Tennis Knowledge Organiser: Understanding the Game

Tennis – Knowledge Organiser

Tennis is a racket sport played either individually against a single opponent (singles) or between two teams of two players each (doubles). The goal is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court in a way that they cannot return it. Points are scored through rallies until one player reaches the required score to win the game, set, and match.
Tennis is played on different surfaces like clay, grass, and hard courts, each influencing the game’s speed and style.
The sport develops agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance, and strategic thinking, making it suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

Scoring System: Points progress from 0 (love) to 15, 30, 40, and then game point. To win a game, a player must win by two points. Winning 6 games (by two) wins a set, and typically, a player must win 2 or 3 sets to win a match.
Serving: The serve starts each point, alternating after each game. Players must serve diagonally into the opposite service box.
Rallying: After the serve, players rally by hitting the ball back and forth until a player fails to return it in bounds.
In-Bounds: Shots must land within the court lines. If the ball hits the line, it’s considered in.
Faults: A serve that lands outside the service box is a fault. Two consecutive faults result in a point for the opponent.

International Tennis Federation (ITF): The global governing body for tennis, organizing events like the Davis Cup and Fed Cup. ITF Website
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP): Governs the professional men’s tour, organizing major events and rankings. ATP Website