Description


Lawn tennis which is a game played by two players or two teams that alternate hitting a ball over a net upon an outdoor court.

The Early Game


Early versions of tennis dates back to the 13th century when it was played in the monasteries of France. The game became a favorite of the monks and spread from monastery to monastery. Because the popularity of the game caused a distraction from religious duties, the Catholic Pope banned its play. By the 14th century, the acceptance of the sport had reached the royalty of [France] and England. In England the game was known as 'royal tennis'. In France the game was called 'jeu de paume' which means 'palm game'. The game was played indoors and consisted of hitting a ball over a net with the bare hands.

Modern Game


The modern game of lawn tennis became apparent in 1873 when Major Walter Clopton Wingfield of England created Sphairistike. The game was based upon a combination of royal tennis, squash, and badminton. In 1877, Sphairistike would become proclaimed as 'lawn tennis' when the English croquet club changed its name to 'The All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club'. The first world championship for tennis was held in 1877 in the city of Wimbledon. This tournament is still played today.

Game Play


When one team or player competes against another, it is called a match. A match can consist of any amount of sets or [games]. Sets are a series of games, and the winner is the player who wins the most games.

Games consist of points, which are played by one player, standing behind the baseline, serving the tennis ball and getting it within the service court. The opponent of the player who does not return the ball into the court within the lines wins the point.

Games consist of 4 points, often named Love(0), 15(1), 30(2), 40(3), and 50(4). A game has to be won by a margin of two points, therefore if both players are at 3 points, 40 is reffered to as deuce. When one player reaches 50, it is called advantage 'out' or 'in', depending on who is saying it. 'Out' is when the opponent is ahead in points, and 'in' is when the person saying the score is winning in points.

External Links


  • Lawn Tennis Association of England
  • United States Tennis Association
  • Official Site of Wimbledon