Tennis/Paddle Tennis

1. Tennis/Paddle Tennis

2. History • Tennis originated from a 12th Century French game called “Paume” (meaning palm); it was a court game where the ball was struck with the hand. • Paume later added rackets creating “jeu de paume.” • In 1873, Major Walter Wingfield invented a game called “Sphairistike,” from which modern outdoor tennis evolved.

3. History cont. • Tennis used to be a game reserved for the social elite (rich) who belonged to exclusive tennis clubs. • In 1874 Mary Outerbridge, a young socialite, returned from Bermuda where she met Major Wingfield and set up a court in Staten Island, NY. She is credited with bringing tennis to the U.S. • In 1889 the USTA opened its doors to female players, now 45% of tennis players are female. • Tennis began as a lawn sport. Later clay, asphalt, & concrete became more standard surfaces, easier to maintain.

4. History cont. • 1970s-Surge of interest in America due to TV coverage. • The tennis club scene is still strong, however, 60% of US players play free of charge on public/community courts. • Appeals to many because it can be played year round and is relatively low cost. • Tennis is a sport enjoyed by over 22 million Americans.

5. Games Played • Men’s Singles • Men’s Doubles • Women’s Singles • Women’s Doubles • Mixed Doubles (1 male, 1 female) • Australian Doubles (players rotate court position after each game)

6. How to Play • Score by hitting the ball into the opponent’s court and the ball either bounces twice or is not legally returned. • Server has two tries to get the ball into play. • Server will alternate service sides after each point. • Server will serve one entire game. Players will alternate service with each new game. • Lines are good.

7. Tennis Courts Court Surfaces Grass: faster-paced ball, erratic bounce (Wimbledon) Clay: slower pace, true bounce, more spin Hard: faster paced, true bounce (asphalt or concrete) Carpet: high/low bounce (removable cover, artificial-turf) Dimensions: Singles = 78’ X 27’ Doubles = 78’ X 36’

8. Court Lines • Baselines • Single Sidelines • Double Sidelines • Center Service Line • Center Mark • Fore court • Back court • Service Line

9. Vocabulary • Game: The game starts at 0-0 (Love-Love), each point is worth a score of 15 and multiples there after (except 45 is shortened to 40), a player must win by two points. • Set: Given to person who wins 6 games first. • Match: Men must win 3/5 Sets, Women must win 2/3 Sets • Ace: Serve that is good and not returned • Love: Zero (0) score (15-Love) • Deuce: Tie score above 30 (40-40, 60-60) • Ad-in: Advantage Server over 30 (40-30, 60-40) • Ad-out: Advantage Receiver over 30 (30-40, 40-60)

10. Scoring 15-Love 15 All 15-30 15-40 30-40 Server’s score is first 40-40 (Deuce) 60-40 (Ad-in) 60-60 (Deuce) Ad-out Deuce Ad-in

11. Types of Hits • Serve: ball is hit to opposite forecourt from baseline. • Forehand: open away from the net, step with opposite foot, swing forward. • Backhand: turn shoulder of hitting arm toward net, step on same foot as hitting arm, swing forward starting at waist height out to net. • Lob: a high arcing shot intended to clear your opponent’s outstretched racket and fall in the backcourt. Used defensively when you are out of position and need more time to recover. • Volley: a shot that is hit before it bounces on the ground. An offensive stroke taken close to the net. It is a short stroke that resembles a punch or block of the ball. (Less Swing = Less Force = Less Distance)

12. Equipment Racket/Paddle Head Face Throat Neck Grips: Eastern and Continental We use Continental-shake hands with the racket, “V” should point towards you.

13. Safety Rules • Do not jump over net. • Do not pull or sit on net. • Only hit when you are clear to do so. • Do not hit paddle against anything other than tennis ball. • People waiting to play should stay outside of basketball courts (white lines). • Do not put tennis balls in your mouth.