The Rules of Tennis, established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), covers numerous items. These includes the exact measurement of the court, what can be permanently affixed to it, the net posts and net, the official size and color of the ball. The ball is white or yellow and can be no bigger than 2 5/8" (6.6 cm) in diameter, and weigh no more than 2 1/2 oz (58.5 g).
The Rules of Tennis also specifies the size and weight of the racquet, where to stand when serving, how to serve, etc.
There are about 40 rules of tennis, which are posted in most tennis clubs. Some of the more pertinent rules are:
ΓÇó Server and receiver must stand on opposite sides of the court.
ΓÇó Who gets first serve and from which end is determined by the toss of a coin or by spinning the racquet and calling which side will be up or down. The player who wins the toss or spin may choose or make the opponent choose.
ΓÇó The server must stand behind the baseline and within the confines of the sideline and the center lines. The ball must be struck before it hits the ground.
ΓÇó When delivering the serve the player must begin from the right court and serve to his opponent standing on the opposite left side of the court.
ΓÇó If the first serve is a fault, a second serve is awarded.
ΓÇó The server is not to serve until the receiver is ready.
ΓÇó If the ball touches the top of the net before bouncing into the correct service court, when is it is being served, a ΓÇ£letΓÇ¥ is called. The server serves again, with no penalty. However, if the serve hits the net and then goes outside the service court, a fault is called.
ΓÇó After the first game, it is the receiver's turn to serve with players alternating throughout the match.
ΓÇó Players change sides at the end of every odd-numbered game.
ΓÇó When a ball falls on a line it is still ΓÇ£goodΓÇ¥ or ΓÇ£in playΓÇ¥.
ΓÇó If a server makes two consecutive faults, known as a double fault, the receiver is given a point.
ΓÇó In a doubles game either player on the team serving first, may begin the match. Either person on the opposite team may receive the first ball in the right or ΓÇ£deuceΓÇ¥ court.
ΓÇó The receiving team may choose which player will play in which court. The same order of serving and the same sides for receiving must be maintained for the entire set.
ΓÇó When returning shots, except the serve, any of the players on the team may hit the ball.
