a “Tie-break set”, the error shall be
corrected immediately if only one point has been played.
If the error is discovered after the second point
is in play, the set will continue as an “Advantage
set” until the score reaches 8 games all (or
a higher even number), when a tie-break game shall
be played.
h.)
If in error an “Advantage set” or “Tie-break
set” is started, when it was previously agreed
that the final set would be a deciding match tie-break,
the error shall be corrected immediately if only one
point has been played. If the error is discovered
after the second point is in play, the set will continue
either until a player or team wins three games (and
therefore the set) or until the score reaches 2 games
all, when a deciding match tie-break shall be played.
However, if the error is discovered after the fifth
game has started, the set will continue as a “Tie-break
set”.
i.
If the balls are not changed in the correct sequence,
the error shall be corrected when the player/team
who should have served with new balls is next due
to serve a new game. Thereafter the balls shall be
changed so that the number of games between ball changes
shall be that originally agreed. Balls should not
be changed during a game.
CONTINUOUS PLAY
As a principle, play should be continuous, from the
time the match starts (when the first service of the
match is put in play) until the match finishes.
a. Between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds
is allowed. When the players change ends at the end
of a game, a maximum of ninety (90) seconds are allowed.
However, after the first game of each set and during
a tie-break game, play shall be continuous and the
players shall change ends without a rest.
At the end of each set there shall be a set break
of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds.
The maximum time starts from the moment that one point
finishes until the first service is struck for the
next point.
Organisers of professional circuits may apply for
ITF approval to extend the ninety (90) seconds allowed
when the players change ends at the end of a game
and the one hundred and twenty (120) seconds allowed
at a set break.
b. If, for reasons outside the player’s control,
clothing, footwear or necessary equipment (excluding
the racket) is broken or needs to be replaced, the
player may be allowed reasonable extra time to rectify
the problem.
c. No extra time shall be given to allow a player
to recover condition. However, a player suffering
from a treatable medical condition may be allowed
one medical time-out of three minutes for the treatment
of that medical condition. A limited number of toilet/change
of attire breaks may also be allowed, if this is announced
in advance of the event.
d. Event organisers may allow a rest period of a maximum
of ten (10) minutes if this is announced in advance
of the event. This rest period can be taken after
the 3rd set in a best of 5 sets match, or after the
2nd set in a best of 3 sets match.
e. The warm-up time shall be a maximum of five (5)
minutes, unless otherwise decided by the event organisers.
COACHING
Coaching is considered to be communication, advice
or instruction of any kind, audible or visible, to
a player.
In team events where there is a team captain sitting
on-court, the team captain may coach the player(s)
during a set break and when the players change ends
at the end of a game, but not when the players change
ends after the first game of each set and not during
a tie-break game.
In all other matches, coaching is not allowed.
Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the
coaching is given by signals in a discreet way?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when
play is suspended?
Decision: Yes.
RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the ITF Rules
of Tennis with the following exceptions.
a. The Two Bounce Rule
The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces
of the ball. The player must return the ball before
it hits the ground a third time. The second bounce
can be either in or out of the court boundaries.
b. The Wheelchair
The wheelchair is considered part of the body and
all applicable rules, which apply to a player’s
body, shall apply to the wheelchair.
c. The Service
i. The service shall be delivered in the following
manner. Immediately before commencing the service,
the server shall be in a stationary position. The
server shall then be allowed one push before striking
the ball.
ii. The server shall throughout the delivery of the
service not touch with any wheel, any area other than
that behind the baseline within the imaginary extension
of the centre mark and sideline.
iii. If conventional methods for the service are physically
impossible for a quadriplegic player, then the player
or an individual may drop the ball for such a player.
However, the same method of serving must be used each
time.
d. Player Loses Point
A player loses a point if:
i. The player fails to return the ball before it has
touched the ground three times; or
ii. Subject to rule e) below the player uses any part
of his feet or lower extremities as brakes or as stabilisers
while delivering service, stroking a ball, turning
or stopping against the ground or against any wheel
while the ball is in play; or
iii. The player fails to keep one buttock in contact
with his wheelchair seat when contacting the ball.
e. Propelling the Chair with the Foot
i. If due to lack of capacity a player is unable to
propel the wheelchair via the wheel then he may propel
the wheelchair using one foot.
ii. Even if in accordance with rule e) i. above a
player is permitted to
15
propel the chair using one foot, no part of the player's
foot may be in contact with the ground:
a) during the forward motion of the swing, including
when the racket strikes the ball;
b) from the initiation of the service motion until
the racket strikes the ball.
iii. A player in breach of this rule shall lose the
point.
f. Wheelchair/Able-bodied Tennis
Where a wheelchair tennis player is playing with or
against an able-bodied person in singles or doubles,
the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for the
wheelchair player while the Rules of Tennis for able-bodied
tennis shall apply for the able-bodied player. In
this instance, the wheelchair player is allowed two
bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only
one bounce.
Note: The definition of lower extremities is: -the
lower limb, including the buttocks, hip, thigh, leg,
ankle and foot.
ALTERNATIVE SCORING METHODS
SCORE IN A GAME:
“No-Ad” SCORING METHOD
This alternative scoring method may be used.
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s
score being called first:
No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
If both players/teams have won three points each,
the score is “Deuce” and a deciding point
shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether
to receive the service from the right half or the
left half of the court. In doubles, the players of
the receiving team cannot change positions to receive
this deciding point. The player/team who wins the
deciding point wins the “Game”.
In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as
the server shall receive the deciding point. The players
of the receiving team cannot change positions to receive
the deciding point.
SCORE IN A SET
1. “SHORT” SETS
The first player/team who wins four games wins that
set, provided there is a margin of two games over
the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all,
a tie-break game shall be played.
2. DECIDING MATCH TIE-BREAK
(7 POINTS)
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets
all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game
shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break
game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins seven points shall
win this match tie-break and the match provided there
is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
3. DECIDING MATCH TIE-BREAK
(10 POINTS)
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets
all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game
shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break
game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win
this match tie-break and the match provided there
is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
Note: When using the deciding match tie-break to replace
the final set:
• the original order of service continues. (Rules
5 and 14)
• in doubles, the order of serving and receiving
within the team may be altered, as in the beginning
of each set. (Rules 14 and 15)
• before the start of the deciding match tie-break
there shall be a 120 seconds set break.
• balls should not be changed before the start
of the deciding match tie-break even if a ball change
is due.
|
|
© WimbledonTennis.co.uk | All rights reserved
|
|
|
|
