The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Hit the ball over the net into the opponent’s court so they cannot make a legal return. Play singles or doubles.

Scoring

Standard games count 15, 30 and 40; at deuce, win 2 consecutive points. Games form sets, and sets decide the match. Tie-breaks and match length depend on the format.

Key rules

• Serve diagonally into the service box; a second service fault loses the point.
• Return the ball before its second bounce.
• A ball touching the correct boundary line is in.