Tennis Court Rules: A Quick Guide On How to Play in Wisconsin

The Basic Rules of Tennis

• Matches follow a set progression: Players must win Points to win Games, Games to win Sets, and Sets to win the Match.

• A unique scoring system is used: Instead of 1, 2, and 3, points are counted as 0, 15, 30, and 40.

• The court has distinct boundaries: Different lines dictate where serves must land and what is considered in or out for singles versus doubles play.

Tennis is an extremely popular sport with major tournaments worldwide, but it is also a fantastic pastime for people of all ages right here in the Midwest. Wisconsin summers are beautiful but brief, and building a backyard tennis court is the perfect way to practice every day without waiting for a spot at the local public park.

Before you grab your racket, you need to understand the rules. In this guide, we break down the basic rules of tennis, covering scoring, boundaries, and match pacing so you can start playing with confidence.

What Are the Lines on a Tennis Court?

The lines on a tennis court define the boundaries for serving, as well as the width of the playable area for singles and doubles matches.

Every court is divided by a net and features specific boxes and alleys. 

Baseline

The back boundary of the court. A player must stand behind this line to serve. If any shot lands past this line, it is "out".

Singles Line & Doubles Line

The inner side lines dictate the width of the court for singles, while the outer side lines (which include the "Doubles Alley") are used for doubles.

Center Mark & Service Lines

The center mark divides the baseline, indicating where the server must stand. The service lines form left and right "service boxes" right behind the net, which is where a player's serve must land to begin a point.

How Does Tennis Scoring Work?

Tennis scoring follows a unique progression where players earn points (15, 30, 40) to win games, games to win sets, and sets to win the match.

The scoring system is often the most confusing part for beginners, but it follows a simple hierarchy: Point > Game > Set > Match.

The Point System in Tennis

Always announce the server's score first.

Key Tennis Scoring Terms to Know

• Deuce: If the score ties at 40-40, it is called a "deuce."

• Advantage (Ad): To win a game from a deuce, a player must win by two points. The first point scored after a deuce is called the "Ad." If the player with the Ad loses the next point, the score returns to 40-40.

• Sets & Matches: The first player to win 6 games wins a set (must win by 2). If players tie at 6-6, they play a tiebreaker game. In most formats, the first player to win 2 sets wins the match.

How Do You Win a Point in Tennis?

Once a serve successfully lands in the correct service box, the point has officially started. 

Players rally the ball back and forth until one of the following happens to end the point:

• The opponent misses two serves in a row (Double Fault).

• The opponent hits the ball into the net or out of bounds.

• The ball bounces twice on the opponent's side of the court before they can hit it.

• A player hits a successful shot directly past their opponent.

What Is a "Let" in Tennis? 

A "let" simply means "let's play again." 

This happens if a serve clips the top of the net but still lands in the correct service box, or if an outside distraction (such as a stray ball or a spectator) interferes with the point. In both cases, the point is replayed without a penalty.

When Do Tennis Players Switch Sides?

Players switch sides of the court after the first game of a set, and then after every odd-numbered game (e.g., 2-1, 3-0).

Changeovers ensure both players get equal exposure to environmental conditions, such as sun exposure or wind. Players are allowed to sit and take a break during these changeovers, except for the very first changeover of a set.

Matches are also governed by a "Clock Rule," meaning players have only 25 seconds between the end of one point and the start of the next to keep the game moving.

What’s the Difference Between Singles vs. Doubles Tennis?

Doubles tennis features two teams of two players, uses a wider court, and requires a structured serving rotation. 

In doubles, the outer "Doubles Alley" is considered in-bounds, making the court much wider. Players on a team take turns serving and receiving, but the same player cannot serve twice in a row.

Build Your Wisconsin Tennis Court With C&C Courts

Now that you understand the rules, it's time to play! Tennis is an incredible way to get fresh air and exercise right in your backyard.

For over 35 years, C&C Courts has been building highly customized, premium athletic courts for families and businesses across Wisconsin. 

The best part? All of our tennis courts are designed for ultimate versatility. With our multi-sport net poles, you can easily transition your tennis court into a hub for pickleball, volleyball, and badminton, or even add basketball hoops!

If you're ready to make the most of Wisconsin's outdoor seasons, give us a call at 414-377-5294 or check out our gallery of completed projects to start designing your dream court today.