Tennis/Paddle Tennis

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

Tennis CourtsCourt 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’

Court Lines

• Baselines• Single Sidelines• Double Sidelines• Center Service Line• Center Mark• Fore court• Back court• Service Line

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)

Scoring

15-Love15 All15-3015-4030-40 Server’s score is

first40-40 (Deuce)60-40 (Ad-in)60-60 (Deuce)Ad-outDeuceAd-in

Sally 3 6 5

Julie 6 4 5

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)

Equipment

Racket/PaddleHeadFaceThroatNeck

Grips: Eastern and Continental We use Continental-shake hands with the racket, “V”

should point towards you.

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.