TENNIS STUDY GUIDE
HISTORY:
Tennis can be trace back to the 13th century in France where the game was played
by hitting the ball with their hands over a net. Later, the game evolved into lawn
tennis and the use of tennis racquets was introduced. During the 19th century,
tennis became more popular in England and the first Wimbledon championships
were held in 1877. Tennis did not become popular in the United States until the
1960’s. Tennis is a lifetime sport and provides players with an aerobic and
anaerobic workout. The 4 major Grand Slams are the US Open in August, the
Australian Open in January, the French Open in May, and Wimbledon in June.
OBJECTIVE:
To hit the ball over the net into the opponent’s court so it is out of reach and unable
to be returned back.
SCORING:
A game is played to four points. (No-Add scoring). The server’s score is always
given first.
Love=No score
15=1st point
30= 2nd point
40= 3rd point
Deuce= 40 – 40
Add-in= Server is ahead by one point
Add-out= Returnee is ahead by one point
SERVING AND GAME PLAY:
Always start serving from the right side of the court at the baseline. The server gets
two attempts to serve the ball over the net and into the proper service court. The
server serves crosscourt into the opposite serving court. The returner needs to let
the served ball bounce before they hit it back. After that, the ball does not have to
bounce before being hit. Only the person receiving the serve may return the serve.
It is a double fault if both serves do not make it into the proper service court. A “let
serve” is called if the serve hits the net and lands in the proper service court. The
“Let serve” does not count as a fault, and the server gets another attempt. Once a
player on the serving team starts serving, that player serves the whole game.
A “set” is completed when a team wins six games (win by 2). A “Match” is completed
when a team wins 2 out of 3 sets. Teams switch sides of the court on odd numbered
games.
TERMS:
Foot Fault: foot on the baseline while serving
Ace: A winning serve that the receiver could not touch with the racquet to return.
Volley: A shot hit before the ball bounces on the court. Usually during Net play.
SKILL CUES/KEYWORDS: Ready position, Accuracy – not power
Grip: shake hands with the racquet
Forehand: racquet is on dominant side
Pivot - turn body to ball side
Point - to the ball out in front of the hip
Follow Through - contact ball in front of hip; bring racquet to opposite
shoulder
Path of racquet is low to high swing
Backhand: racquet is on non-dominant side, use two hands for more control
Pivot - turn body to ball side
Point - to ball out in front of hip
Follow-through - contact ball in front of hip; bring racquet to opposite
shoulder
Path of racquet is low to high swing
Serve: 1) Shoulder turned toward target
2) Racket – back scratch position
3) Toss – hit at top of toss
4) Follow through across body – upper body has turned toward the net
5) Ball lands in service court
Tennis Court Diagram and Labels
Tennis Racket Parts