How does scoring work in tennis
It’s your first time getting into tennis or even following it on TV. In the beginning, it might feel confusing but don’t worry we will break it down for you.
The structure
Each tennis match is comprised of two to three sets. To win a set, you must win a total of six games.
The games are scored starting at “love” (which means 0 in tennis terms) and go up to 40, but essentially that is just four points. From love, the first point is 15, then 30, and then 40, then game point, which wins the game.
Starting the game
To determine who will begin serving or receiving. There is a traditional coin toss or spinning the racket, depending on who chooses heads or tales that will dictate who will serve or have the option to choose sides. For example, you chose heads on the coin toss. The opponent gets tales. Depending on the final call of the toss. You or the opponent have the option to serve or receive.
Whoever starts serving continues to serve until the game is over. The serve moves to the opponent.
The player is expected to serve behind the baseline, starting on the right-hand side of the court, anywhere between the singles sideline and the center mark on the court.
Scoring the game
Before each serves, it is extremely important to announce the score, with your score first, and your opponents. For example, if you have zero and your opponent 15, say “love-15”.
You get two tries for each serve. The serve must go over the net, land in the service box opposite to you, and bounce once before your opponent returns the ball.
If it does not land in the service box, you take a second serve. If the second serve is missed, then you lose the point.
If your serve gently brushes the net but still lands in the service box, then you must take that serve over. This is called a “let.”
If the score is tied at 40 (“40-all”), that is “deuce,” which is basically another for tie. To break the tie you must win two points in a row. If you are serving at deuce and you win the next point, then you say “my ad,” which means “my advantage.” If your opponent wins, then it goes back to deuce, and someone again needs to win by two points in a row to get the game. Very intense we know!
Scoring a Set
Before the first serve in each new game, whoever is serving announces the score in sets. Say your score first, then your opponents. If you won the first set, you would say “1-0.”
To complete a set, someone must win six games; the first player to win six games wins the set.
Note, as with “deuce,” you must win a set by at least two games. If the set is 6-5, the person with 5 must win by two games. If the score 6-6, the players must go to a tiebreaker up to 7 points.
Scoring the match
The whole process is called a match. The match is determined by the best two or three sets. So if you win two sets, you win. If you each win a set, then you play the third set to determine the winner.
Now that you know the rules. Go play some matches because practice makes perfect! Check out our events near you here
By: Ana G Canahuate - Break the Love Coach