Court essentials
BASIC TENNIS RULES YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW
1. Change Over
Change over means that each team changes court sides on the odd number of games. So when the first game is played, players will switch places. If for the first game, Player A was facing the sun, at the end of the first game, Player A will switch courts sides so the sun is behind them. Changeovers happen on the odd number of games — 1, 3, 5.
Tie Break: The classic 12-point tiebreaker when the set score is tied at six games. The first player to win seven points and be two points ahead wins the set. Players switch sides after every six points
2. Resting Time
Playing tennis can take a lot of energy out of the body, as a result, the game of tennis needs frequent breaks or resting periods. Here is a summary of how they work.
Between Points: From the moment that one point finishes until the first service is struck for the next point you get 20 seconds.
Between Change Over Games: From the moment one game end to the moment the next game starts players have 90 seconds to rest.
Between Sets: From the moment one set ends to the moment the next one starts players get two minutes of rest.
Bathroom Break: Changeover time can double as a bathroom break. Men are allowed only one bathroom visit per match, ladies two, but players have to be back on the court in 90 seconds.
3. The Let: A ball that clips the net and bounces inside the service box is known as a 'let'. If this happens the player is allowed to repeat serve. However, if the ball hits the net and lands outside the service box, it is a fault.
A 'let' can also be called during any point in the match if it seems fair for a point to be played again. For example, if the point was interrupted by external circumstances like a ball from another court interfering with the point, a loud noise or even if there is a dispute over a line call.
IN DOUBLES
Switching sides and Serves
1. You can switch the side from which you are receiving at the end of every set. For example, if you are receiving in the first set from the forehand side you can change sides and receive from the backhand side on the second set.
The order of service can also be altered between players. For example, if Player 1 ended up serving on Set number 1, he can be the first on his team to serve on Set number 2.
