It’s never too late to start. Players start playing tennis at all ages and for many different reasons. Below, we help guide you through the basics of the game, basic skills, and help finding programs throughout the state to get you started!
The Basics Of Tennis
Confused by tennis terminology, court layout, how the game is played, and more? Check out some help below!
Scoring
Tennis matches are organized into games and sets to win the match. Below we provide you with the scoring basics and terminology.
Basic Tennis Scoring
Depending upon skill level and program, tennis matches are scored using traditional (Love, 15, 30, 40, Game) and simplified scoring
(1, 2, 3, 4, Game).
- GAME – Consists of 4 points. The player typically must win by
2 points - SET – Consists of a certain number of GAMES won
- MATCH – Consists of a certain number of SETS won
Scoring Terms
- LOVE – A score of 0 (zero) in traditional tennis scoring
- ACE – A serve that lands in the service box and is untouched by the opponent
- DEUCE – A game that is tied at 40 – 40 or 4 – 4
- ADVANTAGE – Player who wins the next point after DEUCE is said to have the ADVANTAGE
- NO-AD – Player doesn’t have to lead by 2 points to win a game
Choosing A Racquet
Selecting and playing with the the right racquet is an important part of success on the court. Click the image for guidance on finding the best racquet for you.
Tennis Balls
Not all tennis balls are the same. There are different type of tennis balls for different levels of play.
- Yellow – Typical ball style used in most play
- Green – Slightly reduced bounce and great for players starting out on full-sized courts
- Orange – Moves slower and bounces lower than a green ball. Great for play on smaller 60-foot courts.
- Red – Moves slower and bounces lower than an orange ball. Perfect for players just staring or family play juniors playing on a 36-foot court.
Beginner Programs
There are beginner programs for adults at facilities throughout Florida. Contact your local tennis facility for more information or click the link below for some upcoming programs around Florida.
Love to Learn Programs
Both programs are short programs that combine professional & mentor coaching to create fun no-judgment experiences for beginner and intermediate players. Players learn the basics and get on-court fun match play experiences preparing them for on-court tennis fun for years to come. Check out the comparisons below.
Love To Learn
- Player Level: Beginner (just starting or returning)
- Ball Type: Red, Orange, or Green
- Session Formats: Fun drills, games, & friendly competion
- Program Length: 6-8 weeks
- Session Length: 60 minutes (recommended additional 30-90 minutes after week 3)
- Coaching: Professional during weeks 1-6, volunteer ambassador play sessions starting at week 4
- Recommended Next Steps: ‘Love to Play’, clinics, or lessons
Love To Play
- Player Level: Intermediate (completed a ‘Love to Learn’ or similar instruction)
- Ball Type: Orange or Green
- Session Formats: Fun mentored match play
- Program Length: 4-6 weeks
- Session Length: 60-90 minutes
- Instruction: Mentored fun, and interdependent match play
- Recommended Next Steps: Clinics, casual play, or formal tennis program play
Basic Skills
Learn the basics of serving, forehands, and backhands!
Serving
A serve starts a point. A player hits the ball so it will land diagonally in the opposite service box. Click the image above to watch and learn how to serve, and techniques on how to improve your serve over time.
Forehand
A forehand is a shot made by swinging the racquet across your body with your palm facing toward the ball. Click the image above to watch and learn how to properly hit a forehand and techniques on how to improve your forehand shots over time.
Backhand
A backhand is a shot made by swinging the racquet with either one or two hands and the palm of your lower hand facing towards your body. Click the image above to watch and learn how to properly hit a backhand and techniques on how to improve your backhand shots over time.
