Besides the rules of tennis there are also some important unwritten laws which come under the title of tennis etiquette. Tennis is a social game, a game involving simple politeness and consideration. Everyone will enjoy the game so much more if those standards are maintained.
Here are some of the rules which are most important:
Courtesy. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy from all participants. Make tennis a fun game by praising your opponents’ good shots and by not:
- conducting loud postmortems after points;
- complaining about shots like lobs and drop shots;
- embarrassing a weak opponent by being overly gracious or condescending;
- losing your temper when you are losing.
* Talk quietly when standing near tennis courts that are in use.
* Never walk behind a court when a point is still in play. Wait until the point is over and then cross as fast as possible. Probably best to curtail your conversation until you have left the tennnis courts.
* Do not enter the courts until your booked time has arrived. Sit behind your court if the previous occupants are finishing a game.
* Always come prepared. Bring not only balls, but towels and water to drink when it is hot.
* Wear trainers for tennis. Other shoes may wear out quickly, hurt your feet, or damage the court.
* When you’re ready to play, put racket covers, ball cans, jackets etc., out of everyone’s way.
* To see who serves first, spin your racket or toss a coin. If you win the toss, the choice is yours. You may serve first, or you may choose to receive first or to pick which end of the court you want to start playing on. As a third choice you may make your opponent choose first.
* Your ball may roll onto your neighbours court, this is not a problem, but do not run onto their court after it. They will send it back when they are ready and be careful to thank them as it may happen again. The only reason you need to interrupt their game is if your ball rolls behind them and you feel they could step back on it. You can shout a warning but do not walk on their court.
* When sending balls back to a neighbours court, roll them on to the back of the court. Never send them back while play is in progress.
* Retrieve balls for your partner and your opponent.
* Don’t criticize your partner, offer encouragement.
* Call your own lines and let your opponent hear the call. If the ball is good say nothing and play on.
* Always respect the line calls of your opponent.
