In every sport, there are some weird rules which amaze sports fans, and the same condition applies to tennis too. Suppose you are a newbie to tennis and want to know some special rules, to understand the matches more precisely – than this article will be helpful for you.
On the off chance, if you are unaware of such rules, you will be shocked while watching the matches and will think about how it happened. So, to avoid confusion and understand tennis for entertainment value that it has, here are some obscure rules you must be aware of. And if you are a sports fanatic, check out the latest tennis news on Buaksib.
7 Most Obscure Tennis Rules That Every Fan Must Know
In the tennis game, the rules are framed by the ITF, and there are ample in the list, and if a player breaches one, then a penalty is imposed.
For instance, underarm serves; most fans think this is illegal, but as per the tennis rule book of the ITF, if the ball is in the air and reaches the opponent’s court without hitting the ground, it is legal.
Likewise, there are many mind-blowing rules that are followed by tennis players in national and international level matches. So, let’s grab the amazing tennis guidelines to better enjoy playing and watching the tournaments.
1) A Player’s Position On The Court
The position of a server and an opponent is quite different on the court. The server has to focus on the baseline as he/she has to be behind the same line; also, the server has to maintain their position on the sideline. However, an opponent’s position is variable in nature, as he/she can stand anywhere on the court, even outside the lines too, but before serving.
2) An Underarm Serve Rule
As stated earlier in the example, a player can serve the ball underarm with the condition that the ball should be in the air and reach the opponent’s court without hitting the ground. This approach surprises the opponent, and as a result, the server gets a chance to win the point. Additionally, the ball movement is quite slow and almost falls near the opponent’s court, resulting in winning the point.
3) Time Limits
In every game, there is a time limit; for instance, in soccer, it usually occurs at half of the game (half-time). Likewise, in tennis, the time limit is also available, but it varies as per the points, match, and sets. The time limit for the points is 20 seconds and 1.5 minutes between the game. This time limit enables the players to quickly realizes the moment, and once the one set is over, the time given to the players is 2 minutes.
In tennis, there is also one rule for the server, i.e., he/she must serve when the opponent is ready. If anyone breaches the rule, the penalty will be imposed on the player as a point penalty.
4) Twice Hitting Of A Ball
In early 1970, there was a rule that hitting a ball twice, whether intentionally or unintentionally, was prohibited. But in matches it was observed that the swing ball was hit twice by the racket unintentionally; one hit the strings, and the other hit the racket. So, the rule framer decided to add this approach to the rule book, and thus, it has become legal in matches, and now the player (unintentionally) can hit the ball twice during the swing motion.
5) Hitting The Ball Around The Net
In matches, the basic rule of hitting the ball is over the net, but with time, some amendments were made to the rule, and now the players can hit the ball around the net with the condition that the ball should land on the opponent’s court. However, the player cannot hit the ball through the net, and as such, this approach is not allowed.
6) Maintaining Silence When The Ball Is Towards The Opponent Court
This rule isn’t quite surprising! But it happens and is especially noticed during doubles matches. In general, when the ball is approaching the players, they can talk as it is important for them to make an instant decision about their positioning.
On the off chance, if the rule is breached intentionally or unintentionally, then the opponent will get the point. Now, you can understand who can shout or who can remain silent during the doubles matches.
7) Racket Drop
The tennis player must have good control over the racket because ITF clearly states that if the player throws the racket to hit the ball, they will lose the point. Furthermore, if the fallen racket hits the ball or the racket hits the net, in such situations, the opponent will gain the point. However, if the racket falls unintentionally after hitting the ball, then, in that case, the game will go on, and no penalty will be imposed on the player.
The racket can also never tough the net during any part of a point. The player’s body and clothes should not touch the net, and if it happens, the opponent player will gain a point. On the off chance, if the ball lands outside the court, then the net rule is not applicable.
Bottom Line
Tennis is an amazing and exciting sport, and it is all because of these great rules.
To conclude, can a player catch a ball?
Well, in that case, the player will lose the point. The reason is the ITF rule, which clearly states that the player can’t touch the ball except when making contact with the racket. So, there are many more such strange examples, and the listed top 7 are at the top of the tennis rule book.
If you are a mere novice in tennis and want to begin your career in this sport, you must be familiar with such rules to play the game efficiently and win matches with a big margin.
