1st Sportstown Pacific OpenNTRP Men's 3.5 Singles Results
NTRP Men's 3.5 Singles
F
(6) Jeff Yue Yang d. (2) Paul Greveling
6-1; 6-2
SF
(2) Paul Greveling d. (4) Hung-sia Teh
2-6; 6-2; 6-1
SF
(6) Jeff Yue Yang d. (1) Jonathan Kooy
6-2; 6-4
Q
(2) Paul Greveling d. Tom Faraone
6-4; 6-2
Q
(4) Hung-sia Teh d. Darcy Lawrence
5-7; 6-0; 6-4
Q
(6) Jeff Yue Yang d. (3) Maha Sarsthi
6-2; 6-2
Q
(1) Jonathan Kooy d. Ferentz Schmidt
6-1; 6-4
16
(2) Paul Greveling d. Leroy Brown
7-6(2); 7-6(4)
16
Tom Faraone d. Gil Somerville
3-6; 7-5; 6-2
16
(4) Hung-sia Teh d. Michael Olango
4-6; 6-3; 6-2
16
Darcy Lawrence d. Ken Coady
7-5; 6-3
16
(6) Jeff Yue Yang d. Dennis Swartman
6-0; 6-0
16
(3) Maha Sarsthi d. Murray Johnston
6-3; 6-3
16
Ferentz Schmidt d. Dominique Leou
6-3; 6-1
16
(1) Jonathan Kooy d. Allen Hewitt
6-4; 0-6; 6-2
32
Leroy Brown d. Warren Scott
6-1; 6-0
32
Tom Faraone d. Adam Williamson
6-1; 4-6; 6-4
32
Gil Somerville d. Oliver Lawrence
0-6; 6-3; 6-2
32
Michael Olango d. Manny Salvo
6-1; 6-1
32
Ken Coady d. Blake Schaeferle
6-0; 6-0
32
Darcy Lawrence d. (5) Eyal Rosenfeld
6-1; 6-0
32
(6) Jeff Yue Yang d. Stefan Larose
6-3; 6-2
32
Dennis Swartman d. Norm Allan
1-6; 6-2; 6-1
32
Murray Johnston d. Daniel Lee
6-4; 6-3
32
Ferentz Schmidt d. Luke Favel
7-5; 6-1
32
Dominique Leou d. Brett Anthony
6-1; 6-3
32
Allen Hewitt d. Alvise De Buzzaccarini
6-4; 6-3
LINK: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Results.aspx?T=69647&E=3
2008年5月29日星期四
2008年5月22日星期四
2008年5月10日获得第十五届高贵林公开赛3.0组单打冠军
15th Annual Coquitlam Open 2008 Men's 3.0 Single Winners-- Jeff Yue Yang
15th Annual Coquitlam Open 2008Men's 3.0 Singles Results
Men's 3.0 Singles
F
Jeff Yue Yang d. Romeo Crema
6-2; 6-1
SF
Romeo Crema d. (4) Rudy Avila
2-6; 6-2; 6-2
SF
Jeff Yue Yang d. (5) David Avila
6-1; 6-2
Q
Romeo Crema d. Brian Bate
7-6; 6-1
Q
(4) Rudy Avila d. (6) Reza Heshami
2-6; 6-3; 7-5
Q
(5) David Avila d. (3) John Pagan
6-2; 6-3
Q
Jeff Yue Yang d. (1) Frank Hu
6-2; 6-0
16
Romeo Crema d. (2) Gil Somerville
7-5; 6-3
16
Brian Bate d. Dennis Swartman
6-0; 6-2
16
(4) Rudy Avila d. Dipin Bawa
6-2; 6-3
16
(6) Reza Heshami d. Justin Yan
7-5; 6-3
16
(5) David Avila d. Peter Yun
7-6; 6-1
16
(3) John Pagan d. William O'Malley
6-2; 6-2
16
Jeff Yue Yang d. Pablo Gutierrez
6-1; 6-2
16
(1) Frank Hu d. David Holt
6-2; 6-0
32
Romeo Crema d. Luke Favel
6-1; 6-3
32
Brian Bate d. Mark Seong
6-3; 6-3
32
Dennis Swartman d. Vladan Kosoric
2-6; 6-3; 6-3
32
Dipin Bawa d. Dorian Hare
6-2; 6-1
32
(6) Reza Heshami d. Mike Papa
6-3; 4-6; 6-2
32
Justin Yan d. Richard Matic
Wo (emerg)
32
Peter Yun d. Andrey Fedyushin
6-0; 6-0
32
(5) David Avila d. Amar Shan
6-0; 6-0
32
William O'Malley d. Jorge Neitzke
6-3; 6-3
32
Pablo Gutierrez d. Danny Lee
6-3; 3-6; 6-1
32
Jeff Yue Yang d. Dareck Faichuk
6-1; 6-0
32
David Holt d. Lonathan Ostonal
6-4; 6-1
LINK: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Results.aspx?T=68941&E=1
15th Annual Coquitlam Open 2008Men's 3.0 Singles Results
Men's 3.0 Singles
F
Jeff Yue Yang d. Romeo Crema
6-2; 6-1
SF
Romeo Crema d. (4) Rudy Avila
2-6; 6-2; 6-2
SF
Jeff Yue Yang d. (5) David Avila
6-1; 6-2
Q
Romeo Crema d. Brian Bate
7-6; 6-1
Q
(4) Rudy Avila d. (6) Reza Heshami
2-6; 6-3; 7-5
Q
(5) David Avila d. (3) John Pagan
6-2; 6-3
Q
Jeff Yue Yang d. (1) Frank Hu
6-2; 6-0
16
Romeo Crema d. (2) Gil Somerville
7-5; 6-3
16
Brian Bate d. Dennis Swartman
6-0; 6-2
16
(4) Rudy Avila d. Dipin Bawa
6-2; 6-3
16
(6) Reza Heshami d. Justin Yan
7-5; 6-3
16
(5) David Avila d. Peter Yun
7-6; 6-1
16
(3) John Pagan d. William O'Malley
6-2; 6-2
16
Jeff Yue Yang d. Pablo Gutierrez
6-1; 6-2
16
(1) Frank Hu d. David Holt
6-2; 6-0
32
Romeo Crema d. Luke Favel
6-1; 6-3
32
Brian Bate d. Mark Seong
6-3; 6-3
32
Dennis Swartman d. Vladan Kosoric
2-6; 6-3; 6-3
32
Dipin Bawa d. Dorian Hare
6-2; 6-1
32
(6) Reza Heshami d. Mike Papa
6-3; 4-6; 6-2
32
Justin Yan d. Richard Matic
Wo (emerg)
32
Peter Yun d. Andrey Fedyushin
6-0; 6-0
32
(5) David Avila d. Amar Shan
6-0; 6-0
32
William O'Malley d. Jorge Neitzke
6-3; 6-3
32
Pablo Gutierrez d. Danny Lee
6-3; 3-6; 6-1
32
Jeff Yue Yang d. Dareck Faichuk
6-1; 6-0
32
David Holt d. Lonathan Ostonal
6-4; 6-1
LINK: http://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/TournamentHome/Results.aspx?T=68941&E=1
2008年3月10日星期一
How to Determine Your NTRP Rating
Of all the descriptions of plaver levels -- from "A, B and C" to "beginner, intermediate, advanced" -- the best system was developed by the U.S. Tennis Association in 1979. The USTA defines player levels on a scale from 1.0 to 7.0 in its National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP). A condensed version appears below. For more information about NTRP ratings, visit the USTA site.
1.0
Just starting to play tennis
1.5
Has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.
2.0
Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5
Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
3.0
Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.
3.5
Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0
Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
4.5
Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0
Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5
Has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0
Has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.
6.5
Has extensive satellite tournament experience.
7.0
Makes his living from tournament prize money.
1.0
Just starting to play tennis
1.5
Has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.
2.0
Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.
2.5
Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
3.0
Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.
3.5
Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.
4.0
Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
4.5
Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
5.0
Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
5.5
Has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.
6.0
Has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking.
6.5
Has extensive satellite tournament experience.
7.0
Makes his living from tournament prize money.
Racquet Facts
Head Sizes
Hitting Surface area Designation
60-79 square inches (387-515 cm²) Traditional
80-94 square inches (516-612 cm²) Midsize
95-105 square inches (613-683 cm²) Mid Plus
106-115 square inches (684-747 cm²) Oversize
116+ square inches (748+ cm²) Super Oversize
Grip Sizes
U.S. Euro
4 1/8 inches 1
4 1/4 inches 2
4 3/4 inches 3
4 1/2 inches 4
4 5/8 inches 5
4 3/4 inches 6
4 7/8 inches 7
5 inches 8
Hitting Surface area Designation
60-79 square inches (387-515 cm²) Traditional
80-94 square inches (516-612 cm²) Midsize
95-105 square inches (613-683 cm²) Mid Plus
106-115 square inches (684-747 cm²) Oversize
116+ square inches (748+ cm²) Super Oversize
Grip Sizes
U.S. Euro
4 1/8 inches 1
4 1/4 inches 2
4 3/4 inches 3
4 1/2 inches 4
4 5/8 inches 5
4 3/4 inches 6
4 7/8 inches 7
5 inches 8
The Rules of Tennis
The Court
The Court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8 cm), the ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be not more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These posts shall not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the net cord. The centers of the posts shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the Court on each side and the height of the posts shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) above the ground.
When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) and singles Court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles Court on each side.
(See Rule 34 for a doubles court.)
USTA Comment:
The following is an approved method for obtaining proper net tautness. First, loosen the center strap. Next, tighten the net cord until it is approximately 40 inches above the ground, being careful not to overtighten the net. Finally, tighten the center strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These measurements should always be made before the first match of the day.
The lines bounding the ends and sides of the Court shall respectively be called the base-lines and the side-lines. On each side of the net, at a distance of 21 feet (6.40 m) from it and parallel with it, shall be drawn the service-lines. The space on each side of the net between the service-line and the side-lines shall be divided into two equal parts called the service-courts by the center service-line, which must be 2 inches (5 cm) in width, drawn half-way between, and parallel with, the side-line. Each base-line shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation of the center service-line to a line 4 inches (10 cm.) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in width called the "center mark" drawn inside the Court, at right angles to and in contact with such base-lines. All other lines shall be not less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) nor more than 2 inches (5 cm) in width, except the base-line, which may be not more than 4 inches (10 cm) in width, and all measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. All lines shall be of uniform color. If advertising or any other material is placed at the back of the Court, it may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.
If advertisements are placed on the chairs of the linesmen sitting at the back of the court, they may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.
ITF Note 1:
In Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Official Championships of the International Tennis Federation, specific requirements with regard to the space behind the baseline and at the sides are included in the respective Regulations for these events.
ITF Note 2:
At club or recreational level, the space behind each baseline should be not less than 18 feet (5.5 m) and at the sides not less than 10 feet (3.05 m).
Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Footfault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective places.
ITF Note:
For the purpose of this Rule, the word "Umpire" comprehends the Umpire, the persons entitled to a seat on the Court, and all those persons designated to assist the Umpire in the conduct of a match.
The Ball
Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:
a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in color. If there are any seams they shall be stitchless.
b. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.), Section iv (in 2001 Friend at Court) for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.
c. The ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) when dropped 100 inches (254.00 cm) upon a flat, rigid surface, e.g., concrete. The ball shall have a forward deformation of more than 0.220 of an inch (0.559 cm) and less than 0.290 of an inch (0.737 cm) and a return deformation of more than 0.315 of an inch (0.800 cm) and less than 0.425 of an inch (1.080 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165 kg) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more than 0.030 of an inch (0.076 cm) in each case.
d. For play above 4,000 feet (1219 m) in altitude above sea level, two additional types of ball may be used. The first type is identical to those described above except that the bound shall be more than 48 inches (121.92 cm) and less than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and the ball shall have an internal pressure that is greater than the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurized ball. The second type is identical to those described above except that they shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatized for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurized ball.
e. All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in accordance with the regulations in Appendix I (see 2001 Friend at Court).
f. The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
ITF Note 1:
Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation.
ITF Note 2:
From 1st January 2000 until 31st December 2001 two further types of tennis ball may be used on an experimental basis.
The first type is identical to those described in paragraphs a. to c. above except that the ball shall have a forward deformation of more than 0.195 inches (.495 cm.) and less than 0.235 inches (0.597 cm) and return deformation of more than 0.295 inches (0.749 cm) and less than 0.380 inches (0.965 cm). This type of ball shall be described as Ball Type 1 and may be used in either a pressurized or non-pressurized form.
Another type is identical to those described in paragraphs a. to c. above except that the size shall be more than 2.750 inches (6.985 cm) and less than 2.875 inches (7.302 cm) in diameter as determined by ring gauges and detailed in Appendix I, Section iv (See 2001 Friend at Court). This type of ball shall be described as Ball Type 3 and may be used in either a pressurized or non-pressurized form.
All other types of ball defined by Rule 3 shall be described as Ball Type 2.
For the purpose of tournaments played under this experiment:
1. Ball Type 1 (fast) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 1 (slow pace) (see Appendix I).
2. Ball Type 2 (medium) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 2 (medium/medium-fast pace) (see Appendix I in 2001 Friend at Court).
3. Ball Type 3 (slow) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 3 (fast pace) (see Appendix I in 2001 Friend at Court).
For non-professional play any ball type may be used on any surface type.
USTA Comment:
Professional play refers to tournaments conducted under the regulations of the ATP Tour, ITF, and WTA Tour. This includes Satellite, Futures, and Challenger tournaments.
USTA Comment:
For non-professional play, any ball type may be used in sanctioned tournaments if the ball has been approved by the ITF and the USTA. Matches played with any approved ball type shall be considered for ranking.
The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following specifications are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:
a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the center than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
b. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66 cm) in overall length, including the handle. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 12½ inches (31.75 cm) in overall width. The hitting surface shall not exceed 15½ inches (39.37 cm) in overall length, and 11½ inches (29.21 cm) in overall width.
c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
d. The frame, including the handle and the strings, shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the racket during the playing of a point.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
Case 1. Can there be more than one set of strings on the hitting surface of racket?
Decision. No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern, and not patterns, of crossed strings.
Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a racket considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision. No.
Case 3. Can vibration dampening devices be placed on the strings of a racket and if so, where can they be placed?
Decision. Yes; but such devices may be placed only outside the pattern of crossed strings.
Case 4. In the course of play, a player accidentally breaks the strings of his racket. Can he continue to play with the racket in this condition?
Decision. Yes
USTA Comment:
If after play has begun it is discovered that a player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung racket, all points played stand. The player must find another racket immediately. If the discovery occurs after the match is over, the match still counts.
Server and Receiver
The players shall stand on opposite sides of the net; the player who first delivers the ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.
Case 1. Does a player, attempting a stroke, lose the point if he crosses an imaginary line in the extension of the net,
a. before striking the ball,
b. after striking the ball?
Decision. He does not lose the point in either case by crossing the imaginary line and provided he does not enter the lines bounding his opponent's Court (Rule 20(e)). In regard to hindrance, his opponent may ask for the decision of the Umpire under Rules 21 and 25.
Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver must stand within the lines bounding his Court. Is this necessary?
Decision. No. The Receiver may stand wherever he pleases on his own side of the net.
Choice of Ends and Service
The choice of ends and the right to be Server or Receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss may choose or require his opponent to choose:
a. The right to be Server or Receiver, in which case the other player shall choose the end; or
b. The end, in which case the other player shall choose the right to be Server or Receiver.
Case 1. Do players have the right to new choices if the match is postponed or suspended before it has started?
Decision. Yes. The toss stands, but new choices may be made with respect to service and end.
USTA Comment:
The toss shall be made before the warm-up. Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except when the match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match.
The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the Server shall stand with both feet at rest behind (i.e. further from the net than) the base-line, and within the imaginary continuations of the center-mark and side-line. The Server shall then project the ball by hand into the air in any direction and before it hits the ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery shall be deemed to have been completed at the moment of the impact of the racket and the ball. A player with the use of only one arm may utilize his racket for the projection.
USTA Comment:
There is no restriction regarding the kind of service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at his discretion.
Case 1. May the Server in a singles game take his stand behind the portion of the base-line between the side-lines of the Singles Court and the Doubles Court?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
In singles, the server may stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline.
Case 2. If a player, when serving, throws up two or more balls instead of one, does he lose that service?
Decision. No. A let should be called, but if the Umpire regards the action as deliberate he may take action under Rule 21.
Foot Fault
The Server shall throughout the delivery of the Service:
a. Not change his position by walking or running. The Server shall not by slight movements of the feet which do not materially affect the location originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his position by walking or running".
b. Not touch with either foot any area other than that behind the base-line within the imaginary extensions of the center-mark and side-lines.
USTA Comment:
The key to understanding this rule is to realize that the Server's feet must be at rest immediately before beginning to serve. Immediately thereafter, the delivery of the service begins with any arm or racket motion and ends when the racket contacts the ball (or misses the ball in attempt to strike it).
A player commits a foot fault if after his feet are at rest but before he strikes the ball, either foot touches:
the Court, including the baseline;
any part of the imaginary extension of the center mark; or
beyond the imaginary extension of the outside edge of the sideline.
There can be no foot fault if the Server does not attempt to strike at the ball. As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or his racket or lets it drop to the ground.
USTA Comment:
This rule covers the most decisive stroke in the game, and there is no justification for its not being obeyed by players and enforced by officials. No official has the right to instruct any umpire to disregard violations of it. In a non-officiated match, the Receiver, or his partner, may call foot faults after all efforts (appeal to the server, request for an umpire, etc.) have failed and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the Receiver's side.
It is improper for any official to warn a player that he is in danger of having a foot fault called on him. On the other hand, if a player asks for an explanation of how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire or the Chair Umpire should give him that information.
Delivery of Service
a. In delivering the service, the Server shall stand alternately behind the right and left halves of the Court beginning from the right in every game. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
b. The ball served shall pass over the net and hit the ground within the Service Court which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns it.
Service Fault
The Service is a fault:
a. If the Server commits any breach of Rules 7, 8 or 9(b);
b. If he misses the ball in attempting to strike it;
c. If the ball served touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, strap or band) before it hits the ground.
Case 1. After throwing a ball up preparatory to serving, the Server decides not to strike at it and catches it instead. Is it a fault?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or his racket or lets it drop to the ground.
Case 2. In serving in a singles game played on a Doubles Court with doubles posts and singles sticks, the ball hits a singles stick and then hits the ground within the lines of the correct Service Court. Is this a fault or a let?
Decision. In serving it is a fault, because the singles stick, the doubles post, and that portion of the net or band between them are permanent fixtures. (Rules 2 and 10, and note to Rule 24.)
USTA Comment:
The significant point is that the part of the net and band "outside" the singles sticks is not part of the net over which this singles match is being played. Thus, such a serve is a fault under the provisions of subparagraph c. above. By the same token, this would be a fault also if it were a singles game played with permanent posts in the singles position. See Case 1 under Rule 24 for difference between "service" and "good return" with respect to a ball hitting a net post.
Second Service
After a fault (if it is the first fault) the Server shall serve again from behind the same half of the Court from which he served that fault, unless the service was from the wrong half, when, in accordance with Rule 9, the Server shall be entitled to one service only from behind the other half.
Case 1. A player serves from a wrong Court. He loses the point and then claims it was a fault because of his wrong station.
Decision. The point stands as played and the next service should be from the correct station according to the score.
Case 2. The point score being 15 all, the Server, by mistake, serves from the left-hand Court. He wins the point. He then serves again from the right-hand Court, delivering a fault. This mistake in station is then discovered. Is he entitled to the previous point? From which Court should he next serve?
Decision. The previous point stands. The next service should be from the left-hand Court, the score being 30/15, and the Server having served one fault.
When to Serve
The Server shall not serve until the Receiver is ready. If the latter attempts to return the service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however, the Receiver signifies that he is not ready, he may not claim a fault because the ball does not hit the ground within the limits fixed for the service.
USTA Comment:
The Server must wait until the Receiver is ready for the second service as well as the first, and if the Receiver claims to be not ready and does not make any effort to return a service, the Server's claim for the point may not be honored even though the service was good. However, the Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside interference takes place.
The "Let"
In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
a. When called solely in respective of a service that one service only shall be replayed.
b. When called under any other circumstance, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1. A service is interrupted by some cause outside those defined in Rule 14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision. No, the whole point must be replayed.
USTA Comment:
If the interruption occurs during delivery of the second service, the Server gets two serves.
Example: On a second service a linesman calls "fault" and immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile having let the ball go by. The Server is entitled to two serves on this ground: The corrected call means that the Server has put the ball into play with a good service, and once the ball is in play and a let is called, the point must be replayed. Note, however, that if the serve is an unmistakable ace -- that is, the Umpire is sure the erroneous call had no part in the Receiver's inability to play the ball -- the point should be declared for the Server.
If a delay between first and second serves is caused by the Receiver, an official, or outside interference, the whole point shall be replayed. If the delay is caused by the Server, the Server has one serve to come. A spectator's outcry (of "out," "fault," or other) is not a valid basis for replay of a point, but action should be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Case 2. If a ball in play becomes broken, should a let be called?
Decision. Yes.
USTA Comment:
A ball shall be regarded as having become "broken" if, in the opinion of the Umpire, it is found to have lost compression to the point of being unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason, and it is clear the defective ball was the one in play.
The Let in Service
The Service is a let:
a. If the ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching the net, strap or band, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries before hitting the ground.
b. If a service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is not ready (see Rule 12).
In case of a let, that particular service shall not count, and the Server shall serve again, but a service let does not annul a previous fault.
Order of Service
At the end of the first game, the Receiver shall become Server, and the Server Receiver; and so on alternately in all the subsequent games of a match. If a player serves out of turn, the player who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored before such discovery shall stand. A fault served before such discovery shall not stand. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service shall remain as altered.
When Players Change Ends
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent alternate game of each set, and at the end of each set unless the total number of games in such set is even, in which case the change is not made until the end of the first game of the next set.
If a mistake is made and the correct sequence is not followed the players must take up their correct station as soon as the discovery is made and follow their original sequence.
The Ball in Play
A ball is in play from the moment at which it is delivered in service. Unless a fault or a let is called it remains in play until the point is decided.
USTA Comment:
A point is not decided simply when, or because, a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball is still definitely in play until it actually strikes the ground, backstop, a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band), or a player. The same applies to a good ball, bounding after it has landed in the proper Court. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.
USTA Comment:
When a ball is hit into the net and the player on the other side, thinking the ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits the net he loses the point if his touching the net occurs while the ball is still in play.
Case 1. A player fails to make a good return. No call is made and the ball remains in play. May his opponent later claim the point after the rally has ended?
Decision. No. The point may not be claimed if the players continue to play after the error has been made, provided the opponent was not hindered.
USTA Comment:
An out call on A's shot to B's Court must be made before B's return has either gone out of play or been hit by A. See Case 3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired match.
Server Wins Point
The Server wins the point:
a. If the ball served, not being a let under Rule 14, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries, before it hits the ground;
b. If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
Receiver Wins Point
The Receiver wins the point:
a. If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
b. If the Server otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
Player Loses Point
A player loses the point if:
a. He fails, before the ball in play has hit the ground twice consecutively, to return it directly over the net (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
b. He returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object, outside any of the lines which bound his opponent's Court (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
c. He volleys the ball and fails to make a good return even when standing outside the Court; or
USTA Comment:
A ball hitting a scoring device or other object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker.
d. In playing the ball he deliberately carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than once; or
USTA Comment:
Only when there is a definite "second push" by the player does his shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The word "deliberately" is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.
e. He or his racket (in his hand or otherwise) or anything which he wears or carries touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the ground within his opponent's Court at any time while the ball is in play; or
USTA Comment:
Touching a pipe support that runs across the Court at the bottom of the net is interpreted as touching the net. See USTA Comment under Rule 23 for a ball which hits a pipe support.
f. He volleys the ball before it has passed the net; or
g. The ball in play touches him or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands; or
USTA Comment:
This loss of point occurs regardless of whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of his Court when the ball touches him.
h. He throws his racket at and hits the ball; or
i. He deliberately and materially changes the shape of his racket during the playing of the point.
Case 1. In serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net before the ball has touched the ground. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision. The Server loses the point because his racket touches the net whilst the ball is in play (Rule 20(e)).
Case 2. In serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net after the ball has touched the ground outside the proper court. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision. This is a fault because the ball was out of play when the racket touched the net.
Case 3. A and B are playing against C and D, A is serving to D, C touches the net before the ball touches the ground. A fault is then called because the service falls outside the Service Court. Do C and D lose the point?
Decision. The call "fault" is an erroneous one. C and D had already lost the point before "fault" could be called, because C touched the net whilst the ball was in play (Rule 20(e)).
Case 4. May a player jump over the net into his opponent's Court while the ball is in play and not suffer penalty?
Decision. No. He loses the point (Rule 20(e)).
Case 5. A cuts the ball just over the net, and it returns to A's side. B, unable to reach the ball, throws his racket and hits the ball. Both racket and ball fall over the net on A's Court. A returns the ball outside of B's Court. Does B win or lose the point?
Decision. B loses the point (Rule 20(e) and (h)).
Case 6. A player standing outside the service Court is struck by a service ball before it has touched the ground. Does he win or lose the point?
Decision. The player struck loses the point (Rule 20(g)), except as provided under Rule 14(a).
Case 7. A player standing outside the Court volleys the ball or catches it in his hand and claims the point because the ball was certainly going out of court.
Decision. In no circumstances can he claim the point:
i. If he catches the ball he loses the point under Rule 20(g).
ii. If he volleys it and makes a bad return he loses the point under Rule 20(c).
iii. If he volleys it and makes a good return, the rally continues.
Player Hinders Opponent
If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1. Is a player liable to a penalty if in making a stroke he touches his opponent?
Decision. No, unless the Umpire deems it necessary to take action under Rule 21.
Case 2. When a ball bounds back over the net, the player concerned may reach over the net in order to play the ball. What is the ruling if the player is hindered from doing this by his opponent?
Decision. In accordance with Rule 21, the Umpire may either award the point to the player hindered, or order the point to be replayed (see also Rule 25).
Case 3. Does an involuntary double hit constitute an act which hinders an opponent within Rule 21?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
"Deliberate" means a player did what he intended to do, although the resulting effect on his opponent might or might not have been what he intended. Example: a player, after his return is in the air, gives advice to his partner in such a loud voice that his opponent is hindered. "Involuntary" means a non-intentional act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting from a sudden wasp sting.
Ball Falls on Line
A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling in the Court bounded by that line.
USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match, each player makes the call on any ball hit toward his side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty, he should regard it as good. In doubles, normally the Receiver's partner makes the calls with respect to the service line, with the Receiver calling the side and center lines, but either partner may make the call on any ball he clearly sees out.
Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground, the player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins the point.
USTA Comment:
A ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20(e) for a player who touches a pipe support.
Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The player claims that the ball was going into Court.
Decision. He loses the point.
A Good Return
It is a good return:
a. If the ball touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the Court; or
b. If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that he does not contravene Rule 20(e); or
c. If the ball is returned outside the posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top to the net, even though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the proper Court; or
d. If a player's racket passes over the net after he has returned the ball, provided the ball passes the net before being played and is properly returned; or
e. If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.
USTA Comment:
Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball lying on the Court at the start of the point as a result of a service let or fault or as a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary "foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let should be played. See Case 7 under Rule 25 which pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match.
ITF Note:
In a singles match, if, for the sake of convenience, a Doubles Court is equipped with singles sticks for the purpose of a singles game, then the doubles posts and those portions of the net, cord or metal cable and the band outside such singles sticks shall at all times be permanent fixtures, and are not regarded as posts or parts of the net of a singles game.
USTA Comment:
In doubles this would be a "through" loss of point.
A return that passes under the net cord between the singles stick and adjacent doubles post without touching either net cord, net or doubles post and falls within the court, is a good return.
Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a net post or singles stick and falls within the lines of the opponent's Court. Is the stroke good?
Decision. If a service: no, under Rule 10(c). If other than a service: yes, under Rule 24(a).
Case 2. Is it a good return if a player returns the ball holding his racket in both hands?
Decision. Yes.
Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes a ball lying in the Court. Is the point won or lost thereby?
Decision. No. Play must continue. If it is not clear to the Umpire that the right ball is returned a let should be called.
USTA Comment:
A ball that is touching a boundary line is considered to be "lying in the Court."
Case 4. May a player use more than one racket at any time during play?
Decision. No. The whole implication of the Rules is singular.
Case 5. May a player request that a ball or balls lying in his opponent's Court be removed?
Decision. Yes, but not while a ball is in play.
USTA Comment:
This request must be honored.
Hindrance of a Player
In case a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within his control, except a permanent fixture of the Court, or except as provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.
USTA Comment:
See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets.
Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a player, who fails to return the ball. May the player then claim a let?
Decision. Yes. If in the Umpire's opinion he was obstructed by circumstances beyond his control, but not if due to permanent fixtures of the Court or the arrangements of the ground.
Case 2. A player is interfered with as in Case No.1, and the Umpire calls a let. The Server had previously served a fault. Has he the right to two services?
Decision. Yes. As the ball is in play, the point, not merely the stroke, must be replayed as the Rule provides.
Case 3. May a player claim a let under Rule 25 because he thought his opponent was being hindered, and consequently did not expect the ball to be returned?
Decision. No.
Case 4. Is a stroke good when a ball in play hits another ball in the air?
Decision. A let should be called unless the other ball is in the air by the act of one of the players, in which case the Umpire will decide under Rule 21.
Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls "fault" or "out", and then corrects himself, which of the calls shall prevail?
Decision. A let must be called unless, in the opinion of the Umpire, neither player is hindered in his game, in which case the corrected call shall prevail.
Case 6. If the first ball served -- a fault -- rebounds, interfering with the Receiver at the time of the second service, may the Receiver claim a let?
Decision. Yes. But if he had an opportunity to remove the ball from the Court and negligently failed to do so, he may not claim a let.
Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the ball touches a stationary or moving object on the Court?
Decision. It is a good stroke unless the stationary object came into Court after the ball was put into play in which case a let must be called. If the ball in play strikes an object moving along or above the surface of the Court a let must be called.
Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service is a fault, the second service correct, and it becomes necessary to call a let either under the provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is unable to decide the point?
Decision. The fault shall be annulled and the whole point replayed.
Score in a Game
a. If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; and the next point won by a player is scored advantage for that player.
If the same player wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.
b. Optional Alternative Scoring System
The No-Ad System of Scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the traditional scoring system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the event.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; one deciding point shall then be played. The receiver shall choose whether he wishes to receive the service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The player who wins the deciding point is scored the game.
Doubles
In doubles a similar procedure to that for singles shall apply. At deuce the Receiving Team shall choose whether it wishes to receive the Service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The team who wins the deciding point is scored the game.
Mixed Doubles
In mixed doubles, a slightly different procedure will apply as follows: At deuce, with the male player serving, he shall serve to the male player of the opposing team irrespective of which half of the court he is standing, and when the female player is serving, she shall serve to the female player of the opposing team.
USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match the Server should announce, in a voice audible to his opponent and spectators, the set score at the beginning of each game, and point scores as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be avoided if this practice is followed.
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.II. authorizes the Referee to switch to No-Ad scoring before the start of any round without prior notice in all tournaments other than national junior championships after inclement weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind its published schedule.
Score in a Set
a. A player (or players) who first wins six games wins a set; except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent and where necessary a set shall be extended until this margin is achieved.
b. The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the advantage set system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the match.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.3. requires that a Set Tie-Break be played in all sets. The Set Tie-Break is the tie-break game described in Rule 27(b).
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches six games all in any set except in the third or fifth set of a three-set or five-set match respectively when an ordinary advantage set shall be played, unless otherwise decided and announced in advance of the match.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break game.
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.4. authorizes the use of the Set Tie-Break or the Match Tie-Break in lieu of the third or final set in selected tournaments.
Singles
i. A player who first wins seven points shall win the game and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points all the game shall be extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
ii. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. His opponent shall be the Server for the second and third points and thereafter each player shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the winner of the game and set has been decided.
iii. From the first point, each service shall be delivered alternately from the right and left Courts, beginning from the right Court. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
iv. Players shall change ends after every six points and at the conclusion of the tie-break game.
v. The tie-break game shall count as one game for the ball change, except that, if the balls are due to be changed at the beginning of the tie-break, the change shall be delayed until the second game of the following set.
Doubles
In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. Thereafter each player shall serve in rotation for two points, in the same order previously in that set, until the winners of the game and set have been decided.
Rotation of Service
The player (or pair in the case of doubles) whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.
Case 1. At six all the tie-break is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that an advantage set will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall count but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point the game shall continue as a tie-break game.
Case 2. At six all, an advantage game is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that a tie-break will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall be counted but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point an advantage set shall be continued. If the score thereafter reaches eight games all or a higher even number, a tie-break shall be played.
Case 3. If during a tie-break in a singles or doubles game, a player serves out of turn, shall the order of service remain as altered until the end of the game?
Decision. If a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall remain as altered. If the error is discovered before a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall be corrected immediately and any points already played shall count.
Alternative scoring methods approved until 31 December 2001 can be found in Appendix II.
Maximum Number of Sets
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (the player/team needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (the player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the match).
Role of Court Officials
In matches where an Umpire is appointed, his decision shall be final; but where a Referee is appointed, an appeal shall lie to him from the decision of an Umpire on a question of law, and in all such cases the decision of the Referee shall be final.
In matches where assistants to the Umpire are appointed (Linespersons, Net-cord Judges, Foot-fault Judges) their decisions shall be final on questions of fact except that if in the opinion of an Umpire a clear mistake has been made he shall have the right to change the decision of an assistant or order a let to be played. When such an assistant is unable to give a decision he shall indicate this immediately to the Umpire who shall give a decision. When an Umpire is unable to give a decision on a question of fact he shall order a let to be played.
In Davis Cup matches or other team competitions where a Referee is on Court, any decision can be changed by the Referee, who may also instruct an Umpire to order a let to be played.
The Referee, in his discretion, may at any time postpone a match on account of darkness or the condition of the ground or the weather. In any case of postponement the previous score and previous occupancy of courts shall hold good, unless the Referee and the players unanimously agree otherwise.
USTA Comment:
See fourth USTA Comment under Rule 30 regarding resumption of suspended match.
Case 1. The Umpire orders a let, but a player claims that the point should not be replayed. May the Referee be requested to give a decision?
Decision. Yes. A question of tennis law, that is, an issue relating to the application of specific facts, shall first be determined by the Umpire. However, if the Umpire is uncertain or if a player appeals from his determination, then the Referee shall be requested to give a decision, and his decision is final.
Case 2. A ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good. May the Referee give a ruling?
Decision. No. This is a question of fact, that is an issue relating to what actually occurred during a specific incident, and the decision of the on-court officials is therefore final.
Case 3. May an Umpire overrule a Linesman at the end of a rally if, in his opinion, a clear mistake has been made during the course of a rally?
Decision. No. An Umpire may overrule a Linesman only if he does so immediately after the mistake has been made.
USTA Comment:
Examples of questions of fact include whether a ball is in or out, whether a ball touched a player, whether a ball bounced twice, and whether the server's foot touched the baseline before hitting a serve. Examples of questions of tennis law include whether an act was a hindrance; whether a player should have been assessed a code violation for his conduct; and the procedure for correcting errors in serving order, serving and receiving position, and ends.
USTA Comment:
See Rule 17, Case 1, regarding non-officiated matches.
Case 4. A Linesman calls a ball out. The Umpire was unable to see clearly, although he thought the ball was in. May he overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may overrule if he considers that a call was incorrect beyond all reasonable doubt. He may overrule a ball determined good by a Linesman only if he has been able to see a space between the ball and the line; and he may overrule a ball determined out, or a fault, by a Linesman only if he has seen the ball hit the line, or fall inside the line.
Case 5. May a Linesman change his call after the Umpire has given the score?
Decision. Yes. If a Linesman realizes he has made an error, he may make a correction provided he does so immediately.
Case 6. A player claims his return shot was good after a Linesman called "out." May the Umpire overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may never overrule as a result of a protest or an appeal by a player.
Continuous Play and Rest Periods
Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, in accordance with the following provisions:
a. If the first service is a fault, the second service must be struck by the Server without delay. The Receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the Server and must be ready to receive when the Server is ready to serve.
When changing ends a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
However, after the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends without a rest period.
At the conclusion of each set, there shall be a set break of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
The Umpire shall use his discretion when there is interference which makes it impractical for play to be continuous.
The organizers of international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF may determine the time allowed between points, which shall be a maximum of twenty (20) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of one point to the time the ball is struck for the next point.
b. Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical condition. However, in the case of a treatable medical condition, the Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension for that injury.
USTA Comment:
The 20-second rule applies only to certain international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF. When practical, in USTA sanctioned tournaments using a certified official in direct observation of the match, the time which shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point to the time the ball is struck shall not exceed 25 seconds.
c. If, through circumstances outside the control of the player, his clothing, footwear or equipment (excluding racket) becomes out of adjustment in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable for him to play on, the Umpire may suspend play while the maladjustment is rectified.
USTA Comment:
If equipment other than a racket becomes unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended for a reasonable period and the player may leave the Court to correct the problem. If a racket or racket string is broken, Rule 30 does not permit play to be suspended. A player who leaves the Court to get a replacement is subject to code violation(s) under the Point Penalty System.
USTA Comment:
Loss of, or damage to, a contact lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment maladjustment. All players must follow the same rules with respect to suspending play, even though in misty but playable weather, a player who wears glasses may be handicapped.
d. The Umpire may suspend or delay play at any time as may be necessary and appropriate.
e. After the third set, or when women take part the second set, either player shall be entitled to a rest, which shall not exceed 10 minutes, or in countries situated between latitude 15 degrees north and latitude 15 degrees south, 45 minutes and furthermore, when necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the Umpire may suspend play for such a period as he may consider necessary. If play is suspended and is not resumed until a later day the rest may be taken only after the third set (or when women take part the second set) of play on such a later day, completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
If play is suspended and is not resumed until 10 minutes have elapsed in the same day the rest may be taken only after three consecutive sets have been played without interruption (or when women take part two sets), completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
Any nation and/or committee organizing a tournament, match or competition, is at liberty to modify this provision or omit it from its regulations provided this is announced before the event commences. With respect to the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, only the International Tennis Federation may modify this provision or omit it from its Regulations.
USTA Comment:
When a match is resumed after a suspension of more than ten minutes, it is permissible for the players to engage in a re-warm-up that may be of the same duration as that at the start of the match. The preferred method is to warm-up with other used balls and then insert the match balls when play starts. If the match balls are used in the re-warm-up, then the next ball change will be two games sooner. There shall be no re-warm-up after an authorized intermission or after a suspension of ten minutes or less.
USTA Comment:
When there are no ballpersons, this time may be extended to 10 minutes.
f. A tournament committee has the discretion to decide the time allowed for a warm-up period prior to a match but this may not exceed five minutes and must be announced before the event commences.
g. When approved point penalty and non-accumulative point penalty systems are in operation, the Umpire shall make his decisions within the terms of those systems.
h. Upon violation of the principle that play shall be continuous the Umpire may, after giving due warning, disqualify the offender.
Coaching
During the playing of a match in a team competition, a player may receive coaching from a captain who is sitting on the court only when he changes ends at the end of a game, but not when he changes ends during a tie-break game.
A player may not receive coaching during the playing of any other match. The provisions of this rule must be strictly construed.
After due warning an offending player may be disqualified. When an approved point penalty system is in operation, the Umpire shall impose penalties according to that system.
Case 1. Should a warning be given, or the player be disqualified, if the coaching is given by signals in an unobtrusive manner?
Decision. The Umpire must take action as soon as he becomes aware that coaching is being given verbally or by signals. If the Umpire is unaware that coaching is being given, a player may draw his attention to the fact that advice is being given.
Case 2. Can a player receive coaching during an authorized rest period under Rule 30(e), or when play is interrupted and he leaves the court?
Decision. Yes. In these circumstances, when the player is not on the court, there is no restriction on coaching.
USTA Comment:
Coaching is not permitted in the USA Adult and Senior League Program except during authorized rest periods.
USTA Comment:
No player may receive coaching during a toilet visit.
ITF Note:
The word "coaching" includes any advice or instruction.
Ball Change
In cases where balls are to be changed after a specified number of games, if the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the mistake shall be corrected when the player, or pair in the case of doubles, who should have served with new balls is next due to serve. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that the number of games between changes shall be that originally agreed.
The Doubles Game
The above Rules shall apply to the Doubles Game except as so noted in rules 34-40.
The Doubles Court
For the Doubles Game, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97m.) in width, i.e. 41 feet 2 feet (1.37m.) wider on each side than the Court for the Singles Game, and those portions of the singles side-lines which lie between the two service-lines shall be called the service side-lines. In other respects, the Court shall be similar to that described in Rule 1, but the portions of the singles side-lines between the base-line and service-line on each side of the net may be omitted if desired.
ITF Notes:
i. If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the points a, b, c, d, but the court can be measured out as above. Alternatively, the corners of the base-line (c, d) can be found if preferred by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead of at A and B, and by then using lengths of 47'5" (14.46 m) and 39'0" (11.89 m). The net posts will be at n, n, and a 33'0" (10 m) singles net should be used.
ii. When a combined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks," which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the points n, n, should each be shown with a white dot when the court is marked.
The net shall be extended fully so that it fills completely the space between the two posts and shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent the ball passing through. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (.914 m) at the center, where it shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5 cm) wide and completely white in color. There shall be a band covering the cord or metal cable and the top of the net of not less than 2 inches (5 cm) nor more than 21 feet 2 inches (6.35 cm) in depth on each side and completely white in color. There shall be no advertisement on the net, strap, band or singles sticks.
USTA Comment:
The Server has the right in doubles to stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extension of the inside edge of the center mark and the imaginary extension of the outside edge of the doubles sideline.
Order of Service in Doubles
The order of serving shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which partner shall do so and the opposing pair shall decide similarly for the second game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve in the third; the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth, and so on in the same order in all the subsequent games of a set.
Case 1. In doubles, one player does not appear in time to play, and his partner claims to be allowed to play single-handed against the opposing players. May he do so?
Decision. No.
Order of Receiving in Doubles
The order of receiving the service shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to receive the service in the first game shall decide which partner shall receive the first service, and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every odd game throughout that set.
The opposing pair shall likewise decide which partner shall receive the first service in the second game and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every even game throughout that set. Partners shall receive the service alternately throughout each game.
Case 1. Is it allowable in doubles for the Server's partner or the Receiver's partner to stand in a position that obstructs the view of the Receiver?
Decision. Yes. The Server's partner or the Receiver's partner may take any position on his side of the net in or out of the Court that he wishes.
Service out of Turn in Doubles
If a partner serves out of his turn, the partner who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored, and any faults served before such discovery, shall be reckoned. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service remains as altered.
USTA Comment:
For an exception to Rule 37, see Case 3 under Rule 27.
Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles
If during a game the order of receiving the service is changed by the Receivers it shall remain as altered until the end of the game in which the mistake is discovered, but the partners shall resume their original order of receiving in the next game of that set in which they are Receivers of the service.
Service Fault in Doubles
The service is a fault as provided for by Rule 10, or if the ball touches the Server's partner or anything which he wears or carries; but if the ball served touches the partner of the Receiver, or anything which he wears or carries, not being a let under Rule 14(a) before it hits the ground, the Server wins the point.
Playing the Ball in Doubles
The ball shall be struck alternately by one or other player of the opposing pairs, and if a player touches the ball in play with his racket in contravention of this Rule, his opponents win the point.
ITF Note 1:
Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender.
ITF Note 2:
See Rule 26(b) with regard to the Optional Alternative Scoring System in Doubles and Mixed.
USTA Comment:
The partners themselves do not have to "alternate" in making returns. In the course of making one return, only one member of a doubles team may hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either simultaneously or consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does not make a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.
Rules of Wheelchair Tennis
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Federation except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player must return the ball before it hits the ground a third time. The wheelchair is part of the body and all applicable ITF Rules which apply to a player's body shall apply to the wheelchair.
The Competitive Wheelchair Tennis Player
a. In order to be eligible to compete in sanctioned ITF wheelchair tennis tournaments and the paralympic games, a player must have a medically diagnosed permanent mobility-related physical disability. This permanent physical disability must result in a substantial or total loss of function in one or more lower extremities. If, as a result of these functional limitations, the player is unable to play competitive able-bodied tennis (that is, having the mobility to cover the court with adequate speed), then the player is eligible to play competitive wheelchair tennis in sanctioned ITF wheelchair tennis tournaments.
b. Examples of permanent disabilities that meet the eligibility criteria are: paralysis; amputation; radiological evidence of limb shortening; partial to full joint ankylosis or joint replacement. Such physical disabilities must consistently interfere with functional mobility. Findings such as soft tissue contracture, ligamentous instability, edema or disuse atrophy, or symptoms such as pain or numbness, without other eligibility criteria listed above shall not be considered a permanent physical disability.
c. A quadriplegic division player shall be characterized as one who meets the criteria for permanent physical disability as defined above in at least three extremities.
Any questions or appeal as to a player's eligibility to participate under this rule will be decided under the procedures listed in Appendix IV (See 2001 Friend at Court).
The Service
a. The served ball may, after hitting the ground in the service court, hit the ground once again within the bounds of the court or it may hit the ground outside the court boundaries before the receiver returns it.
b. The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the server shall be in a stationary position. The server shall then be allowed one push before striking the ball.
c. The server shall throughout the delivery of the service not touch with any wheel, any area other than that behind the baseline within the imaginary extension of the center mark and sideline.
d. If conventional methods for the service are physically impossible for a quadriplegic player, then such a player or another individual may drop the ball for such a player. However, the same method of serving must be used each time.
The Ball In Play
The ball is in play until the point is decided. The ball must be returned into the opponent's court prior to it touching the ground a third time. The second bounce can be either in or out of the court boundaries.
Player Loses Point
A player loses a point if:
a. He fails to return the ball before it has touched the ground three times.
b. He uses any part of his feet or lower extremities against the ground or against any wheel while the ball is in play.
c. He fails to keep one buttock in contact with his wheelchair seat when contacting the ball.
Wheelchair/Able-Bodied Tennis
Where a wheelchair player as defined in Rule I above, is playing with or against an able-bodied person in singles or in doubles, the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for the wheelchair player while the Rules of Tennis for able-bodied tennis shall apply for the able-bodied player. In this instance, the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only one bounce.
ITF Note:
The definition of lower extremities is: the lower limb, including the buttocks, hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.
Appendix II: Alternative Scoring methods (Rule 27)
"Short" sets
The first player/team who wins four games wins the Set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Deciding tie-break game
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
Deciding "sudden death"
When the score in the match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, the match shall be decided by a Sudden Death. The first player/team who wins two games wins the Set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches two games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
International Tennis Federation Rule 69
The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in the English language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of the resolution embodying such alteration shall have been received by the Federation in accordance with Article 16 of the Constitution of ITF Ltd. (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or one having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of the votes recorded in respect of the same.
Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.
The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent questions of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General Meeting next following.
This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous consent of a General Meeting of the Council.
USTA Comment:
The ITF, not the USTA, is responsible for the Rules of Tennis. Amendments to the Rules of Tennis are made through the procedures of the ITF. Rule 69 of the ITF controls the manner in which amendments may be made to the Rules of Tennis.
The Court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8 cm), the ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be not more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These posts shall not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the net cord. The centers of the posts shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the Court on each side and the height of the posts shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) above the ground.
When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) and singles Court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles Court on each side.
(See Rule 34 for a doubles court.)
USTA Comment:
The following is an approved method for obtaining proper net tautness. First, loosen the center strap. Next, tighten the net cord until it is approximately 40 inches above the ground, being careful not to overtighten the net. Finally, tighten the center strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These measurements should always be made before the first match of the day.
The lines bounding the ends and sides of the Court shall respectively be called the base-lines and the side-lines. On each side of the net, at a distance of 21 feet (6.40 m) from it and parallel with it, shall be drawn the service-lines. The space on each side of the net between the service-line and the side-lines shall be divided into two equal parts called the service-courts by the center service-line, which must be 2 inches (5 cm) in width, drawn half-way between, and parallel with, the side-line. Each base-line shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation of the center service-line to a line 4 inches (10 cm.) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in width called the "center mark" drawn inside the Court, at right angles to and in contact with such base-lines. All other lines shall be not less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) nor more than 2 inches (5 cm) in width, except the base-line, which may be not more than 4 inches (10 cm) in width, and all measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. All lines shall be of uniform color. If advertising or any other material is placed at the back of the Court, it may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.
If advertisements are placed on the chairs of the linesmen sitting at the back of the court, they may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.
ITF Note 1:
In Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Official Championships of the International Tennis Federation, specific requirements with regard to the space behind the baseline and at the sides are included in the respective Regulations for these events.
ITF Note 2:
At club or recreational level, the space behind each baseline should be not less than 18 feet (5.5 m) and at the sides not less than 10 feet (3.05 m).
Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Footfault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective places.
ITF Note:
For the purpose of this Rule, the word "Umpire" comprehends the Umpire, the persons entitled to a seat on the Court, and all those persons designated to assist the Umpire in the conduct of a match.
The Ball
Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:
a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in color. If there are any seams they shall be stitchless.
b. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.), Section iv (in 2001 Friend at Court) for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.
c. The ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) when dropped 100 inches (254.00 cm) upon a flat, rigid surface, e.g., concrete. The ball shall have a forward deformation of more than 0.220 of an inch (0.559 cm) and less than 0.290 of an inch (0.737 cm) and a return deformation of more than 0.315 of an inch (0.800 cm) and less than 0.425 of an inch (1.080 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165 kg) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more than 0.030 of an inch (0.076 cm) in each case.
d. For play above 4,000 feet (1219 m) in altitude above sea level, two additional types of ball may be used. The first type is identical to those described above except that the bound shall be more than 48 inches (121.92 cm) and less than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and the ball shall have an internal pressure that is greater than the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurized ball. The second type is identical to those described above except that they shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatized for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurized ball.
e. All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in accordance with the regulations in Appendix I (see 2001 Friend at Court).
f. The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
ITF Note 1:
Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation.
ITF Note 2:
From 1st January 2000 until 31st December 2001 two further types of tennis ball may be used on an experimental basis.
The first type is identical to those described in paragraphs a. to c. above except that the ball shall have a forward deformation of more than 0.195 inches (.495 cm.) and less than 0.235 inches (0.597 cm) and return deformation of more than 0.295 inches (0.749 cm) and less than 0.380 inches (0.965 cm). This type of ball shall be described as Ball Type 1 and may be used in either a pressurized or non-pressurized form.
Another type is identical to those described in paragraphs a. to c. above except that the size shall be more than 2.750 inches (6.985 cm) and less than 2.875 inches (7.302 cm) in diameter as determined by ring gauges and detailed in Appendix I, Section iv (See 2001 Friend at Court). This type of ball shall be described as Ball Type 3 and may be used in either a pressurized or non-pressurized form.
All other types of ball defined by Rule 3 shall be described as Ball Type 2.
For the purpose of tournaments played under this experiment:
1. Ball Type 1 (fast) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 1 (slow pace) (see Appendix I).
2. Ball Type 2 (medium) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 2 (medium/medium-fast pace) (see Appendix I in 2001 Friend at Court).
3. Ball Type 3 (slow) should only be used for play on court surface types which have been classified as Category 3 (fast pace) (see Appendix I in 2001 Friend at Court).
For non-professional play any ball type may be used on any surface type.
USTA Comment:
Professional play refers to tournaments conducted under the regulations of the ATP Tour, ITF, and WTA Tour. This includes Satellite, Futures, and Challenger tournaments.
USTA Comment:
For non-professional play, any ball type may be used in sanctioned tournaments if the ball has been approved by the ITF and the USTA. Matches played with any approved ball type shall be considered for ranking.
The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following specifications are not approved for play under the Rules of Tennis:
a. The hitting surface of the racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings connected to a frame and alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the stringing pattern shall be generally uniform, and in particular not less dense in the center than in any other area. The racket shall be designed and strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. The strings shall be free of attached objects and protrusions other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, and which are reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
b. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66 cm) in overall length, including the handle. The frame of the racket shall not exceed 12½ inches (31.75 cm) in overall width. The hitting surface shall not exceed 15½ inches (39.37 cm) in overall length, and 11½ inches (29.21 cm) in overall width.
c. The frame, including the handle, shall be free of attached objects and devices other than those utilized solely and specifically to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration, or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices must be reasonable in size and placement for such purposes.
d. The frame, including the handle and the strings, shall be free of any device which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the racket, or to change the weight distribution in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the racket during the playing of a point.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III in 2001 Friend at Court).
Case 1. Can there be more than one set of strings on the hitting surface of racket?
Decision. No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern, and not patterns, of crossed strings.
Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a racket considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision. No.
Case 3. Can vibration dampening devices be placed on the strings of a racket and if so, where can they be placed?
Decision. Yes; but such devices may be placed only outside the pattern of crossed strings.
Case 4. In the course of play, a player accidentally breaks the strings of his racket. Can he continue to play with the racket in this condition?
Decision. Yes
USTA Comment:
If after play has begun it is discovered that a player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung racket, all points played stand. The player must find another racket immediately. If the discovery occurs after the match is over, the match still counts.
Server and Receiver
The players shall stand on opposite sides of the net; the player who first delivers the ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.
Case 1. Does a player, attempting a stroke, lose the point if he crosses an imaginary line in the extension of the net,
a. before striking the ball,
b. after striking the ball?
Decision. He does not lose the point in either case by crossing the imaginary line and provided he does not enter the lines bounding his opponent's Court (Rule 20(e)). In regard to hindrance, his opponent may ask for the decision of the Umpire under Rules 21 and 25.
Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver must stand within the lines bounding his Court. Is this necessary?
Decision. No. The Receiver may stand wherever he pleases on his own side of the net.
Choice of Ends and Service
The choice of ends and the right to be Server or Receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss may choose or require his opponent to choose:
a. The right to be Server or Receiver, in which case the other player shall choose the end; or
b. The end, in which case the other player shall choose the right to be Server or Receiver.
Case 1. Do players have the right to new choices if the match is postponed or suspended before it has started?
Decision. Yes. The toss stands, but new choices may be made with respect to service and end.
USTA Comment:
The toss shall be made before the warm-up. Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except when the match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match.
The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the Server shall stand with both feet at rest behind (i.e. further from the net than) the base-line, and within the imaginary continuations of the center-mark and side-line. The Server shall then project the ball by hand into the air in any direction and before it hits the ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery shall be deemed to have been completed at the moment of the impact of the racket and the ball. A player with the use of only one arm may utilize his racket for the projection.
USTA Comment:
There is no restriction regarding the kind of service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at his discretion.
Case 1. May the Server in a singles game take his stand behind the portion of the base-line between the side-lines of the Singles Court and the Doubles Court?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
In singles, the server may stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline.
Case 2. If a player, when serving, throws up two or more balls instead of one, does he lose that service?
Decision. No. A let should be called, but if the Umpire regards the action as deliberate he may take action under Rule 21.
Foot Fault
The Server shall throughout the delivery of the Service:
a. Not change his position by walking or running. The Server shall not by slight movements of the feet which do not materially affect the location originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his position by walking or running".
b. Not touch with either foot any area other than that behind the base-line within the imaginary extensions of the center-mark and side-lines.
USTA Comment:
The key to understanding this rule is to realize that the Server's feet must be at rest immediately before beginning to serve. Immediately thereafter, the delivery of the service begins with any arm or racket motion and ends when the racket contacts the ball (or misses the ball in attempt to strike it).
A player commits a foot fault if after his feet are at rest but before he strikes the ball, either foot touches:
the Court, including the baseline;
any part of the imaginary extension of the center mark; or
beyond the imaginary extension of the outside edge of the sideline.
There can be no foot fault if the Server does not attempt to strike at the ball. As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or his racket or lets it drop to the ground.
USTA Comment:
This rule covers the most decisive stroke in the game, and there is no justification for its not being obeyed by players and enforced by officials. No official has the right to instruct any umpire to disregard violations of it. In a non-officiated match, the Receiver, or his partner, may call foot faults after all efforts (appeal to the server, request for an umpire, etc.) have failed and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the Receiver's side.
It is improper for any official to warn a player that he is in danger of having a foot fault called on him. On the other hand, if a player asks for an explanation of how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire or the Chair Umpire should give him that information.
Delivery of Service
a. In delivering the service, the Server shall stand alternately behind the right and left halves of the Court beginning from the right in every game. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
b. The ball served shall pass over the net and hit the ground within the Service Court which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns it.
Service Fault
The Service is a fault:
a. If the Server commits any breach of Rules 7, 8 or 9(b);
b. If he misses the ball in attempting to strike it;
c. If the ball served touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, strap or band) before it hits the ground.
Case 1. After throwing a ball up preparatory to serving, the Server decides not to strike at it and catches it instead. Is it a fault?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or his racket or lets it drop to the ground.
Case 2. In serving in a singles game played on a Doubles Court with doubles posts and singles sticks, the ball hits a singles stick and then hits the ground within the lines of the correct Service Court. Is this a fault or a let?
Decision. In serving it is a fault, because the singles stick, the doubles post, and that portion of the net or band between them are permanent fixtures. (Rules 2 and 10, and note to Rule 24.)
USTA Comment:
The significant point is that the part of the net and band "outside" the singles sticks is not part of the net over which this singles match is being played. Thus, such a serve is a fault under the provisions of subparagraph c. above. By the same token, this would be a fault also if it were a singles game played with permanent posts in the singles position. See Case 1 under Rule 24 for difference between "service" and "good return" with respect to a ball hitting a net post.
Second Service
After a fault (if it is the first fault) the Server shall serve again from behind the same half of the Court from which he served that fault, unless the service was from the wrong half, when, in accordance with Rule 9, the Server shall be entitled to one service only from behind the other half.
Case 1. A player serves from a wrong Court. He loses the point and then claims it was a fault because of his wrong station.
Decision. The point stands as played and the next service should be from the correct station according to the score.
Case 2. The point score being 15 all, the Server, by mistake, serves from the left-hand Court. He wins the point. He then serves again from the right-hand Court, delivering a fault. This mistake in station is then discovered. Is he entitled to the previous point? From which Court should he next serve?
Decision. The previous point stands. The next service should be from the left-hand Court, the score being 30/15, and the Server having served one fault.
When to Serve
The Server shall not serve until the Receiver is ready. If the latter attempts to return the service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however, the Receiver signifies that he is not ready, he may not claim a fault because the ball does not hit the ground within the limits fixed for the service.
USTA Comment:
The Server must wait until the Receiver is ready for the second service as well as the first, and if the Receiver claims to be not ready and does not make any effort to return a service, the Server's claim for the point may not be honored even though the service was good. However, the Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside interference takes place.
The "Let"
In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
a. When called solely in respective of a service that one service only shall be replayed.
b. When called under any other circumstance, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1. A service is interrupted by some cause outside those defined in Rule 14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision. No, the whole point must be replayed.
USTA Comment:
If the interruption occurs during delivery of the second service, the Server gets two serves.
Example: On a second service a linesman calls "fault" and immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile having let the ball go by. The Server is entitled to two serves on this ground: The corrected call means that the Server has put the ball into play with a good service, and once the ball is in play and a let is called, the point must be replayed. Note, however, that if the serve is an unmistakable ace -- that is, the Umpire is sure the erroneous call had no part in the Receiver's inability to play the ball -- the point should be declared for the Server.
If a delay between first and second serves is caused by the Receiver, an official, or outside interference, the whole point shall be replayed. If the delay is caused by the Server, the Server has one serve to come. A spectator's outcry (of "out," "fault," or other) is not a valid basis for replay of a point, but action should be taken to prevent a recurrence.
Case 2. If a ball in play becomes broken, should a let be called?
Decision. Yes.
USTA Comment:
A ball shall be regarded as having become "broken" if, in the opinion of the Umpire, it is found to have lost compression to the point of being unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason, and it is clear the defective ball was the one in play.
The Let in Service
The Service is a let:
a. If the ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching the net, strap or band, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries before hitting the ground.
b. If a service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is not ready (see Rule 12).
In case of a let, that particular service shall not count, and the Server shall serve again, but a service let does not annul a previous fault.
Order of Service
At the end of the first game, the Receiver shall become Server, and the Server Receiver; and so on alternately in all the subsequent games of a match. If a player serves out of turn, the player who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored before such discovery shall stand. A fault served before such discovery shall not stand. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service shall remain as altered.
When Players Change Ends
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent alternate game of each set, and at the end of each set unless the total number of games in such set is even, in which case the change is not made until the end of the first game of the next set.
If a mistake is made and the correct sequence is not followed the players must take up their correct station as soon as the discovery is made and follow their original sequence.
The Ball in Play
A ball is in play from the moment at which it is delivered in service. Unless a fault or a let is called it remains in play until the point is decided.
USTA Comment:
A point is not decided simply when, or because, a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball is still definitely in play until it actually strikes the ground, backstop, a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band), or a player. The same applies to a good ball, bounding after it has landed in the proper Court. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.
USTA Comment:
When a ball is hit into the net and the player on the other side, thinking the ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits the net he loses the point if his touching the net occurs while the ball is still in play.
Case 1. A player fails to make a good return. No call is made and the ball remains in play. May his opponent later claim the point after the rally has ended?
Decision. No. The point may not be claimed if the players continue to play after the error has been made, provided the opponent was not hindered.
USTA Comment:
An out call on A's shot to B's Court must be made before B's return has either gone out of play or been hit by A. See Case 3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired match.
Server Wins Point
The Server wins the point:
a. If the ball served, not being a let under Rule 14, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries, before it hits the ground;
b. If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
Receiver Wins Point
The Receiver wins the point:
a. If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
b. If the Server otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.
Player Loses Point
A player loses the point if:
a. He fails, before the ball in play has hit the ground twice consecutively, to return it directly over the net (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
b. He returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object, outside any of the lines which bound his opponent's Court (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
c. He volleys the ball and fails to make a good return even when standing outside the Court; or
USTA Comment:
A ball hitting a scoring device or other object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker.
d. In playing the ball he deliberately carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than once; or
USTA Comment:
Only when there is a definite "second push" by the player does his shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The word "deliberately" is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.
e. He or his racket (in his hand or otherwise) or anything which he wears or carries touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the ground within his opponent's Court at any time while the ball is in play; or
USTA Comment:
Touching a pipe support that runs across the Court at the bottom of the net is interpreted as touching the net. See USTA Comment under Rule 23 for a ball which hits a pipe support.
f. He volleys the ball before it has passed the net; or
g. The ball in play touches him or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands; or
USTA Comment:
This loss of point occurs regardless of whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of his Court when the ball touches him.
h. He throws his racket at and hits the ball; or
i. He deliberately and materially changes the shape of his racket during the playing of the point.
Case 1. In serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net before the ball has touched the ground. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision. The Server loses the point because his racket touches the net whilst the ball is in play (Rule 20(e)).
Case 2. In serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net after the ball has touched the ground outside the proper court. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision. This is a fault because the ball was out of play when the racket touched the net.
Case 3. A and B are playing against C and D, A is serving to D, C touches the net before the ball touches the ground. A fault is then called because the service falls outside the Service Court. Do C and D lose the point?
Decision. The call "fault" is an erroneous one. C and D had already lost the point before "fault" could be called, because C touched the net whilst the ball was in play (Rule 20(e)).
Case 4. May a player jump over the net into his opponent's Court while the ball is in play and not suffer penalty?
Decision. No. He loses the point (Rule 20(e)).
Case 5. A cuts the ball just over the net, and it returns to A's side. B, unable to reach the ball, throws his racket and hits the ball. Both racket and ball fall over the net on A's Court. A returns the ball outside of B's Court. Does B win or lose the point?
Decision. B loses the point (Rule 20(e) and (h)).
Case 6. A player standing outside the service Court is struck by a service ball before it has touched the ground. Does he win or lose the point?
Decision. The player struck loses the point (Rule 20(g)), except as provided under Rule 14(a).
Case 7. A player standing outside the Court volleys the ball or catches it in his hand and claims the point because the ball was certainly going out of court.
Decision. In no circumstances can he claim the point:
i. If he catches the ball he loses the point under Rule 20(g).
ii. If he volleys it and makes a bad return he loses the point under Rule 20(c).
iii. If he volleys it and makes a good return, the rally continues.
Player Hinders Opponent
If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1. Is a player liable to a penalty if in making a stroke he touches his opponent?
Decision. No, unless the Umpire deems it necessary to take action under Rule 21.
Case 2. When a ball bounds back over the net, the player concerned may reach over the net in order to play the ball. What is the ruling if the player is hindered from doing this by his opponent?
Decision. In accordance with Rule 21, the Umpire may either award the point to the player hindered, or order the point to be replayed (see also Rule 25).
Case 3. Does an involuntary double hit constitute an act which hinders an opponent within Rule 21?
Decision. No.
USTA Comment:
"Deliberate" means a player did what he intended to do, although the resulting effect on his opponent might or might not have been what he intended. Example: a player, after his return is in the air, gives advice to his partner in such a loud voice that his opponent is hindered. "Involuntary" means a non-intentional act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting from a sudden wasp sting.
Ball Falls on Line
A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling in the Court bounded by that line.
USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match, each player makes the call on any ball hit toward his side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty, he should regard it as good. In doubles, normally the Receiver's partner makes the calls with respect to the service line, with the Receiver calling the side and center lines, but either partner may make the call on any ball he clearly sees out.
Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground, the player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins the point.
USTA Comment:
A ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20(e) for a player who touches a pipe support.
Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The player claims that the ball was going into Court.
Decision. He loses the point.
A Good Return
It is a good return:
a. If the ball touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the Court; or
b. If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that he does not contravene Rule 20(e); or
c. If the ball is returned outside the posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top to the net, even though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the proper Court; or
d. If a player's racket passes over the net after he has returned the ball, provided the ball passes the net before being played and is properly returned; or
e. If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.
USTA Comment:
Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball lying on the Court at the start of the point as a result of a service let or fault or as a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary "foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let should be played. See Case 7 under Rule 25 which pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match.
ITF Note:
In a singles match, if, for the sake of convenience, a Doubles Court is equipped with singles sticks for the purpose of a singles game, then the doubles posts and those portions of the net, cord or metal cable and the band outside such singles sticks shall at all times be permanent fixtures, and are not regarded as posts or parts of the net of a singles game.
USTA Comment:
In doubles this would be a "through" loss of point.
A return that passes under the net cord between the singles stick and adjacent doubles post without touching either net cord, net or doubles post and falls within the court, is a good return.
Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a net post or singles stick and falls within the lines of the opponent's Court. Is the stroke good?
Decision. If a service: no, under Rule 10(c). If other than a service: yes, under Rule 24(a).
Case 2. Is it a good return if a player returns the ball holding his racket in both hands?
Decision. Yes.
Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes a ball lying in the Court. Is the point won or lost thereby?
Decision. No. Play must continue. If it is not clear to the Umpire that the right ball is returned a let should be called.
USTA Comment:
A ball that is touching a boundary line is considered to be "lying in the Court."
Case 4. May a player use more than one racket at any time during play?
Decision. No. The whole implication of the Rules is singular.
Case 5. May a player request that a ball or balls lying in his opponent's Court be removed?
Decision. Yes, but not while a ball is in play.
USTA Comment:
This request must be honored.
Hindrance of a Player
In case a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within his control, except a permanent fixture of the Court, or except as provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.
USTA Comment:
See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets.
Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a player, who fails to return the ball. May the player then claim a let?
Decision. Yes. If in the Umpire's opinion he was obstructed by circumstances beyond his control, but not if due to permanent fixtures of the Court or the arrangements of the ground.
Case 2. A player is interfered with as in Case No.1, and the Umpire calls a let. The Server had previously served a fault. Has he the right to two services?
Decision. Yes. As the ball is in play, the point, not merely the stroke, must be replayed as the Rule provides.
Case 3. May a player claim a let under Rule 25 because he thought his opponent was being hindered, and consequently did not expect the ball to be returned?
Decision. No.
Case 4. Is a stroke good when a ball in play hits another ball in the air?
Decision. A let should be called unless the other ball is in the air by the act of one of the players, in which case the Umpire will decide under Rule 21.
Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls "fault" or "out", and then corrects himself, which of the calls shall prevail?
Decision. A let must be called unless, in the opinion of the Umpire, neither player is hindered in his game, in which case the corrected call shall prevail.
Case 6. If the first ball served -- a fault -- rebounds, interfering with the Receiver at the time of the second service, may the Receiver claim a let?
Decision. Yes. But if he had an opportunity to remove the ball from the Court and negligently failed to do so, he may not claim a let.
Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the ball touches a stationary or moving object on the Court?
Decision. It is a good stroke unless the stationary object came into Court after the ball was put into play in which case a let must be called. If the ball in play strikes an object moving along or above the surface of the Court a let must be called.
Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service is a fault, the second service correct, and it becomes necessary to call a let either under the provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is unable to decide the point?
Decision. The fault shall be annulled and the whole point replayed.
Score in a Game
a. If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; and the next point won by a player is scored advantage for that player.
If the same player wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.
b. Optional Alternative Scoring System
The No-Ad System of Scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the traditional scoring system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the event.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; one deciding point shall then be played. The receiver shall choose whether he wishes to receive the service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The player who wins the deciding point is scored the game.
Doubles
In doubles a similar procedure to that for singles shall apply. At deuce the Receiving Team shall choose whether it wishes to receive the Service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The team who wins the deciding point is scored the game.
Mixed Doubles
In mixed doubles, a slightly different procedure will apply as follows: At deuce, with the male player serving, he shall serve to the male player of the opposing team irrespective of which half of the court he is standing, and when the female player is serving, she shall serve to the female player of the opposing team.
USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match the Server should announce, in a voice audible to his opponent and spectators, the set score at the beginning of each game, and point scores as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be avoided if this practice is followed.
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.II. authorizes the Referee to switch to No-Ad scoring before the start of any round without prior notice in all tournaments other than national junior championships after inclement weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind its published schedule.
Score in a Set
a. A player (or players) who first wins six games wins a set; except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent and where necessary a set shall be extended until this margin is achieved.
b. The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the advantage set system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the match.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.3. requires that a Set Tie-Break be played in all sets. The Set Tie-Break is the tie-break game described in Rule 27(b).
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches six games all in any set except in the third or fifth set of a three-set or five-set match respectively when an ordinary advantage set shall be played, unless otherwise decided and announced in advance of the match.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break game.
USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.4. authorizes the use of the Set Tie-Break or the Match Tie-Break in lieu of the third or final set in selected tournaments.
Singles
i. A player who first wins seven points shall win the game and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points all the game shall be extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
ii. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. His opponent shall be the Server for the second and third points and thereafter each player shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the winner of the game and set has been decided.
iii. From the first point, each service shall be delivered alternately from the right and left Courts, beginning from the right Court. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
iv. Players shall change ends after every six points and at the conclusion of the tie-break game.
v. The tie-break game shall count as one game for the ball change, except that, if the balls are due to be changed at the beginning of the tie-break, the change shall be delayed until the second game of the following set.
Doubles
In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. Thereafter each player shall serve in rotation for two points, in the same order previously in that set, until the winners of the game and set have been decided.
Rotation of Service
The player (or pair in the case of doubles) whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.
Case 1. At six all the tie-break is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that an advantage set will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall count but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point the game shall continue as a tie-break game.
Case 2. At six all, an advantage game is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that a tie-break will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall be counted but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point an advantage set shall be continued. If the score thereafter reaches eight games all or a higher even number, a tie-break shall be played.
Case 3. If during a tie-break in a singles or doubles game, a player serves out of turn, shall the order of service remain as altered until the end of the game?
Decision. If a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall remain as altered. If the error is discovered before a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall be corrected immediately and any points already played shall count.
Alternative scoring methods approved until 31 December 2001 can be found in Appendix II.
Maximum Number of Sets
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (the player/team needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (the player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the match).
Role of Court Officials
In matches where an Umpire is appointed, his decision shall be final; but where a Referee is appointed, an appeal shall lie to him from the decision of an Umpire on a question of law, and in all such cases the decision of the Referee shall be final.
In matches where assistants to the Umpire are appointed (Linespersons, Net-cord Judges, Foot-fault Judges) their decisions shall be final on questions of fact except that if in the opinion of an Umpire a clear mistake has been made he shall have the right to change the decision of an assistant or order a let to be played. When such an assistant is unable to give a decision he shall indicate this immediately to the Umpire who shall give a decision. When an Umpire is unable to give a decision on a question of fact he shall order a let to be played.
In Davis Cup matches or other team competitions where a Referee is on Court, any decision can be changed by the Referee, who may also instruct an Umpire to order a let to be played.
The Referee, in his discretion, may at any time postpone a match on account of darkness or the condition of the ground or the weather. In any case of postponement the previous score and previous occupancy of courts shall hold good, unless the Referee and the players unanimously agree otherwise.
USTA Comment:
See fourth USTA Comment under Rule 30 regarding resumption of suspended match.
Case 1. The Umpire orders a let, but a player claims that the point should not be replayed. May the Referee be requested to give a decision?
Decision. Yes. A question of tennis law, that is, an issue relating to the application of specific facts, shall first be determined by the Umpire. However, if the Umpire is uncertain or if a player appeals from his determination, then the Referee shall be requested to give a decision, and his decision is final.
Case 2. A ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good. May the Referee give a ruling?
Decision. No. This is a question of fact, that is an issue relating to what actually occurred during a specific incident, and the decision of the on-court officials is therefore final.
Case 3. May an Umpire overrule a Linesman at the end of a rally if, in his opinion, a clear mistake has been made during the course of a rally?
Decision. No. An Umpire may overrule a Linesman only if he does so immediately after the mistake has been made.
USTA Comment:
Examples of questions of fact include whether a ball is in or out, whether a ball touched a player, whether a ball bounced twice, and whether the server's foot touched the baseline before hitting a serve. Examples of questions of tennis law include whether an act was a hindrance; whether a player should have been assessed a code violation for his conduct; and the procedure for correcting errors in serving order, serving and receiving position, and ends.
USTA Comment:
See Rule 17, Case 1, regarding non-officiated matches.
Case 4. A Linesman calls a ball out. The Umpire was unable to see clearly, although he thought the ball was in. May he overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may overrule if he considers that a call was incorrect beyond all reasonable doubt. He may overrule a ball determined good by a Linesman only if he has been able to see a space between the ball and the line; and he may overrule a ball determined out, or a fault, by a Linesman only if he has seen the ball hit the line, or fall inside the line.
Case 5. May a Linesman change his call after the Umpire has given the score?
Decision. Yes. If a Linesman realizes he has made an error, he may make a correction provided he does so immediately.
Case 6. A player claims his return shot was good after a Linesman called "out." May the Umpire overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may never overrule as a result of a protest or an appeal by a player.
Continuous Play and Rest Periods
Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, in accordance with the following provisions:
a. If the first service is a fault, the second service must be struck by the Server without delay. The Receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the Server and must be ready to receive when the Server is ready to serve.
When changing ends a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
However, after the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends without a rest period.
At the conclusion of each set, there shall be a set break of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
The Umpire shall use his discretion when there is interference which makes it impractical for play to be continuous.
The organizers of international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF may determine the time allowed between points, which shall be a maximum of twenty (20) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of one point to the time the ball is struck for the next point.
b. Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical condition. However, in the case of a treatable medical condition, the Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension for that injury.
USTA Comment:
The 20-second rule applies only to certain international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF. When practical, in USTA sanctioned tournaments using a certified official in direct observation of the match, the time which shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point to the time the ball is struck shall not exceed 25 seconds.
c. If, through circumstances outside the control of the player, his clothing, footwear or equipment (excluding racket) becomes out of adjustment in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable for him to play on, the Umpire may suspend play while the maladjustment is rectified.
USTA Comment:
If equipment other than a racket becomes unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended for a reasonable period and the player may leave the Court to correct the problem. If a racket or racket string is broken, Rule 30 does not permit play to be suspended. A player who leaves the Court to get a replacement is subject to code violation(s) under the Point Penalty System.
USTA Comment:
Loss of, or damage to, a contact lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment maladjustment. All players must follow the same rules with respect to suspending play, even though in misty but playable weather, a player who wears glasses may be handicapped.
d. The Umpire may suspend or delay play at any time as may be necessary and appropriate.
e. After the third set, or when women take part the second set, either player shall be entitled to a rest, which shall not exceed 10 minutes, or in countries situated between latitude 15 degrees north and latitude 15 degrees south, 45 minutes and furthermore, when necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the Umpire may suspend play for such a period as he may consider necessary. If play is suspended and is not resumed until a later day the rest may be taken only after the third set (or when women take part the second set) of play on such a later day, completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
If play is suspended and is not resumed until 10 minutes have elapsed in the same day the rest may be taken only after three consecutive sets have been played without interruption (or when women take part two sets), completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
Any nation and/or committee organizing a tournament, match or competition, is at liberty to modify this provision or omit it from its regulations provided this is announced before the event commences. With respect to the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, only the International Tennis Federation may modify this provision or omit it from its Regulations.
USTA Comment:
When a match is resumed after a suspension of more than ten minutes, it is permissible for the players to engage in a re-warm-up that may be of the same duration as that at the start of the match. The preferred method is to warm-up with other used balls and then insert the match balls when play starts. If the match balls are used in the re-warm-up, then the next ball change will be two games sooner. There shall be no re-warm-up after an authorized intermission or after a suspension of ten minutes or less.
USTA Comment:
When there are no ballpersons, this time may be extended to 10 minutes.
f. A tournament committee has the discretion to decide the time allowed for a warm-up period prior to a match but this may not exceed five minutes and must be announced before the event commences.
g. When approved point penalty and non-accumulative point penalty systems are in operation, the Umpire shall make his decisions within the terms of those systems.
h. Upon violation of the principle that play shall be continuous the Umpire may, after giving due warning, disqualify the offender.
Coaching
During the playing of a match in a team competition, a player may receive coaching from a captain who is sitting on the court only when he changes ends at the end of a game, but not when he changes ends during a tie-break game.
A player may not receive coaching during the playing of any other match. The provisions of this rule must be strictly construed.
After due warning an offending player may be disqualified. When an approved point penalty system is in operation, the Umpire shall impose penalties according to that system.
Case 1. Should a warning be given, or the player be disqualified, if the coaching is given by signals in an unobtrusive manner?
Decision. The Umpire must take action as soon as he becomes aware that coaching is being given verbally or by signals. If the Umpire is unaware that coaching is being given, a player may draw his attention to the fact that advice is being given.
Case 2. Can a player receive coaching during an authorized rest period under Rule 30(e), or when play is interrupted and he leaves the court?
Decision. Yes. In these circumstances, when the player is not on the court, there is no restriction on coaching.
USTA Comment:
Coaching is not permitted in the USA Adult and Senior League Program except during authorized rest periods.
USTA Comment:
No player may receive coaching during a toilet visit.
ITF Note:
The word "coaching" includes any advice or instruction.
Ball Change
In cases where balls are to be changed after a specified number of games, if the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the mistake shall be corrected when the player, or pair in the case of doubles, who should have served with new balls is next due to serve. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that the number of games between changes shall be that originally agreed.
The Doubles Game
The above Rules shall apply to the Doubles Game except as so noted in rules 34-40.
The Doubles Court
For the Doubles Game, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97m.) in width, i.e. 41 feet 2 feet (1.37m.) wider on each side than the Court for the Singles Game, and those portions of the singles side-lines which lie between the two service-lines shall be called the service side-lines. In other respects, the Court shall be similar to that described in Rule 1, but the portions of the singles side-lines between the base-line and service-line on each side of the net may be omitted if desired.
ITF Notes:
i. If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the points a, b, c, d, but the court can be measured out as above. Alternatively, the corners of the base-line (c, d) can be found if preferred by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead of at A and B, and by then using lengths of 47'5" (14.46 m) and 39'0" (11.89 m). The net posts will be at n, n, and a 33'0" (10 m) singles net should be used.
ii. When a combined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks," which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the points n, n, should each be shown with a white dot when the court is marked.
The net shall be extended fully so that it fills completely the space between the two posts and shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent the ball passing through. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (.914 m) at the center, where it shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5 cm) wide and completely white in color. There shall be a band covering the cord or metal cable and the top of the net of not less than 2 inches (5 cm) nor more than 21 feet 2 inches (6.35 cm) in depth on each side and completely white in color. There shall be no advertisement on the net, strap, band or singles sticks.
USTA Comment:
The Server has the right in doubles to stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extension of the inside edge of the center mark and the imaginary extension of the outside edge of the doubles sideline.
Order of Service in Doubles
The order of serving shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which partner shall do so and the opposing pair shall decide similarly for the second game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve in the third; the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth, and so on in the same order in all the subsequent games of a set.
Case 1. In doubles, one player does not appear in time to play, and his partner claims to be allowed to play single-handed against the opposing players. May he do so?
Decision. No.
Order of Receiving in Doubles
The order of receiving the service shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to receive the service in the first game shall decide which partner shall receive the first service, and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every odd game throughout that set.
The opposing pair shall likewise decide which partner shall receive the first service in the second game and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every even game throughout that set. Partners shall receive the service alternately throughout each game.
Case 1. Is it allowable in doubles for the Server's partner or the Receiver's partner to stand in a position that obstructs the view of the Receiver?
Decision. Yes. The Server's partner or the Receiver's partner may take any position on his side of the net in or out of the Court that he wishes.
Service out of Turn in Doubles
If a partner serves out of his turn, the partner who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored, and any faults served before such discovery, shall be reckoned. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service remains as altered.
USTA Comment:
For an exception to Rule 37, see Case 3 under Rule 27.
Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles
If during a game the order of receiving the service is changed by the Receivers it shall remain as altered until the end of the game in which the mistake is discovered, but the partners shall resume their original order of receiving in the next game of that set in which they are Receivers of the service.
Service Fault in Doubles
The service is a fault as provided for by Rule 10, or if the ball touches the Server's partner or anything which he wears or carries; but if the ball served touches the partner of the Receiver, or anything which he wears or carries, not being a let under Rule 14(a) before it hits the ground, the Server wins the point.
Playing the Ball in Doubles
The ball shall be struck alternately by one or other player of the opposing pairs, and if a player touches the ball in play with his racket in contravention of this Rule, his opponents win the point.
ITF Note 1:
Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender.
ITF Note 2:
See Rule 26(b) with regard to the Optional Alternative Scoring System in Doubles and Mixed.
USTA Comment:
The partners themselves do not have to "alternate" in making returns. In the course of making one return, only one member of a doubles team may hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either simultaneously or consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does not make a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.
Rules of Wheelchair Tennis
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Federation except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player must return the ball before it hits the ground a third time. The wheelchair is part of the body and all applicable ITF Rules which apply to a player's body shall apply to the wheelchair.
The Competitive Wheelchair Tennis Player
a. In order to be eligible to compete in sanctioned ITF wheelchair tennis tournaments and the paralympic games, a player must have a medically diagnosed permanent mobility-related physical disability. This permanent physical disability must result in a substantial or total loss of function in one or more lower extremities. If, as a result of these functional limitations, the player is unable to play competitive able-bodied tennis (that is, having the mobility to cover the court with adequate speed), then the player is eligible to play competitive wheelchair tennis in sanctioned ITF wheelchair tennis tournaments.
b. Examples of permanent disabilities that meet the eligibility criteria are: paralysis; amputation; radiological evidence of limb shortening; partial to full joint ankylosis or joint replacement. Such physical disabilities must consistently interfere with functional mobility. Findings such as soft tissue contracture, ligamentous instability, edema or disuse atrophy, or symptoms such as pain or numbness, without other eligibility criteria listed above shall not be considered a permanent physical disability.
c. A quadriplegic division player shall be characterized as one who meets the criteria for permanent physical disability as defined above in at least three extremities.
Any questions or appeal as to a player's eligibility to participate under this rule will be decided under the procedures listed in Appendix IV (See 2001 Friend at Court).
The Service
a. The served ball may, after hitting the ground in the service court, hit the ground once again within the bounds of the court or it may hit the ground outside the court boundaries before the receiver returns it.
b. The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the server shall be in a stationary position. The server shall then be allowed one push before striking the ball.
c. The server shall throughout the delivery of the service not touch with any wheel, any area other than that behind the baseline within the imaginary extension of the center mark and sideline.
d. If conventional methods for the service are physically impossible for a quadriplegic player, then such a player or another individual may drop the ball for such a player. However, the same method of serving must be used each time.
The Ball In Play
The ball is in play until the point is decided. The ball must be returned into the opponent's court prior to it touching the ground a third time. The second bounce can be either in or out of the court boundaries.
Player Loses Point
A player loses a point if:
a. He fails to return the ball before it has touched the ground three times.
b. He uses any part of his feet or lower extremities against the ground or against any wheel while the ball is in play.
c. He fails to keep one buttock in contact with his wheelchair seat when contacting the ball.
Wheelchair/Able-Bodied Tennis
Where a wheelchair player as defined in Rule I above, is playing with or against an able-bodied person in singles or in doubles, the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for the wheelchair player while the Rules of Tennis for able-bodied tennis shall apply for the able-bodied player. In this instance, the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only one bounce.
ITF Note:
The definition of lower extremities is: the lower limb, including the buttocks, hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.
Appendix II: Alternative Scoring methods (Rule 27)
"Short" sets
The first player/team who wins four games wins the Set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Deciding tie-break game
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
Deciding "sudden death"
When the score in the match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, the match shall be decided by a Sudden Death. The first player/team who wins two games wins the Set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches two games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
International Tennis Federation Rule 69
The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in the English language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of the resolution embodying such alteration shall have been received by the Federation in accordance with Article 16 of the Constitution of ITF Ltd. (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or one having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of the votes recorded in respect of the same.
Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.
The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent questions of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General Meeting next following.
This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous consent of a General Meeting of the Council.
USTA Comment:
The ITF, not the USTA, is responsible for the Rules of Tennis. Amendments to the Rules of Tennis are made through the procedures of the ITF. Rule 69 of the ITF controls the manner in which amendments may be made to the Rules of Tennis.
String Gauges
Below are the Tennis Industry Association's gauge standardization specifications. The string gauge is usually measured with the string under tension. For example, a string that measures 1.26 mm unstrung would appear to be either a 16 or 16L. When strung, however, the diameter might become 1.21, which would make it a 17-gauge string.
U.S. Int'l. Diameter
13 12 1.65-1.80 mm
14 11 1.50-1.65 mm
15 9.5 1.41-1.49 mm
15L 9 1.33-1.41 mm
16 8.5 1.26-1.34 mm
16L 8 1.22-1.30 mm
17 7.5 1.16-1.24 mm
18 7 1.06-1.16 mm
19 4 0.90-1.06 mm
20 3.5 0.80-0.90 mm
21 3 0.70-0.80 mm
22 2.5 0.60-0.70 mm
U.S. Int'l. Diameter
13 12 1.65-1.80 mm
14 11 1.50-1.65 mm
15 9.5 1.41-1.49 mm
15L 9 1.33-1.41 mm
16 8.5 1.26-1.34 mm
16L 8 1.22-1.30 mm
17 7.5 1.16-1.24 mm
18 7 1.06-1.16 mm
19 4 0.90-1.06 mm
20 3.5 0.80-0.90 mm
21 3 0.70-0.80 mm
22 2.5 0.60-0.70 mm
2008年1月28日星期一
如何对付“牛皮糖”型网球选手
在网球场上,有这样一类 “牛皮糖”型选手。他们韧性十足，在比赛中自始至终遵循着一条原则：把球打过去，等待对手失误。这样的选手在温布尔顿和美国公开赛上不会太多，但在少年比赛和业余比赛中会出现一大把。他们的风格可能并不洒脱，但是，如果他们道行深厚的话，他们简直可以把对手逼疯。或许，你就有被这样的选手“蹂躏折磨”后落败的痛苦经历？在离开比赛场地时，你头脑中只会不断闪出这样一个问题：“我怎么会输给他！？我比他打得好得多！”不过，在心中反复追部自己工不能减轻半点痛苦和羞辱，只有一件事可以使你摆脱梦魇：复仇！
下面这十个方法可能对你的复仇计划有所帮助。
1.了解对手
"牛皮糖"型选手的普遍特点是这样的：站在底线后，回击出一个个又高又深、安全无误的落地球，意志坚强，从不轻言放弃。他们希望用这种方式折磨你，让你失去耐心和斗志。
2.打出角度
如果你没有什么重型武器，要想制服“牛皮糖”对手着实不易。他们可以“软化你的来球并回击给你。如果你聪明，那你就建立起这样一种模式：用角度球打出空当来。即让你的对手大幅度地移动，让他离开他击球感觉最舒服的位置。在此基础上，你要乘胜追击，要么继续逼 对手，要么上网截击得分。
3.捕捉战机
在对垒“牛皮糖”对手时你不要落入对手消磨你耐心的陷阱中。在不恰当的攻击时机攻击往往是与这类选手对阵时最常犯的毛病。想要一拍打死对手以解心头之恨，不是不可以，你要确定来球是一个短球，而不是在底线后一两米的球。主动得分球应该发生在攻击位置上。
4.扰乱步法
“牛皮糖”对手往往有着良好的步法。他们有时甚至希望你将球击到空当处，这样他们就有了一个展示移动速度的机会。他们有着充沛的体能，这保证他们能将那坚韧不拔的打法进行到底。对付他们，聪明的打法除了多采用截击外，打落地球时打在他们的“身后”非常重要，这将扰乱他们的重心移动和步法，并让他们难以判断，下一个球你会打在他们的空当处，这样一来，空当处会显得更加开阔。
5.主动攻击
“牛皮糖”球手愿意看到你消极被动地跟着他的节奏走，而不愿意看到你逼迫他，使他不得不发起进攻。因为他们往往没有杀伤力很强的武器。你一定要看准机会，掌握主动。如果你得到一个短球，那么就准备随球上网吧。回球时最好将球打到他们的中路，并且打深些，这样，他们就维以打出有角度的穿越球。当你在网前频频得手时，巨大的压力就传递给了“牛皮糖”们。
6.上网时机
和“牛皮糖”对手比赛，他们肯定会奉送给你一顿又高又深的“月芽球”大餐这是他们的强项。聪明的回应方法是回一个同样高而深的球，然后上网。但关键是：不要马上随球上网，要耐心！在大多数情况下，他们不会在球处有上升期时击球。相反，他们会退后一两步，等球落下后再打。上时机就是在他们退后击球时。把握这样的时机会让他们感到迷惑，处理球时会出现犹豫，他们会搞不清楚你下一个球会上网还是不上网。
7.攻击发球
大多数“牛皮糖”对手没有一个强劲的一发，二发往往也比较弱。这时就是你攻击的黄金时刻。如果你的接发球很具攻击性，就会使他们考虑要加强发球的威胁性。这将直接导致双误的频繁产生。没有什么比这样让“牛皮糖”们白白送分更甜美的事了。
8.引蛇出洞
如果一个选手总喜欢“胶”在底线，那他可能就是害怕变化。“牛皮糖”选手通常就是这样，截击和高压不是他们的长处。明白了这一点，那么打出下坠球和短球会让他们左右为难：随球上网又不行，击完球后再退后又显仓促。所以，你要努力使他们离开让他们舒服的底线，来到一个很不自在的“异域他乡。
9.确立风格
“牛皮糖”们喜欢同化你的风格，让你处在一个“邯郸学步"的尴尬境地。别让他们得逞。相反，你要根据自己的长处，确立你自己的风格并坚持下去。
10.控制情绪
“牛皮糖”们喜欢看到他们的对手变得烦燥，失误增多。他们把你拖长时间的对打当中，等待你的失误出现，看到你扔拍子、发脾气的样子他们会窃喜不已。一句话，他们希望在精神上和体能上拖垮对手。你不良情绪的出现会成为他们继续“磨” 下去的最好理由。所以，即使你在落后的局面下，也要学会控制情绪，把注意力集中在比赛中，打出你自己的风格和水平。
下面这十个方法可能对你的复仇计划有所帮助。
1.了解对手
"牛皮糖"型选手的普遍特点是这样的：站在底线后，回击出一个个又高又深、安全无误的落地球，意志坚强，从不轻言放弃。他们希望用这种方式折磨你，让你失去耐心和斗志。
2.打出角度
如果你没有什么重型武器，要想制服“牛皮糖”对手着实不易。他们可以“软化你的来球并回击给你。如果你聪明，那你就建立起这样一种模式：用角度球打出空当来。即让你的对手大幅度地移动，让他离开他击球感觉最舒服的位置。在此基础上，你要乘胜追击，要么继续逼 对手，要么上网截击得分。
3.捕捉战机
在对垒“牛皮糖”对手时你不要落入对手消磨你耐心的陷阱中。在不恰当的攻击时机攻击往往是与这类选手对阵时最常犯的毛病。想要一拍打死对手以解心头之恨，不是不可以，你要确定来球是一个短球，而不是在底线后一两米的球。主动得分球应该发生在攻击位置上。
4.扰乱步法
“牛皮糖”对手往往有着良好的步法。他们有时甚至希望你将球击到空当处，这样他们就有了一个展示移动速度的机会。他们有着充沛的体能，这保证他们能将那坚韧不拔的打法进行到底。对付他们，聪明的打法除了多采用截击外，打落地球时打在他们的“身后”非常重要，这将扰乱他们的重心移动和步法，并让他们难以判断，下一个球你会打在他们的空当处，这样一来，空当处会显得更加开阔。
5.主动攻击
“牛皮糖”球手愿意看到你消极被动地跟着他的节奏走，而不愿意看到你逼迫他，使他不得不发起进攻。因为他们往往没有杀伤力很强的武器。你一定要看准机会，掌握主动。如果你得到一个短球，那么就准备随球上网吧。回球时最好将球打到他们的中路，并且打深些，这样，他们就维以打出有角度的穿越球。当你在网前频频得手时，巨大的压力就传递给了“牛皮糖”们。
6.上网时机
和“牛皮糖”对手比赛，他们肯定会奉送给你一顿又高又深的“月芽球”大餐这是他们的强项。聪明的回应方法是回一个同样高而深的球，然后上网。但关键是：不要马上随球上网，要耐心！在大多数情况下，他们不会在球处有上升期时击球。相反，他们会退后一两步，等球落下后再打。上时机就是在他们退后击球时。把握这样的时机会让他们感到迷惑，处理球时会出现犹豫，他们会搞不清楚你下一个球会上网还是不上网。
7.攻击发球
大多数“牛皮糖”对手没有一个强劲的一发，二发往往也比较弱。这时就是你攻击的黄金时刻。如果你的接发球很具攻击性，就会使他们考虑要加强发球的威胁性。这将直接导致双误的频繁产生。没有什么比这样让“牛皮糖”们白白送分更甜美的事了。
8.引蛇出洞
如果一个选手总喜欢“胶”在底线，那他可能就是害怕变化。“牛皮糖”选手通常就是这样，截击和高压不是他们的长处。明白了这一点，那么打出下坠球和短球会让他们左右为难：随球上网又不行，击完球后再退后又显仓促。所以，你要努力使他们离开让他们舒服的底线，来到一个很不自在的“异域他乡。
9.确立风格
“牛皮糖”们喜欢同化你的风格，让你处在一个“邯郸学步"的尴尬境地。别让他们得逞。相反，你要根据自己的长处，确立你自己的风格并坚持下去。
10.控制情绪
“牛皮糖”们喜欢看到他们的对手变得烦燥，失误增多。他们把你拖长时间的对打当中，等待你的失误出现，看到你扔拍子、发脾气的样子他们会窃喜不已。一句话，他们希望在精神上和体能上拖垮对手。你不良情绪的出现会成为他们继续“磨” 下去的最好理由。所以，即使你在落后的局面下，也要学会控制情绪，把注意力集中在比赛中，打出你自己的风格和水平。
攻守平衡
每种运动都要求在比赛中保持高昂的斗志和强烈的取胜欲望。不过，如果始终都积极进攻的话，比赛也不会很顺利，因为网球运动是需要防守的。就连排名世界一流的桑普拉斯、阿加西和格拉芙等人，也只有在决胜负时才持续猛烈进攻。当自己处于劣势时，不要勉强进 攻，而应当咬紧牙关防守。能看清什么时候应该防守并不是一件简单的事。保持攻守平衡对于网球运动是非常重要的。
比如，当自己被逼到浅位置的球场外接球时，通常需要用慢速的削球把球打回对角区，重新调整身体的平衡，这就是必要的防守。
当比赛形势对我方有利时，应抓紧时机猛烈攻击，而不是过多地考虑防守。不过有时也会因为一味地进攻而看不出比赛整体的进展。
最好记住总体攻防平衡的标准是攻7守3。当积累了一定的比赛经验后，就会明白保持攻守平衡这件事的重要性了。
比如，当自己被逼到浅位置的球场外接球时，通常需要用慢速的削球把球打回对角区，重新调整身体的平衡，这就是必要的防守。
当比赛形势对我方有利时，应抓紧时机猛烈攻击，而不是过多地考虑防守。不过有时也会因为一味地进攻而看不出比赛整体的进展。
最好记住总体攻防平衡的标准是攻7守3。当积累了一定的比赛经验后，就会明白保持攻守平衡这件事的重要性了。
接发球上网
接发球时必须积极主动，尤其是对方的第二发球。
接发球上网的关键是看清如何使自己在接发球后能上网。
战略1 当对方第二次发球较松散时
1、当对方的第二次发球落到平分区的反手侧（比较容易接）时，可以用反拍抽击将球打回至中线深处。
2、因为此时对方难以打出弧线较大的球，所以可以大胆抢攻上网，将回球截击在对方空当。
战略2 当对方发球后远离中线时
1、接占先区外角二发时，可用正拍抽击或推切球回击直线球。
2、因为此时对方通常用对角球打正手侧的空位，所以可以迅速上网，用短线球将来球截击至对方左侧空当。
战略3 当对方打来反手侧的前进削球时
1、对打到反手侧的前进削球，可以先打一个落点较深的前进直线球。
2、看清对方回球的路线是直线还是斜线后，迅速上网，用短线球截击。这种伐法会使对方非常紧张。
战略4 用削球接发球后上网时
1、与战略3是相反的类型。用削球接发球后再上网时，应先用反手打一个落点较深的前进直线球，调动对方。
2、然后上网抢攻，将对方的回球截击至另侧空当。要使这一战术成功，重要的不是用快削来接发球，而是尽量将回球打深，并站在恰当的位置上截击。
接发球上网的关键是看清如何使自己在接发球后能上网。
战略1 当对方第二次发球较松散时
1、当对方的第二次发球落到平分区的反手侧（比较容易接）时，可以用反拍抽击将球打回至中线深处。
2、因为此时对方难以打出弧线较大的球，所以可以大胆抢攻上网，将回球截击在对方空当。
战略2 当对方发球后远离中线时
1、接占先区外角二发时，可用正拍抽击或推切球回击直线球。
2、因为此时对方通常用对角球打正手侧的空位，所以可以迅速上网，用短线球将来球截击至对方左侧空当。
战略3 当对方打来反手侧的前进削球时
1、对打到反手侧的前进削球，可以先打一个落点较深的前进直线球。
2、看清对方回球的路线是直线还是斜线后，迅速上网，用短线球截击。这种伐法会使对方非常紧张。
战略4 用削球接发球后上网时
1、与战略3是相反的类型。用削球接发球后再上网时，应先用反手打一个落点较深的前进直线球，调动对方。
2、然后上网抢攻，将对方的回球截击至另侧空当。要使这一战术成功，重要的不是用快削来接发球，而是尽量将回球打深，并站在恰当的位置上截击。
发球与接发球
发球与接发球在网球比赛中是具有特殊意义的。击落地球技术能发展球员在底线与对手相持,周旋的本领，逼近网前及网前的凌空截击技术能有效地破坏对方的防线,致对方于被动，但是如果不具备发球与接发球的技术，那么你将永远被隔绝于真正的网球比赛之外，永远只能是个比赛的旁观者。
相对于底线击落地球和凌空截击而言，发球是一顶比较难掌握的技术，因为发球时动员的身体部位较多，动作幅度较大，需要肌肉的协调程度较高，但尽管如此，要学好发球也并非特别困难，因为发球的主动权绝对掌握在击球者自己手里(这是其不可比拟的优势)，无论抛球还是挥拍击球都完全凭自己的控制，发球者所要做的只是为自己创造最佳的条件并按照自己的意图将球发出手，就这一点来说，发球要比打底线或上网主动得多，难度也小得多。高水平比赛中，球员保住自己的发球局是赢取胜利的关键和基础，在此基础之上，再破掉对方的发球局才可最终大获全胜。
发球
发球是进攻、得分的开始，而稳定情绪又是发球必不可缺的前奏，就让我们从这里开始，看看怎样能发出一个好球。
A 稳定情绪
心浮气躁的情况下是很难发出一个好球的。通常的作法是：在发球的位置上做几次深呼吸，再拍拍球，然后站定准备发球。各人习惯不同，因而稳定情绪的作法也各有异，但这一环节最好不要被略掉并且尽量延续至准备动作当中去。
B 握拍
东方式反手或大陆式握拍。
许多网球初学者都喜欢用东方式正手握拍进行发球，这可能是底线击球所留下的“后遗症”。其实一试便知，如果采用此种握拍在右区而且是用正常动作发球的话，球出手后十有八九会偏向外角一侧，因为手腕在自然情况下所形成的拍面就是如此的角度，若想使拍面偏向内角则必须向内转手腕，而经常做此动作不仅相当别扭而且易使手腕受到损伤。所以在可能的情况下最好不要用东方式正手握拍进行发球。
C 准备动作
众所周知，发球要发在对角的发球区内才算好球，发球员若站在单打右区发球，那么球应该落入对面的A区之内，若站在左区发球则球应落入对面的B区之内，靠近发球线的C、D两个角一般被称为内侧角，靠近边线的E、F两个角相应地被称为外侧角。球员在发球之前对球出手后的方向、落点、旋转、速度等都应做个先期的预算，盲目发球出手无疑是在浪费先发制人的好机会。 发球前具体的准备动作，双脚自然分开站立，两脚的连线根据球员中同的习惯可与底线相垂直，也可以保持另外一个合适的角度；身体自然前倾；最好只持一个球，球自然着落在持球手拇指、食指及中指三指上，无名指和小指自然屈于球的后部，切忌用力将球握在手里或捏在手里。 关于球拍相合。许多初学者喜欢拿起球、拍，走到发球位置后立即就开始抛球并挥拍击球，仿佛球和拍是不相关的两样东西，这显然是很草率的，最好能改一改。球拍相合，不仅能够给球员一个集中注意力的提示，告诉自己“我要发球了”，同时也是稳定情绪和整理思路的延续，初学者应该养成此习惯。
D 抛球
准备动作稳定下来以后，顺势就是抛球及挥拍击球了。这两个环节能否配合得好是能否发好球的关键，而抛球的质量则又是关键的关键。位置得当、出手平稳的抛球无异于为挥拍击球创造了稳定的条件，反之则无异于给下面一系列环节制造了一个动荡的外部环境。很少有人能在前后左右飘忽不定的抛球之下发出保质保量的好球，初学者更是如此，所以学发球的第一步是先学抛球、先练抛球。
a.抛球的方法：
在准备动作的基础上，持球手的肘部渐渐伸直并向下靠近持球手同侧的大腿，然后从腿侧自下而上将球抛起。在整个动作过程中，手臂保持伸直的状态，其走势与地面垂直，掌心向上，以拇指、食指、中指三指将球平稳托起，尽量避免勾指、甩手腕等多余的手部小动作，以免影响球的平稳走势，球在空中的旋转越少越好。球脱手的最佳点在手掌走势的最高点，脱手过早容易造成球在空中旋转或晃动，出手过晚则会令球“走”向脑后失去控制。脱手时托球的三手指已最大程度地展开，球不是被“扔”到空中而是被“抛送”到空中去的，初学者应对此多作体验。
b.球脱手后在空中的位置：
根据不同的需要，球出手后在空中相对于身体的前后位置也不尽相同。一般来说，第一发球强调出球的速度与攻击力，击球点较靠前，因此球也抛得较靠前。第二发球较为保守，在保证成功率的前提下强调球的旋转和控制球的落点，击球点也就相应后移，因此球自然要抛得靠后一些，基本上与背弓时身体的纵轴线相一致。
抛球的位置也可参照球落地后相对于前脚的位置来确定。一般来说，第一发球抛球后球应落于前脚前一个拍头的位置上。
c.抛球的高度：
球抛到空中的高度当然不能低于击球点的高度，但究竟多高才合适要视个人情况而定，因为此高度限定了挥拍击球所用的时间。
从准备姿势到抛球出手，身体重心还有个后靠至后脚再前移至前脚的过程，同时髋部前顶、腰背呈“背弓”状，然后反弹背弓并发力挥拍击球。在下文中我们还将对此有详细的论述。
刚刚开始学发球的朋友肯定要面临总是抛不稳球的难题，没关系，“再抛一次”是最好的攻关办法。因为抛球的稳定性建立在一定的手感基础之上，所以一般在学发球动作之前最好能专门花一点时间练习抛球，在以后的实际发球练习中也要注意要领，如果偶而没有抛好的话，接住重抛就是了，千万不要勉强发球出手，否则很容易破坏掉辛辛苦苦学来的动作。
E 挥拍击球
挥拍击球的环节包括：
a.后摆球拍：
以准备姿势为基础向持拍手一侧转身，同时持拍手引导球拍贴近身体像钟摆一样将球拍摆至体后(不一定要直臂后摆但掌心一定要朝向身体。
b.背弓动作：
球拍后摆至一定高度后(此高度因各人习惯而异，至少大臂不应紧夹在体侧)，以肘为轴，小臂、手、拍头依次向体后、背部下吊，同时屈双膝并伴随身体后展呈“弓”状。
c.击球：
在屈膝、背弓动作的基础上自下而上依次蹬直踝部、膝部， 反弹背弓并向出球方转体，与此同时仍以肘为轴带动手、拍头摆向击球点，最后在力的爆发点上击中抛送于空中的球。发力是自下而上一气呵成的，其间的快慢由个人掌握，习惯、素质不同速度也就不一样，但共同的一点是：球拍走势最快、最具爆发力的一点应在到达击球点那一瞬间。击球点时身体已全部面向出球方，拍面自然地稍向内侧以便击于球的侧后部，发出侧上旋球或侧旋球。
d.搔背动作：
挥拍击球时肘部有一个引导小臂、球拍下吊至背后再以肘部为轴带动臂、拍摆向击球点的过程。这一过程好像在用拍头给后背搔痒，故被称为“搔背动作”，其目的是为了持拍手能有一个足够的获得摆动速度的过程，为到达击球点一瞬间力的爆发做充分的准备。搔背动作完成得是否到位关键要看搔背时手、臂是否得到了充分的放松，如果在手、臂十分僵硬的情况下完成此动作，那么到达击域点时球员一定会感到整个身体的弹性都已被破坏掉了，发不出力也就在情理之中。 e.击球点的位置：
球员手持球拍在空中所能争取到的最高一点就是击球点。屈膝、弓背积蓄力量及蹬地、发力示意是一个比较理想化的说法，因为根据第一发球和第二发球的不同需要，击球点是相应要有前后变动的，但“力争高点”却是在选择击球点时最基本的原则。有了“制高点”，不仅动作可以最大限度地、舒展地做出来，更重要的是在控制球路和球的落点以及对球施加压力上，高点击球有着显而易见的优势。在这里还有一个关于击球点的小资料。 (6.40m为发球线至球网间距离，0.914m为网中心高度，11.885m为底线至球网间距离) 许多朋友希望自己发出的球个个威力无比，所以在击球时就不自觉地想将球大力强压过网，平击的成份无形中也便占了主导。但若想将球平击发过网并令其落在发球区内，那么击球点至少要达到2.74m的高度，也就是说击球者的身高至少要达到1.80m。也许很多朋友可以具备如此的身高，但掺杂进技术的成份，这个高度就很难真正体现到发球当中去了。所以，发球者最好不要在发球时太过于苛求平击平打，多加些侧、上旋是比较明智的，因为这样可以让球走一个弧形轨迹，利用弧顶的高度达到过网的目的，再利用余下半段的弧线达到令球落人发球区的目的，这样可以大大提高发球的成功率。
F 随挥
击中球时虽然挥拍击球动作已告完成，但整个发球过程却仍在继续。到达击球点后球员应顺着身体及挥拍的惯性做收腹、转肩和收拍的动作，最终拍子由大臂带动收向持拍手的异侧体侧，结束发球动作。这一过程被称为随挥，即随球挥动，与底线击球的随挥异曲同工。
很多初学者往往习惯于将拍子收于持拍手同侧的体侧，这不仅有违于发力、转体的惯性，更多的情况是击球者很容易将拍头敲在自己的小腿腔骨上，从而造成伤痛。非持拍手在送球脱手后不应立即放下或紧夹于体测，而应帮助身体掌握平衡并在随挥结束时接住已处于末势的球拍。
接发球
发球与接发球一“矛”一“盾”是针锋相对的两项技术，二者对于球员赢得比赛具有同等重要的意义，球员不应该用厚此薄彼的态度对待发球与接发球，虽然前者在声势上比后者要霸道许多，而后者却没有什么讨价、发挥的余地。接发球者在一定程度上必须接受发球员的支配，必须在瞬间之内精准、迅速、到位地把“判断”和“回击”这两个环节一气呵成，必须在夹缝中为自己争求到生存的机会。尽管如此，破发也不能光指望对方双误或在其他情况下偶而的失误送分给你，你必须有主动破坏对方防线、阻止对方攻势的意识和办法。
我们先从判断说起。没有人可以预先知道对方将要把球发向哪里、发完球后又将有什么行动，球员水平越高发球时的隐蔽性就越好，所以接发球的判断基本上都是靠即时的反应。但事先的预测也并不是一点儿都不能做，其意义在于让自己心里更有数、接起球来更自信。
接球员可从以下几方面着手做一些工作：
(1)观察发球员抛球时两脚的前后位置，有时候初学者抛球时两脚的连线几乎就指明了出球的方向，但这一点放在高水平选手身上就没有丝毫意义了，因为他们依靠转体及手腕动作的精妙变化可以随心所欲地将球送到自己理想中的位置，而初学者还达不到这样的程度；
(2)粗算一下自己在比赛中接发球失误的概率，聪明的发球员总是能够很快发现接球员都有哪些弱处、经常会在怎样的情况下失误并且盯住这些打个没完，而作为接球者则应有充分的思想准备；
(3)注意观察发球员的某些特殊习惯，比如站位贴近底线中点时发出的球多是斜线还是直线，站位靠于边线时经常会有哪些变化，在左区喜欢发什么线路的球，在右区又喜欢发什么线路的球等等，只要细心一点儿总不会是一无所获的。
即时反应的快慢很大程度上仰赖于天赋。也许习球多年后自己会感到比初学时反应要快得多，但这种进步的程度根据每个人先天素质的不同是有差异也是有限度的，是熟悉了球性及掌握了击球技巧等诸多因素掺杂作用的结果。所以，接球者最需要做的事情应是尽最大努力争取把在快速反应方面有限的潜能充分发挥出来，平时多加操练是最根本的途径，而需注意的具体事项多集中在准备动作上：准备时降低重心，上体前倾，重心落在前脚掌上，两脚保持动态的稳定，不能死钉在地，注意力保持高度集中(绝非肌肉的高度紧张)，发球员球、拍相撞就等于发令枪响，两只脚应该在枪响的同时瞪地并转身后摆。其他提高反应速度的好办法是找机会多接些速度快的球以加强适应能力，可让练习伙伴站到场地内靠近发球线的地方将球发过来，这样就缩短了球的飞行距离从而相对加快了球的飞行速度。
判断后的回击几乎是与判断同时进行的，因为球太快了。但“回击”这一环节的可塑性比“判断”要大得多，球员完全能够通过改进技术动作来提高回击球的质量。接发球采用的是底线击落地球的动作，其特点是整个动作(特别是后摆)要做得更早、更小、更精、更快、更有力度，抢点击球的意识要更强，只有这样才谈得上下一步的控制球路、抑制对方的攻势从而扭转受支配的局面，变被动为主动。如果在接发球时球员，心发虚、手发软、步子往后退、动作做得又慢又粘又长，那肯定是没有好戏可唱的。技术上的细节及如何控制出球在此就不多言，参照底线击落地球的打法即可，最重要的仍是四个字“早、小、精、快”。
还要再提一点的是准备接发球时的站位。球员应根据发球员所站的位置来大略地调整自己的站位。一般情况下取位于单打边线附近、底线后半米至一米的地方就可以了，如果偏离单打边线太远(太偏左站或太偏右站)，那么就会给自己造成防守上的空虚。球员必须全面考虑自己的正反手分别能照顾到多大的领地范围，把防守的压力大部分或全部交给正手或反手是不合适的，同时也不能站得离底线太远(太靠后)或站到场地里面去(除非有出色的胆识及过人的技术)，这与底线击球的站位道理是一样的。
相对于底线击落地球和凌空截击而言，发球是一顶比较难掌握的技术，因为发球时动员的身体部位较多，动作幅度较大，需要肌肉的协调程度较高，但尽管如此，要学好发球也并非特别困难，因为发球的主动权绝对掌握在击球者自己手里(这是其不可比拟的优势)，无论抛球还是挥拍击球都完全凭自己的控制，发球者所要做的只是为自己创造最佳的条件并按照自己的意图将球发出手，就这一点来说，发球要比打底线或上网主动得多，难度也小得多。高水平比赛中，球员保住自己的发球局是赢取胜利的关键和基础，在此基础之上，再破掉对方的发球局才可最终大获全胜。
发球
发球是进攻、得分的开始，而稳定情绪又是发球必不可缺的前奏，就让我们从这里开始，看看怎样能发出一个好球。
A 稳定情绪
心浮气躁的情况下是很难发出一个好球的。通常的作法是：在发球的位置上做几次深呼吸，再拍拍球，然后站定准备发球。各人习惯不同，因而稳定情绪的作法也各有异，但这一环节最好不要被略掉并且尽量延续至准备动作当中去。
B 握拍
东方式反手或大陆式握拍。
许多网球初学者都喜欢用东方式正手握拍进行发球，这可能是底线击球所留下的“后遗症”。其实一试便知，如果采用此种握拍在右区而且是用正常动作发球的话，球出手后十有八九会偏向外角一侧，因为手腕在自然情况下所形成的拍面就是如此的角度，若想使拍面偏向内角则必须向内转手腕，而经常做此动作不仅相当别扭而且易使手腕受到损伤。所以在可能的情况下最好不要用东方式正手握拍进行发球。
C 准备动作
众所周知，发球要发在对角的发球区内才算好球，发球员若站在单打右区发球，那么球应该落入对面的A区之内，若站在左区发球则球应落入对面的B区之内，靠近发球线的C、D两个角一般被称为内侧角，靠近边线的E、F两个角相应地被称为外侧角。球员在发球之前对球出手后的方向、落点、旋转、速度等都应做个先期的预算，盲目发球出手无疑是在浪费先发制人的好机会。 发球前具体的准备动作，双脚自然分开站立，两脚的连线根据球员中同的习惯可与底线相垂直，也可以保持另外一个合适的角度；身体自然前倾；最好只持一个球，球自然着落在持球手拇指、食指及中指三指上，无名指和小指自然屈于球的后部，切忌用力将球握在手里或捏在手里。 关于球拍相合。许多初学者喜欢拿起球、拍，走到发球位置后立即就开始抛球并挥拍击球，仿佛球和拍是不相关的两样东西，这显然是很草率的，最好能改一改。球拍相合，不仅能够给球员一个集中注意力的提示，告诉自己“我要发球了”，同时也是稳定情绪和整理思路的延续，初学者应该养成此习惯。
D 抛球
准备动作稳定下来以后，顺势就是抛球及挥拍击球了。这两个环节能否配合得好是能否发好球的关键，而抛球的质量则又是关键的关键。位置得当、出手平稳的抛球无异于为挥拍击球创造了稳定的条件，反之则无异于给下面一系列环节制造了一个动荡的外部环境。很少有人能在前后左右飘忽不定的抛球之下发出保质保量的好球，初学者更是如此，所以学发球的第一步是先学抛球、先练抛球。
a.抛球的方法：
在准备动作的基础上，持球手的肘部渐渐伸直并向下靠近持球手同侧的大腿，然后从腿侧自下而上将球抛起。在整个动作过程中，手臂保持伸直的状态，其走势与地面垂直，掌心向上，以拇指、食指、中指三指将球平稳托起，尽量避免勾指、甩手腕等多余的手部小动作，以免影响球的平稳走势，球在空中的旋转越少越好。球脱手的最佳点在手掌走势的最高点，脱手过早容易造成球在空中旋转或晃动，出手过晚则会令球“走”向脑后失去控制。脱手时托球的三手指已最大程度地展开，球不是被“扔”到空中而是被“抛送”到空中去的，初学者应对此多作体验。
b.球脱手后在空中的位置：
根据不同的需要，球出手后在空中相对于身体的前后位置也不尽相同。一般来说，第一发球强调出球的速度与攻击力，击球点较靠前，因此球也抛得较靠前。第二发球较为保守，在保证成功率的前提下强调球的旋转和控制球的落点，击球点也就相应后移，因此球自然要抛得靠后一些，基本上与背弓时身体的纵轴线相一致。
抛球的位置也可参照球落地后相对于前脚的位置来确定。一般来说，第一发球抛球后球应落于前脚前一个拍头的位置上。
c.抛球的高度：
球抛到空中的高度当然不能低于击球点的高度，但究竟多高才合适要视个人情况而定，因为此高度限定了挥拍击球所用的时间。
从准备姿势到抛球出手，身体重心还有个后靠至后脚再前移至前脚的过程，同时髋部前顶、腰背呈“背弓”状，然后反弹背弓并发力挥拍击球。在下文中我们还将对此有详细的论述。
刚刚开始学发球的朋友肯定要面临总是抛不稳球的难题，没关系，“再抛一次”是最好的攻关办法。因为抛球的稳定性建立在一定的手感基础之上，所以一般在学发球动作之前最好能专门花一点时间练习抛球，在以后的实际发球练习中也要注意要领，如果偶而没有抛好的话，接住重抛就是了，千万不要勉强发球出手，否则很容易破坏掉辛辛苦苦学来的动作。
E 挥拍击球
挥拍击球的环节包括：
a.后摆球拍：
以准备姿势为基础向持拍手一侧转身，同时持拍手引导球拍贴近身体像钟摆一样将球拍摆至体后(不一定要直臂后摆但掌心一定要朝向身体。
b.背弓动作：
球拍后摆至一定高度后(此高度因各人习惯而异，至少大臂不应紧夹在体侧)，以肘为轴，小臂、手、拍头依次向体后、背部下吊，同时屈双膝并伴随身体后展呈“弓”状。
c.击球：
在屈膝、背弓动作的基础上自下而上依次蹬直踝部、膝部， 反弹背弓并向出球方转体，与此同时仍以肘为轴带动手、拍头摆向击球点，最后在力的爆发点上击中抛送于空中的球。发力是自下而上一气呵成的，其间的快慢由个人掌握，习惯、素质不同速度也就不一样，但共同的一点是：球拍走势最快、最具爆发力的一点应在到达击球点那一瞬间。击球点时身体已全部面向出球方，拍面自然地稍向内侧以便击于球的侧后部，发出侧上旋球或侧旋球。
d.搔背动作：
挥拍击球时肘部有一个引导小臂、球拍下吊至背后再以肘部为轴带动臂、拍摆向击球点的过程。这一过程好像在用拍头给后背搔痒，故被称为“搔背动作”，其目的是为了持拍手能有一个足够的获得摆动速度的过程，为到达击球点一瞬间力的爆发做充分的准备。搔背动作完成得是否到位关键要看搔背时手、臂是否得到了充分的放松，如果在手、臂十分僵硬的情况下完成此动作，那么到达击域点时球员一定会感到整个身体的弹性都已被破坏掉了，发不出力也就在情理之中。 e.击球点的位置：
球员手持球拍在空中所能争取到的最高一点就是击球点。屈膝、弓背积蓄力量及蹬地、发力示意是一个比较理想化的说法，因为根据第一发球和第二发球的不同需要，击球点是相应要有前后变动的，但“力争高点”却是在选择击球点时最基本的原则。有了“制高点”，不仅动作可以最大限度地、舒展地做出来，更重要的是在控制球路和球的落点以及对球施加压力上，高点击球有着显而易见的优势。在这里还有一个关于击球点的小资料。 (6.40m为发球线至球网间距离，0.914m为网中心高度，11.885m为底线至球网间距离) 许多朋友希望自己发出的球个个威力无比，所以在击球时就不自觉地想将球大力强压过网，平击的成份无形中也便占了主导。但若想将球平击发过网并令其落在发球区内，那么击球点至少要达到2.74m的高度，也就是说击球者的身高至少要达到1.80m。也许很多朋友可以具备如此的身高，但掺杂进技术的成份，这个高度就很难真正体现到发球当中去了。所以，发球者最好不要在发球时太过于苛求平击平打，多加些侧、上旋是比较明智的，因为这样可以让球走一个弧形轨迹，利用弧顶的高度达到过网的目的，再利用余下半段的弧线达到令球落人发球区的目的，这样可以大大提高发球的成功率。
F 随挥
击中球时虽然挥拍击球动作已告完成，但整个发球过程却仍在继续。到达击球点后球员应顺着身体及挥拍的惯性做收腹、转肩和收拍的动作，最终拍子由大臂带动收向持拍手的异侧体侧，结束发球动作。这一过程被称为随挥，即随球挥动，与底线击球的随挥异曲同工。
很多初学者往往习惯于将拍子收于持拍手同侧的体侧，这不仅有违于发力、转体的惯性，更多的情况是击球者很容易将拍头敲在自己的小腿腔骨上，从而造成伤痛。非持拍手在送球脱手后不应立即放下或紧夹于体测，而应帮助身体掌握平衡并在随挥结束时接住已处于末势的球拍。
接发球
发球与接发球一“矛”一“盾”是针锋相对的两项技术，二者对于球员赢得比赛具有同等重要的意义，球员不应该用厚此薄彼的态度对待发球与接发球，虽然前者在声势上比后者要霸道许多，而后者却没有什么讨价、发挥的余地。接发球者在一定程度上必须接受发球员的支配，必须在瞬间之内精准、迅速、到位地把“判断”和“回击”这两个环节一气呵成，必须在夹缝中为自己争求到生存的机会。尽管如此，破发也不能光指望对方双误或在其他情况下偶而的失误送分给你，你必须有主动破坏对方防线、阻止对方攻势的意识和办法。
我们先从判断说起。没有人可以预先知道对方将要把球发向哪里、发完球后又将有什么行动，球员水平越高发球时的隐蔽性就越好，所以接发球的判断基本上都是靠即时的反应。但事先的预测也并不是一点儿都不能做，其意义在于让自己心里更有数、接起球来更自信。
接球员可从以下几方面着手做一些工作：
(1)观察发球员抛球时两脚的前后位置，有时候初学者抛球时两脚的连线几乎就指明了出球的方向，但这一点放在高水平选手身上就没有丝毫意义了，因为他们依靠转体及手腕动作的精妙变化可以随心所欲地将球送到自己理想中的位置，而初学者还达不到这样的程度；
(2)粗算一下自己在比赛中接发球失误的概率，聪明的发球员总是能够很快发现接球员都有哪些弱处、经常会在怎样的情况下失误并且盯住这些打个没完，而作为接球者则应有充分的思想准备；
(3)注意观察发球员的某些特殊习惯，比如站位贴近底线中点时发出的球多是斜线还是直线，站位靠于边线时经常会有哪些变化，在左区喜欢发什么线路的球，在右区又喜欢发什么线路的球等等，只要细心一点儿总不会是一无所获的。
即时反应的快慢很大程度上仰赖于天赋。也许习球多年后自己会感到比初学时反应要快得多，但这种进步的程度根据每个人先天素质的不同是有差异也是有限度的，是熟悉了球性及掌握了击球技巧等诸多因素掺杂作用的结果。所以，接球者最需要做的事情应是尽最大努力争取把在快速反应方面有限的潜能充分发挥出来，平时多加操练是最根本的途径，而需注意的具体事项多集中在准备动作上：准备时降低重心，上体前倾，重心落在前脚掌上，两脚保持动态的稳定，不能死钉在地，注意力保持高度集中(绝非肌肉的高度紧张)，发球员球、拍相撞就等于发令枪响，两只脚应该在枪响的同时瞪地并转身后摆。其他提高反应速度的好办法是找机会多接些速度快的球以加强适应能力，可让练习伙伴站到场地内靠近发球线的地方将球发过来，这样就缩短了球的飞行距离从而相对加快了球的飞行速度。
判断后的回击几乎是与判断同时进行的，因为球太快了。但“回击”这一环节的可塑性比“判断”要大得多，球员完全能够通过改进技术动作来提高回击球的质量。接发球采用的是底线击落地球的动作，其特点是整个动作(特别是后摆)要做得更早、更小、更精、更快、更有力度，抢点击球的意识要更强，只有这样才谈得上下一步的控制球路、抑制对方的攻势从而扭转受支配的局面，变被动为主动。如果在接发球时球员，心发虚、手发软、步子往后退、动作做得又慢又粘又长，那肯定是没有好戏可唱的。技术上的细节及如何控制出球在此就不多言，参照底线击落地球的打法即可，最重要的仍是四个字“早、小、精、快”。
还要再提一点的是准备接发球时的站位。球员应根据发球员所站的位置来大略地调整自己的站位。一般情况下取位于单打边线附近、底线后半米至一米的地方就可以了，如果偏离单打边线太远(太偏左站或太偏右站)，那么就会给自己造成防守上的空虚。球员必须全面考虑自己的正反手分别能照顾到多大的领地范围，把防守的压力大部分或全部交给正手或反手是不合适的，同时也不能站得离底线太远(太靠后)或站到场地里面去(除非有出色的胆识及过人的技术)，这与底线击球的站位道理是一样的。
凌空截击
对在底线击落地球有了一定的认识后，我们可以尝试一下上网凌空截击的感觉了，毕竟底线只是网球场的半壁江山，在高水平比赛中，没有上网能力的球员几乎也就没有赢得胜利的可能。
凌空截击时的心理应对
相对于在底线击落地球而言，上网凌空截击技术里所包含的进攻意味显然是要浓重许多的，球员身处底线时无论攻防进退，在时间和空间上都可以有稍微大一些的回旋余地，一到网前就两样了，非进则退，容不得多考虑更容不得有任何犹豫不决、模棱两可的所谓“过渡”。很多球员上网后所所面临的最大问题是信心不足，不少人一站到网前就有恐惧感，仿佛迎面飞来的小球随的都会有打中自己或令自己难以招架的可能。其实这完全是一种心理上的障碍，球并不可怕，只要技术运用得当，每一个人都可以运用手中的球拍将之果断利落地回击过网。不仅如此，球员上网时心理上一定还要格外具备一种强硬的要攻击对方、要得分的信念，相信自己并且不断鼓励自己“坚定再坚定”，若踌躇不前、怕这怕那就无异于把破网得分的机会拱手送给对方，而自己只有任人宰割的份儿了。“越害伯、越挨打”，这是不成文的定律，网球场上有时候勇敢、无畏比技术甚至智慧都重要。
凌空截击的技术环节
从技术环节上讲，凌空截击在几大技术中属于最简单的一种，但是掌握、运用起来却并不容易，最重要的原因是技术的迁移性，也就是说球员常常会把已学过的击落地球的某些技术和感觉带到(迁移到)凌空截击技术当中去，而两者无论在动作结构上还是用力技巧上都是有很大区别的。所以初学的朋友在学习过程中一定要保持一种“技术独立”的态度，可以借鉴但是不能完全照搬。
A 站位
凌空截击技术绝大部分用于球员上网途中以及上网后对来球的封堵、追杀，而击球者上网后一般应取位于发球线至球网间距的中部或中后部。在此区域内进可攻至离网更近处强力得分，退可退步打高压或返身守至底线附近，如果站位离网太近(贴近球网)那么对方很容易以过头高球直接得分，而若离网太远(站在发球线上或发球线后)则又容易被对方以直斜线轻松破网。某些特殊情况下，比如战术打法的需要或其他因素的介入，也有站位很违常规的，在此另当别论。
B 握拍
正反手凌空截击皆采用大陆式握法，正反手之间不换握。初学者也许会觉得用东方式正手或东方式反手握拍比较舒服，但请注意它们分别只是在正手截击或反手截击时感觉舒服，但却不能够将二者很好地兼容在一起，击球者需要适时换握球拍。而与底线击球相比，击球者上网后，球来回飞行的距离缩短了，球飞行的速度相对加快了，“奋力击球”几乎是击球者判断来球后所能有的第一个也是唯一的一个反应，千钩一发之际哪里有时间换握球拍?所以上网以后握拍最好不要有频繁的变换，包括高压球，而所有握拍方式中唯有大陆式握拍能够同时满足网前正反手及高压球这三者的需要。
C 准备
球员上网后的准备应比其他任何时候都更为积极、更为机警，表现在：
(1)抬高拍头位置，至少要高过持拍手的高度，在这里辅助手应起到帮助抬起拍头的作用；
(2)手臂“架”起来，换言之，前臂最好伸出去，两肘距身体远一些(以肘部不伸直为限)，避免把球拍“抱”在怀里；
(3)降低重心，上体前倾，重心落在前脚掌上并且两只脚不能“钉”在原地不动而要不停地用碎步进行调整以便随时对来球作出反应。很多球员特别是初学者在上网时经常不知该怎样应付迎着正面疾飞而来的球，这时候(1)、(2)两点就可大派用场了：抬高拍头位置能够对击球者起到保护的作用，在来不及做其他反应的情况下只要一转手腕拍面就挡护在了面部之前，免去了被击中面部之忧；手臂“架”起来而不是将球拍“抱”在怀里，这个动作为主动迎击迎面而来的球做好了充分的准备，只要在击球时稍稍转肩侧身，击球点立即就从身体的正前方转移到了身体的侧前方，这与正常的击球也就没什么区别了。如果在准备时将球拍“抱”在怀里的话，转移击球点的工作就没有那么简洁易行，而时间上的延误最终将导致被动挨打。
D 后摆球拍
本着幅度越小越好、持拍手不超出视线范围的原则，在准备姿势的基础上以大臂和肘为轴，小臂外翻拉开球拍。
a、转体：正反手凌空截击均伴有程度很小的转体动作，在这里“转体”其实只意味着小幅度的转肩，一般转至上体面向来球方向即可。
b、拍面：拍面在垂直地面的基础上稍稍打开，程度要视情况而定，低球时大一些，高球时小一些；拍面应面向出球方向以便为与球充分接触做好准备；不管正手还是反手，拍体与前臂都要保持一定的角度，也就是说手腕始终要保持一定的角度。
c、后摆时机、速度：凌空截击的后摆
不仅要幅度小而且要格外地旱、要格外地快，一判断出来球方向就应立即先做好后摆。网前球速度很快，不早做后摆、快做后摆的话就来不及用球拍主动地去迎击来球，很多时候球员感觉是球在打拍子而不是拍子去打球就是后摆动作太迟太慢所致。
d、肘部是否能收得住、是否能保持收近体前，这在凌空截击过程中也是很关键的一个环节。从后摆球拍开始肘部就不能有向外翻起、抢起的动作，否则球拍整体以至拍面的稳定性就要受到破坏。在反手击球时这一影响尤为突出。保持肘部合理位置的一个参照是肘部不能高过拍头的位置(低过腰部的球除外)，正反手皆如此。
E 前挥击球
在后摆动作的基础之上迎球上步同时击球。
a、击球点：凌空截击球的击球点最好保持在身体侧前方且越靠前、越早击球越有利于发力、有利于抢占先机、控制球路。到达击球点时拍面应与球充分相撞，拍面触球的后下部，拍面、手臂及上身的任何部位都不要有晃动或不果敢的摇摆，否则出球角度、力度都将受很大影响。 对方来球有高有低，球员面对不同高度的球(特别是低球)该如何处理，这是比较棘手的问题，因为它涉及到要下降重心，而很多人打球最不愿意做的一件事就是下降重心。膝关节在种种击球中的作用不可小视，它不仅是瞪地发力的基础，更是人体位置高低的升降轴，在网前时这一作用表现得最为突出。如果来球很低，你要做的第一件事必须是降低重心，在这里“降低重心”的含义还包括上体大幅度地前倾并同时降低持拍手及整个拍体的位置。击球的具体动作及用力的感觉与平常击球的区别不大，只是拍面要开放得多一些。许多人在遇低球时不愿意费力气降低重心而只是把拍头吊下来像扫地一样把球“扫”过网，事实上球是很难被“扫”过网的，因为拍面角度及挥拍、用力的方向决定着出球的方向。这也正是降低重心由低至高救球过网的原因所在。 网前高球比低球要容易处理，只要在抬高持拍手位置的同时也抬高拍头的位置并令拍面对准来球，然后找好角度奋力向前下方挥动球拍将球击打过网就可以了，在击高球过程中同样要注意拍面的稳定，不能乱甩乱晃。
b、前挥幅度与力度：凌空截击不仅后摆要小，前挥击球动作幅度也要小，球拍所走轨迹在可能的范围内越短越好，尽力体现短促简洁、强劲有力的特征。前挥击球的力度很大程度上决定于大小臂和手腕在到达击球点一瞬间突然加力、锁紧的程度，在这一瞬间持拍手应突然握紧拍柄、锁紧手腕及腕臂间的角度，靠上步的前冲力及手臂整体的坚固与球对抗。
很多初学者在击球时总感觉握不住球拍或拍面总是晃，这是很正常的。对“到达击球点的一瞬间握紧球拍”的原理要有一个适应的过程，在其还没有融入条件反射之前应该有意识地加以体验。可以做一个对墙的小练习，做法是：身体面墙而立，球拍持于体前，双脚距墙半步左右，持拍手异测的脚在前，体现交叉步特征(反手相反)，拍面按照下旋击球在击球点时所需要的程度和角度打开，在身体任何部位都相对放松并且没有任何辅助动作的情况下，只依靠持拍手交替的握紧与放松令球在拍弦与墙之间来回弹跳，正反手可以交替进行，反复体验握紧球拍时与球对抗是什么感觉。前臂酸痛是正常的，说明你的臂部力量臂较薄弱。“拍面总是晃”的问题也可以通过上述练习加以改进，但根本的原因还在于到达击球点之前的一瞬间小臂和手腕是否有多余的翻转和摇晃动作，也在于击球者在这一瞬间是否有果敢坚决的意志。
F 随挥
凌空截击越近网前越是几乎没有随挥动作，因为时间不允许，网前是分秒必争之地，没有多余的时间让球员做多余的动作，否则定要延误战机甚至被动埃打。另外，因为近网的球速度快、球与拍相抗衡的强度大，球员只需借助上步及身体的惯性就足以将球击回了，手臂最重要的是保持坚固与稳定而不是做大幅度的挥击动作。 随挥动作虽然几近取消，但是球出手后往前送球一程的意识却不能没有，体现在动作上就是不能蜻蜒点水般地把球“碰”回去，更忌讳击球过后手臂有回缩的动作，而是应该实实在在地将球“击送”过网，一击一送尽在短促的一瞬间，看朋友们怎样去体会了。
G 步法
凌空击球时击球者正反手采取的都是交叉步关闭式击球的方式，即正手上与持拍手相异一侧的脚，反手上与持拍手相同一侧的脚，初学者应尽量避免养成退步被动击球的习惯。
初学者常常遇到何时上步、用什么样的节奏上步、上步与击球怎样能配合到一起的问题，其实这很好解决，只要把握住三个“点”就可以了，一个是击球点，另一个是上步的那只脚着地的点，不管先后摆还是先抬脚上步，最后把这两个点不差分毫地统一到第三个“点”——同一个时间点里，那么上步击球就能完美地协调起来了，朋友们可以一试。
最后要谈一个很普遍的问题，那就是初学者在进行网前凌空截击时经常不能击准来球甚至碰不到球。在底线击落地球一章里我们曾说过“要用眼睛盯住球”，网前截击也是一样，球的来龙去脉都应尽收眼底，特别在到达击球点的一瞬间更要“看着球在拍面上反弹回去”，尽管因速度的关系肉眼很难真的分辨到这些，但关键在于你是否有此意识，如果你能时刻想着盯住来球，那么击不准球或根本碰不到球的概率将会大大降低。除此之外，拍面的角度也需要注意，球与拍面应充分接触，而这是以拍面最大限度地对球开放为前提的，你是否做到了这一点?如果你的拍面没有问题，眼睛也时刻跟着球走，可还是常常击不准、碰不到球，那就要检查你的步法和手臂的动作了。你在击球时是交叉步吗?你的肘部是伸直了还是保持着一定的弯曲和弹性(当然不该伸直)?如果一切都做得很好，那只能是动作速度的问题了，你需要在反应来球后以最快的速度迎击来球，否则只有望球兴叹。
准备下一次击球的开始就是上一次击球的结束。除上述要点外，整个动作同样要注意张弛结合，力的爆发集中于到达击球点这一瞬间，其他时候要保持的则是精神的高度紧张而非肌肉的高度紧张，否则整个人及整个击球过程都将会很累、很僵硬，久而久之反应的灵敏性就会下降，再站在网前就真的要挨打了。
凌空截击时的心理应对
相对于在底线击落地球而言，上网凌空截击技术里所包含的进攻意味显然是要浓重许多的，球员身处底线时无论攻防进退，在时间和空间上都可以有稍微大一些的回旋余地，一到网前就两样了，非进则退，容不得多考虑更容不得有任何犹豫不决、模棱两可的所谓“过渡”。很多球员上网后所所面临的最大问题是信心不足，不少人一站到网前就有恐惧感，仿佛迎面飞来的小球随的都会有打中自己或令自己难以招架的可能。其实这完全是一种心理上的障碍，球并不可怕，只要技术运用得当，每一个人都可以运用手中的球拍将之果断利落地回击过网。不仅如此，球员上网时心理上一定还要格外具备一种强硬的要攻击对方、要得分的信念，相信自己并且不断鼓励自己“坚定再坚定”，若踌躇不前、怕这怕那就无异于把破网得分的机会拱手送给对方，而自己只有任人宰割的份儿了。“越害伯、越挨打”，这是不成文的定律，网球场上有时候勇敢、无畏比技术甚至智慧都重要。
凌空截击的技术环节
从技术环节上讲，凌空截击在几大技术中属于最简单的一种，但是掌握、运用起来却并不容易，最重要的原因是技术的迁移性，也就是说球员常常会把已学过的击落地球的某些技术和感觉带到(迁移到)凌空截击技术当中去，而两者无论在动作结构上还是用力技巧上都是有很大区别的。所以初学的朋友在学习过程中一定要保持一种“技术独立”的态度，可以借鉴但是不能完全照搬。
A 站位
凌空截击技术绝大部分用于球员上网途中以及上网后对来球的封堵、追杀，而击球者上网后一般应取位于发球线至球网间距的中部或中后部。在此区域内进可攻至离网更近处强力得分，退可退步打高压或返身守至底线附近，如果站位离网太近(贴近球网)那么对方很容易以过头高球直接得分，而若离网太远(站在发球线上或发球线后)则又容易被对方以直斜线轻松破网。某些特殊情况下，比如战术打法的需要或其他因素的介入，也有站位很违常规的，在此另当别论。
B 握拍
正反手凌空截击皆采用大陆式握法，正反手之间不换握。初学者也许会觉得用东方式正手或东方式反手握拍比较舒服，但请注意它们分别只是在正手截击或反手截击时感觉舒服，但却不能够将二者很好地兼容在一起，击球者需要适时换握球拍。而与底线击球相比，击球者上网后，球来回飞行的距离缩短了，球飞行的速度相对加快了，“奋力击球”几乎是击球者判断来球后所能有的第一个也是唯一的一个反应，千钩一发之际哪里有时间换握球拍?所以上网以后握拍最好不要有频繁的变换，包括高压球，而所有握拍方式中唯有大陆式握拍能够同时满足网前正反手及高压球这三者的需要。
C 准备
球员上网后的准备应比其他任何时候都更为积极、更为机警，表现在：
(1)抬高拍头位置，至少要高过持拍手的高度，在这里辅助手应起到帮助抬起拍头的作用；
(2)手臂“架”起来，换言之，前臂最好伸出去，两肘距身体远一些(以肘部不伸直为限)，避免把球拍“抱”在怀里；
(3)降低重心，上体前倾，重心落在前脚掌上并且两只脚不能“钉”在原地不动而要不停地用碎步进行调整以便随时对来球作出反应。很多球员特别是初学者在上网时经常不知该怎样应付迎着正面疾飞而来的球，这时候(1)、(2)两点就可大派用场了：抬高拍头位置能够对击球者起到保护的作用，在来不及做其他反应的情况下只要一转手腕拍面就挡护在了面部之前，免去了被击中面部之忧；手臂“架”起来而不是将球拍“抱”在怀里，这个动作为主动迎击迎面而来的球做好了充分的准备，只要在击球时稍稍转肩侧身，击球点立即就从身体的正前方转移到了身体的侧前方，这与正常的击球也就没什么区别了。如果在准备时将球拍“抱”在怀里的话，转移击球点的工作就没有那么简洁易行，而时间上的延误最终将导致被动挨打。
D 后摆球拍
本着幅度越小越好、持拍手不超出视线范围的原则，在准备姿势的基础上以大臂和肘为轴，小臂外翻拉开球拍。
a、转体：正反手凌空截击均伴有程度很小的转体动作，在这里“转体”其实只意味着小幅度的转肩，一般转至上体面向来球方向即可。
b、拍面：拍面在垂直地面的基础上稍稍打开，程度要视情况而定，低球时大一些，高球时小一些；拍面应面向出球方向以便为与球充分接触做好准备；不管正手还是反手，拍体与前臂都要保持一定的角度，也就是说手腕始终要保持一定的角度。
c、后摆时机、速度：凌空截击的后摆
不仅要幅度小而且要格外地旱、要格外地快，一判断出来球方向就应立即先做好后摆。网前球速度很快，不早做后摆、快做后摆的话就来不及用球拍主动地去迎击来球，很多时候球员感觉是球在打拍子而不是拍子去打球就是后摆动作太迟太慢所致。
d、肘部是否能收得住、是否能保持收近体前，这在凌空截击过程中也是很关键的一个环节。从后摆球拍开始肘部就不能有向外翻起、抢起的动作，否则球拍整体以至拍面的稳定性就要受到破坏。在反手击球时这一影响尤为突出。保持肘部合理位置的一个参照是肘部不能高过拍头的位置(低过腰部的球除外)，正反手皆如此。
E 前挥击球
在后摆动作的基础之上迎球上步同时击球。
a、击球点：凌空截击球的击球点最好保持在身体侧前方且越靠前、越早击球越有利于发力、有利于抢占先机、控制球路。到达击球点时拍面应与球充分相撞，拍面触球的后下部，拍面、手臂及上身的任何部位都不要有晃动或不果敢的摇摆，否则出球角度、力度都将受很大影响。 对方来球有高有低，球员面对不同高度的球(特别是低球)该如何处理，这是比较棘手的问题，因为它涉及到要下降重心，而很多人打球最不愿意做的一件事就是下降重心。膝关节在种种击球中的作用不可小视，它不仅是瞪地发力的基础，更是人体位置高低的升降轴，在网前时这一作用表现得最为突出。如果来球很低，你要做的第一件事必须是降低重心，在这里“降低重心”的含义还包括上体大幅度地前倾并同时降低持拍手及整个拍体的位置。击球的具体动作及用力的感觉与平常击球的区别不大，只是拍面要开放得多一些。许多人在遇低球时不愿意费力气降低重心而只是把拍头吊下来像扫地一样把球“扫”过网，事实上球是很难被“扫”过网的，因为拍面角度及挥拍、用力的方向决定着出球的方向。这也正是降低重心由低至高救球过网的原因所在。 网前高球比低球要容易处理，只要在抬高持拍手位置的同时也抬高拍头的位置并令拍面对准来球，然后找好角度奋力向前下方挥动球拍将球击打过网就可以了，在击高球过程中同样要注意拍面的稳定，不能乱甩乱晃。
b、前挥幅度与力度：凌空截击不仅后摆要小，前挥击球动作幅度也要小，球拍所走轨迹在可能的范围内越短越好，尽力体现短促简洁、强劲有力的特征。前挥击球的力度很大程度上决定于大小臂和手腕在到达击球点一瞬间突然加力、锁紧的程度，在这一瞬间持拍手应突然握紧拍柄、锁紧手腕及腕臂间的角度，靠上步的前冲力及手臂整体的坚固与球对抗。
很多初学者在击球时总感觉握不住球拍或拍面总是晃，这是很正常的。对“到达击球点的一瞬间握紧球拍”的原理要有一个适应的过程，在其还没有融入条件反射之前应该有意识地加以体验。可以做一个对墙的小练习，做法是：身体面墙而立，球拍持于体前，双脚距墙半步左右，持拍手异测的脚在前，体现交叉步特征(反手相反)，拍面按照下旋击球在击球点时所需要的程度和角度打开，在身体任何部位都相对放松并且没有任何辅助动作的情况下，只依靠持拍手交替的握紧与放松令球在拍弦与墙之间来回弹跳，正反手可以交替进行，反复体验握紧球拍时与球对抗是什么感觉。前臂酸痛是正常的，说明你的臂部力量臂较薄弱。“拍面总是晃”的问题也可以通过上述练习加以改进，但根本的原因还在于到达击球点之前的一瞬间小臂和手腕是否有多余的翻转和摇晃动作，也在于击球者在这一瞬间是否有果敢坚决的意志。
F 随挥
凌空截击越近网前越是几乎没有随挥动作，因为时间不允许，网前是分秒必争之地，没有多余的时间让球员做多余的动作，否则定要延误战机甚至被动埃打。另外，因为近网的球速度快、球与拍相抗衡的强度大，球员只需借助上步及身体的惯性就足以将球击回了，手臂最重要的是保持坚固与稳定而不是做大幅度的挥击动作。 随挥动作虽然几近取消，但是球出手后往前送球一程的意识却不能没有，体现在动作上就是不能蜻蜒点水般地把球“碰”回去，更忌讳击球过后手臂有回缩的动作，而是应该实实在在地将球“击送”过网，一击一送尽在短促的一瞬间，看朋友们怎样去体会了。
G 步法
凌空击球时击球者正反手采取的都是交叉步关闭式击球的方式，即正手上与持拍手相异一侧的脚，反手上与持拍手相同一侧的脚，初学者应尽量避免养成退步被动击球的习惯。
初学者常常遇到何时上步、用什么样的节奏上步、上步与击球怎样能配合到一起的问题，其实这很好解决，只要把握住三个“点”就可以了，一个是击球点，另一个是上步的那只脚着地的点，不管先后摆还是先抬脚上步，最后把这两个点不差分毫地统一到第三个“点”——同一个时间点里，那么上步击球就能完美地协调起来了，朋友们可以一试。
最后要谈一个很普遍的问题，那就是初学者在进行网前凌空截击时经常不能击准来球甚至碰不到球。在底线击落地球一章里我们曾说过“要用眼睛盯住球”，网前截击也是一样，球的来龙去脉都应尽收眼底，特别在到达击球点的一瞬间更要“看着球在拍面上反弹回去”，尽管因速度的关系肉眼很难真的分辨到这些，但关键在于你是否有此意识，如果你能时刻想着盯住来球，那么击不准球或根本碰不到球的概率将会大大降低。除此之外，拍面的角度也需要注意，球与拍面应充分接触，而这是以拍面最大限度地对球开放为前提的，你是否做到了这一点?如果你的拍面没有问题，眼睛也时刻跟着球走，可还是常常击不准、碰不到球，那就要检查你的步法和手臂的动作了。你在击球时是交叉步吗?你的肘部是伸直了还是保持着一定的弯曲和弹性(当然不该伸直)?如果一切都做得很好，那只能是动作速度的问题了，你需要在反应来球后以最快的速度迎击来球，否则只有望球兴叹。
准备下一次击球的开始就是上一次击球的结束。除上述要点外，整个动作同样要注意张弛结合，力的爆发集中于到达击球点这一瞬间，其他时候要保持的则是精神的高度紧张而非肌肉的高度紧张，否则整个人及整个击球过程都将会很累、很僵硬，久而久之反应的灵敏性就会下降，再站在网前就真的要挨打了。
击落地球
我们把击落地球的各种基本方式分别介绍给大家，它们是：正手击上旋球、反手击上旋球、正反手击下旋球、击反弹球。
初学者对网球场的认识可能大部分是通过眼睛看，所以初学者可以先到场地上站一站，然后左右跑一跑，亲身体验一下身处网球场的空间感和距离感，这对于以后的移动、取位乃至击球都非常有益。击落地球绝大多数用于底线的攻防，而在打底线的过程中，最常规的站位及移动范围是在底线后一米左右，每次击球后都应尽快回到中点附近以便迎接下一个来球，站位太偏容易使自己的阵地出现虚空之处，给防守增加难度。初学者容易因场地概念不太强而站到场地里面，或因怕来不及接球而站得大靠后，应该在慢慢熟悉场地以后努力避免这些情况的出现。
网球场上的“无人区”，在这个区域内，无论进攻还是防守都是非常困难的，每次在此区域击球后或尽快上网或干脆快速回防到底线，绝不能有片刻的犹豫。
正手击上旋球
A 握拍
由于击上旋球多数用于底线的攻防，所以在介绍这种击球方式时我们以底线正反手击上旋球为例。首先从握拍谈起，根据不同的习惯，正手击上旋球时采取东方式正手或西方式挥拍法，需要再次指出的是：击正手上旋球中适合采取大陆式握拍，此种握拍法在击球过程中，特别是在到达击球点的一瞬间为了使拍面能保持稍关(稍向地面倾斜)而击球者必须有一个压肩和旋腕的动作，经常做这个动作对了腕、肘、肩等关节是有损害的。为避免劳损性受伤，网球初学者从开始就尽量不要选择这种既不舒服又不安全的握拍方式。
在网球场上，任何击球动作几乎都可由准备、后摆球拍、前挥击球及随挥这几个环节组成，每个环节完成得越到位，环节间接续得越连贯、周密，击球的效果也就会越好。下面让我们依次做一讲解。
B准备
底线击球的准备：双手自然持拍门于体前，非持拍手以拇指、食指、中指辅助持拍，这样能减轻持拍手的负担，对击反手球时的换握也很有帮助；两脚分开与肩同宽或略宽于肩，稍呈内八字，重心落在前脚掌上；膝关节微弯顾并稍内收，保持弹性(便于起动、变向)；上体自然前倾，含胸、收肩，保持一种比较戒备但又很放松的状态，随时准备起动、出击。有一点需要注意，准备击球时双手切匆紧紧抓住拍柄，只要保持球拍不脱手就足够了。另外，在底线击球的准备姿势场上的任何准备都不应单单只是摆个静止的姿势，如果不能够将此姿势溶人到动态的、积极的步法移动及脚步调整当中去，那么这个姿势摆得再好也将是没有任何意义的。
C 后摆球拍
在准备动作基础上，与持拍手相异一侧的脚向来球方向迈进半步至一步，并将重心移至持拍手相同一侧的脚上，同时向后转体带动手臂后摆球拍。
a.后摆幅度：一般来说，若身体侧对球网站立且双臂自然侧平举成180度，那么后摆时持拍手最好不要摆过这个限度。后摆幅度过大会延误前挥击球的时机，球员在不妨碍前挥发力的基础上应尽可能地缩小后摆幅度以节省来回挥动球拍所耗费的时间及体力，力争用最经济的动作击出最富成效的球。
b.后摆高度：比较理想的高度是持拍手与腰、髋部同高，拍头略高于手并与手保持协调一体，二者在后摆过程中皆不要有大的翻转和扭动，否则将直接影响出球的稳定性。
c.后摆的时机和速度：几乎每个网球选手都曾遇到过来不及击球的情况，究其原因，除了与球员的预测及判断能力、奔跑能力、技术掌握的熟练程度有关外，后摆时机和快慢的掌握更是症结的核心。
初学网球的朋友请记住下面这样一条虽不严密但却百分之百行得通的“公式”： 早做后摆,快做后摆----充足的准备----从容的击球
击球者在球还没有落地之前就已经早早地做好了后摆球拍的动作，也就是说在判断出来球的方向之后，击球者应该毫不迟疑地先把后摆动作完成，当球还没跳至身前时再恰到好处地开始前挥击球，而很多球员特别是初学者往往是在该前挥的时候才想起来做后摆。后摆球拍除了在时机上要“早”以外，还应在速度上强调“快”。有些朋友很早就已经开始后摆了，但其过程却像抻面条一样被拉得很长很长，好半天也到不了位，这与后摆开始得太晚在本质上是没有区别的，结果当然也好不到哪里去。后摆时机的早晚很大程度上指的是后摆到位的早晚，利落、圆滑而不乏力度的快速后摆是实现后摆早到位的保证。如果击球者需通过跑动来取位、击球，那么应尽量做到先后摆再跑动，至少是在跑动中完成后摆，双脚到位时后援也该适时到位了。无论正手还是反手，只要后摆有了“早”和“快”，来不及击球的现象就会减少许多，前挥击球将变得从容而天地广阔。
d. 后摆时的拍面：自然向地面倾斜，具体角度视各人习惯而定。
e.后摆弧线：从准备动作到后摆球拍，持拍手应带动球拍由高至低画一个圆滑的弧线，在此期间手腕不要僵硬地禁锢在一个角度上，小臂放松以带动手腕、拍头顺应此弧线做轻微的弧形摆动。
f.“转体”是影响发力效果的一个重要环节，它包括转肩及转髋两部分，手臂做弧形的后摆必须是在转体的带动和配合之下，肩与髋中有一个部位没有转过来都不是真正意义上的转体，都不利于发力动作的协调，甚至会给发力制造障碍。肘部动作与转体一样可以影响发力的效果，关系到整个击球动作的成败，而初学者恰恰是经常控制不好自己的肘部，总是从后摆球拍开始就让其随意活动。正确的做法是：肘部在后摆过程中时刻都要保持弯曲，保持弹性并收近腰部，绝不能直臂后摆或让肘部散离身体。身体转动半径的长短会直接影响到转体发力的速度及发力的效果，而肘部弯曲与否又对身体转动半径的长短起决定性作用，初学者对此应有足够的认识。
D 前挥击球
在后摆动作的基础上，重心由支撑脚移到前脚，同时蹬地、转体并带动手臂自下而上挥拍迎击来球。
a.“自下而上”：由后摆至击中来球这一过程中，手及球拍所经过的自下而上的挥拍轨迹。从图中也不难发现：到达击球点之前拍头是低于击球点的，所以如此，关键在于“上旋”二字，我们的目的是要击中球的后下部，然后依靠自下而上向前上方挥拍的力量将球提拉呈上旋出手；另一个需注意的是：在此过程中，持拍手应带动球拍顺着后摆的弧线继续画弧，只不过由“由高至低”转为了“自下而上”，其间不应有脱节及生硬的停顿，特别是后摆转至前挥的“转折”之处，手腕与小臂都不应僵硬、死板地紧紧固定不动，应依然是顺应大弧线做轻微而有弹性的摆动，拍头也就伴有一个自然下落再上提的动作。
b.击球点的位置：击球点是击一切球的核心所在，球员的跑动、挥拍等一系列努力都是为这一点服务的，都是为了千方百计找好、找准击球点的位置并且在这最关键的一瞬间释放出所有的能量以与来球相抗衡。击上旋球最理想的击球点是在身体侧前方相当于腰部高或略低于腰部的位置上，此时重心已移至前脚，身体也应该已转向出球方向，在此位置和状态下击中球，人体的姿势比较舒展、视野非常开扩，最关键的还是加力过程在此正好达到了巅峰。
谈到击球点，许多初学者在击球时总有这样的情况，就是感觉击球点离身体太近，球像要撞到身上来似的。这种现象很大程度上是跑位方法不对所造成的。初学者常常有一种认识，即击球点就是击球者应全力以赴奔向前去的那一点，其实不然，其间应该有一段距离，这段距离留给了手臂和球拍。如果击球者预测的击球点比较远，需要奔跑数步才可击到球，那么击球者跑动的目的应是为击中球而取位、站位的点，是双脚最后要“占领”的位置，而不是球与拍相触的击球点。分清了其中的区别，在取位时把击球点“让”出来，击球点离身体太近的现象就会得以改观，也不会感觉球要迎面撞到身上来了。
c.到达击球点时的拍面：击上旋球时，拍面在击球点的位置上是稍向地面倾斜的，如果拍面打开上仰则击出的球可想而知要往天上飞，但若关得太厉害则容易下网，合适的角度需击球者自己去体会和掌握。这里还要注意的是，到达击球点时球拍整体与整个手臂不应成一条直线，而应保持一个近垂直的角度，这样就确保了球拍与球能够在一个打开得最充分的平面上做最充分的接触。
d.介绍后摆时提到过肘部弯曲的问题，前挥击球时肘部仍要保持弯曲、角度牢固并收近身体，其目的也同样是为了缩短身体转动的半径以便于发力。另外，直臂前挥击球还将对肘关节的安全构成威胁，易诱发网球肘等劳损性伤病。
初学者可以分别试一下两种不同的感觉：
(1)直臂挥拍击球；
(2)屈肘并把肘收近身体挥拍击球。哪一种比较易于发力且不感觉肘部吃力呢?
e.击球的力量源于身体而非手臂，这是网球初学者常常会产生误会的一个问题。在很多人的印象中，打球是否有劲儿主要靠胳膊，仿佛只有具备一双强壮的臂膀才可以击出重磅的球。其实这是很失偏颇的。实际情况中，手臂的力量随然重要，但它的主要作用在于控制球拍、对抗来球、协调发力动作而非真正地去发力。由后摆球拍转至前挥击球，在这一过程中屈膝、蹬地和来回转体所产生的身体惯性才是发力的根本，手臂仅仅是在此惯性的带动下去完成控制球拍走向的任务并保证球拍不乱晃。以后我们还会多次提到这个问题，初学者最终也一定要学会用惯性和速度而不是靠肌肉的绝对紧张或手臂的甩动去加力、去击球，否则打网球将是一件极费力的苦差事，受伤也必定在所难免。
E.随挥
“随挥”即随球挥动球拍。到达击球点之后，虽然球与拍面的接触已经完成，但这并中意昧着整个击球过程的结束，转体及自下而上前挥球拍所形成的惯性仍然存在，随挥就是要顺应此惯性并且利用此惯性引导手臂及球拍沿出球方向继续送出，最后在其势末收住球拍、结束击球。尽可能地多送球一程可对出手后的球起到“保护”的作用，可令球飞行得更加平稳，更加听话。
a.随挥的高度和幅度：随挥结束时持拍手应与其异侧的耳朵差不多高，并且身体也应已完全面向出球方向。初学者常常觉得这个高度和幅度比较夸张，也比较费力，其实，若每一次击球都能够尽力达到此标准的话，很快你就会发现自己发力的能力比原来增强了。因为如果不大面积转肩、转髋的话，随挥是很难达到此幅度的，而转肩和转髋正是转体发力的根本，这是“由表及里”的效应。初学者可以在随挥时有意令持拍手触到自己的耳朵，久而久之就能找着随挥的感觉了。
b.随挥时后脚勿着急向出球方句迈进，否则会破坏身体的平衡，导致发力失败。
非持拍手在挥拍过程中应起到掌握身体平衡的作用，包括随挥时接住末势的球拍，不要总是令其紧吊在体侧。在这里，我们还要谈一下击落地球时如何控制出球方向，因为它与非持拍手有很大的关系。充分发挥非持拍手的作用是正手击球控制出球方向最简单易行的方法。如果想打斜线的话，从后摆开始至到达击球点后“送球一程”，非持拍手绝不要随便摆动或吊放在休侧，而应是始终牢牢地指向你所希望打的那条斜线，转体的惯性再大也不要动摇。直线也是如此。如果随挥的时候你的非持拍手还在与那条直线遥相应呼，那么你绝少有可能打出一条令人失望的线路。本质的问题在于非持拍手不仅可以帮助击球者掌握平衡和更顺利地转体发力，同时也可以限制击球时转体的幅度，而对初学者来说，出球的大方向恰好是由转体的角度决定的。如此，反手的出球方向也要由转体角度来控制，打直线时，身体转到面向这条直线时就该“制动”了；打斜线时，身体加大转动幅度直到面向这条斜线为止，单双手握拍皆然。还需要强调的是，持拍手前挥送球的目的性也要为初学者所注意，想往什么地方打球，拍面就要往这个方向送，整个人的走向也要朝着这个地方跟进。上述几方面都能贯彻好的话，控制出球方向应该是不成问题的。
c.“眼跟球走”：击球者的目光没有一刻离开过飞行当中的球，球出手后也是如此，包括盯牢击球点那一瞬间。初学者经常会遇到挥拍击球却没击到球的尴尬情况，如果能试着“眼跟球走”，不让球有一刻逃离自己的视线，那么这种情况发生的概率就会明显下降，因为在“盯球”的过程中你的注意力集中到球上了，而初学者往往意识不到应该这样做。
击球过程其实就是加大惯性、爆发惯性、再顺应惯性的过程，击球点是力的爆发点。除到达击球点一瞬间需握紧球拍并保持手腕、肘的固定与强劲外，击球者一定还要注意加力的渐进性，也就是说肌肉的放松与发力都应有弹性和清晰的节奏，手臂不能时时都处在紧张僵硬的状态之下，否则是难以获得足够的挥拍速度和力量去击球的，因为力量都内耗在与本体肌肉相抗衡上了，这是极大的浪费。请记住：任何紧张、痉挛性的或是离心性的动作都将对发力产生相反的作用。 随挥动作结束后，击球者所要做的下一件事是尽快回到底线中点或所判断到的有利于准备下一次击球的位置上，下一次击球准备的开始就意味着上一次击球已经完整地结束了，整个击球动作应力求做得流畅、自如、大方、完整。
反手击上旋球
A 握拍
东方式反手或西方式握拍，双手的握法可参照前一章。
a.换握球拍：在底线击落地球过程中，准备动作时一般都是正手握拍，这样持拍手的状态比较自然、舒服，况且正反手击球之间的换握过程在融人条件反射变为一种自动化的动作以后，是根本不会妨碍击球的。初学者若担心因来不及换握导致来不及击反手球而在准备时就用反手握拍，那么遇到正手球时不一样也要换握吗?
若采用西方式握拍法，那么正手和反手握拍是没有区别的，不需要换握，而正手若采用东方式或半东方式半西方式的握拍则在击反手球之前必须有一个换握的过程，否则将无法击反手球。换握球拍一般在做反手后摆的过程当中进行，方法是由非持拍手辅助持拍手使拍柄在手掌中做逆时针方向旋转(右手持拍是如此，左手持拍则相反)，完成换握。此动作极细致、极敏捷，随着练习次数的增多，它会很自然地被融人条件反射中，击球者下意识地就可以完成它。
B 准备
同正手。
C 后摆球拍
在准备动作的基础之上，与持拍手同侧的脚向来球方向前跨半步至一步，同时以相异一侧的脚为支撑向后侧转体(肩、髋髓一体同时转)，同时后摆球拍。
a.双手后摆：双手落在腰髋部的高度上，持拍稳定但不僵硬，双手不能握得太紧，也没有大幅度的翻转或晃动，拍头在手腕自然而不吃力的限度内与手腕持平或略高于双手，拍面自然倾向于地面，双腿弯曲、重心下降并落在与持拍手相异一侧的脚上，眼睛盯球。
b.单手后摆：单手后摆与双手后摆有很多地方是相似的，如重心的转移、拍面倾向地面、眼睛盯球等等，差异当然也存在，比如手腕固定的强度与力度上。如果单手也像双手那样自然、放松的话，接下来的前挥发力将是不可想像的，单手后摆时手腕一定要坚固、稳定，哪怕紧张一些也好。辅助手虽然不必像双手后摆时一样与持拍手紧靠在一起，但也不要认为辅助手是多余的而将其吊于体侧，应将其扶在拍体上协助持拍手抬起拍头，它对于协调转体与发力、掌握身体的平衡都具有重要的作用，这与正手相似。
c.后摆幅度：反手无论单手握拍还是双手握拍，其后摆幅度皆要比正手稍大一些，因为反手是离心用力，对于许多腰腿部力量不足的击球者来说更需要加大后摆幅度、加长加速度的过程来获取动力，而加大转体幅度则是加大后摆幅度的根本保障和真正的意义所在。可以打个比方：假如击球者后背上写有号码的话，那么你最好能让隔网而立的对方看到这号码。反手击球(特别是单手握拍)如果不以转体为大前提，不以充分的转体为发力的源泉，其结果比正手击球不转体要糟糕得多。
d.后摆弧度：与正手一样，反手后摆时持拍手也应带动球拍画一个圆滑的弧线,并且拍头有个小小的下吊动作。此动作在双手后摆过程中可表现得较为松弛柔和，而在单手后摆过程中则应以简洁、强劲为原则，弧线划得不必太精致更不能随意吊下拍头，否则将影响手腕、肘在前挥发力时的坚固和一致程度，导致无法与球对抗。
这里还要再一次请朋友们注意保持肘部弯曲并收近腰部、收近身体，直臂后摆、直臂击球是有百弊而无一利的，无论双手还是单手握拍。
D 前挥击球
反手前挥击球过程中的基本要点(如拍面、自下而上、重心由后脚移至前脚、蹬地发力等等)与正手的差异仍然不是很大，只要看一下图片就会很清楚了，在此不做过繁的重复。需要重点强调的还是转体的问题。转体无论在正手还是在反手击球过程中永远是第一位要做好的，后摆时转体到位只是开了个好头，前挥击球时能再转回来与球相对抗则更为重要。另外，单手前挥时持拍手仍要保持坚固、强劲及不拆不挠的前挥势头，辅助手可留于身后像展开翅膀一样帮助身体掌握平衡，也可帮助持拍手扶住拍柄并在前挥时向前推送一下，把单手挥拍变为“半双手”挥拍。双手握拍者两只手不要分主次，特别是辅助手不能过于主动地前顶拍柄，否则整个球拍的动力平衡就会被破坏掉，发力将失去协调性。
关于击球点。
反手单、双手的最佳击球点也都应在身体侧前方腰部或略低于腰部的位置上，这一点不是轻易等得到的而需要击球者全力以赴去抢、去争取。
关于击球点离身体的远近。原则上说，在合理的范围内无论正反手都应争取击球点能离身体近些再近些，身体转体的半径越短越有利于发力，这我们在前面的内容里已有涉及。但由于正反手在发力时还有个向心和离心的区别，所以相对来说反手是越收近身体越妙，而正手对击球点的要求比反手就要宽泛一些，远近的弹性大一些，有时候手臂完全离开体侧都是可以的，只要击球者仍然有力量控制住拍子、控制住球就行。到达击球点时拍面的倾斜角度、拍体与手臂所成的角度均可参照正手。
E 随挥
反手同正手一样，随挥动作也是尽量沿出球方向送出球拍的，不同之处在于正手挥至持拍手异侧耳朵的高度，而反手则是挥至持拍手同侧的耳朵高度。
a.双手握拍的随挥动作比较容易也比较随意，一般只注意双臂保持弯曲并且一致前挥到尽头，最后自然过渡至同侧的耳朵附近就可以了，其间不要有翻肘、抬肘等多余动作。从始至终都是双手握拍，其实实际运用中许多球员在击中球后就已经把辅助手松开了，也有的人等双手挥过肩头高度才将辅助手松开，只要击球者能够控制住自己的球拍、能够完整顺畅地发力，这些都是可以采用的随挥方式。
b.单手握拍的随挥幅度比较难掌握，原则上应该是宜小不宜大，最好不要挥出自己余光所及的范围。很多初学者由于力量相对不足并且也还不能够熟练地依靠转体去发力击球，所以往往要靠大幅度地甩胳膊发力，结果造成随挥幅度过大，甚至整个手臂都甩到身体后面去了，这不仅会影响快速地准备下一次击球，而且也容易造成肩部的损伤，因为肩部肌肉很难负荷多次如此剧烈的牵拉。
弥补的办法是：
(1)加强练习上臂及肩部周围的肌肉以便在随挥时能够有力量控制球拍的走势；
(2)保持整个身体包括手臂、球拍的走势大方向是向前面而不是向旁边拉；
(3)把转体动作延续至随挥结束以缓解肩部的压力。
常常会听到开放式击球、关闭式击球的说法，其实这主要是针对击球过程中两脚及身体的状态而言。本章里所有的都是关闭式的击球，即在后摆时有个向来球方向上步的动作，两脚连线与底线成一定的角度，身体侧对球网，在前挥击球时重心由后脚移至前脚同时转体挥拍。而开放式则没有向来球方上步的动作而是单纯地转体后摆，两脚的连线与底线近乎平行，前挥击球时重心是横向地由一只脚移至另一只脚。其实只要把后摆至前挥时来回转体的过程完成得同样好，那么开放式与关闭式在正手击球时的发力及出球效果上是没有多大区别的。反手则不然，无论单手还是双手都最好采取关闭式，开放式会使球员很难充分地转体、后摆，从而导致前挥击球时不能充分地回转发力，这对于任何水平的选手都是很别扭、很致命的。网前截击也存在类似的问题，只不过没有击落地球那么突出罢了，以后我们会陆续讲到。
以上罗列了反手击上旋球的技术要领。有的朋友时常会感觉已经很用力了，挥拍的速度、节奏也掌握得很好，但球出手后却经常下网并且好像不具备向前的推进力。俗话说“胳膊拧不过大腿”，打网球也是如此，我们在前边已经谈过，反手击球整个发力的原理与正手同出一辙，都要依靠身体整体的惯性和速度去与球相对抗，而蹬地是其中不可缺少的一个辅助环节，如果能够很好地将腿部力量用在发力上，那么情况将会大有改观。初学网球者如遇上述困难的话，不用担忧，你只需在后摆时有意识地做一个幅度比较大的屈膝下蹲动作，然后在前挥击球的同时配合转体向前上方(或向出球方向)快速蹬地，这样就可以感觉到完全不同的一种发力及出球效果了，蹬地所产生的力的爆发点与转体带动手臂前挥击球时力的爆发点结合得越完美效果也就越好。另外一件重要的事情是，击球点之后拍子及身体一定别忘记了“送球一程”，勿着急把拍子收回来以免前功尽弃。
击下旋球
“下旋球”即常说的“削球”，是一项适用面相当广泛且经常令对手防不胜防的技术，只要来得及做准备，击球者几乎可以在网球场的任何角落运用此技术处理任何来球。相对于上旋球来说，因为下旋球是反向旋转的，所以球落地后有一种“弹不动”或“弹不起来”的粘滞感，这是它最具特点、最有利用价值的地方，无论击球者的意图是进攻、防守还是控制球路、调动对方跑位，下旋球都有它可发挥的天地。
在这里笔者想重点介绍一下反手击下旋球技术，因为在实际击球过程中，反手下旋球远比正手下旋球要实用得多也难得多。
A 握拍
东方式反手或大陆式握拍均可。
B 准备
基本姿势同上旋球。由于下旋击球的机会随时都可能出现，所以击球者不管在底线还是在网前都要随时对此有所准备，以快速应变，而对下旋击球的准备一般更多地是体现在战术意图中，而非体现在动作外形上。
C 后摆
在上步、转体的同时以拍头为先导，引领持拍手向异侧肩头方向做后摆。可以发现，反手削球后摆动作的关键仍在于转体，即同时转肩、髋，这与反手上旋球是一样的；手臂也还要保持弯曲，若伸的话你会觉得根本无法获得与球对抗的力量；拍头高于手，拍面打开(角度视各人习惯而定，与地面约成45度角是个可以参照的标准)，但手腕不要刻意翻转，只要自然而稳定地把持住球拍就可以了；直线后摆到位，持拍手、臂和球拍尽量中要有多余的划弧及摇晃；双膝弯曲，重心落在与持拍手相异一侧的脚上；眼盯来球。
D前挥击球
球拍征大臂的带动下由高于击球点处斜线“下切”击于球的后下部将球击打出手。在此过程中，由于反手削球多用单手而且是离心用力，所以较之正手(向心用力)要多耗费些力气才能击出同样有威胁的球(这与正反手上旋球的道理是一样的)。为弥补此中的差距，反手削球前挥时除了仍格外要保持手臂、腕的坚固与强劲，保持大臂和肘一直收近身体，避免松散打开，不可手软外，尤其要把握好转体发力的节奏，身体各部位要协同一致，用整体的力量去对抗来球，总体感觉应是先持拍手一侧的肩胛用力“靠向”来球，然后转体击球。
下旋球的击球点同样在身体的侧前方，击球时拍面的开放深度视需要而定，给大家提供了一个参考，若希望球出手后有很强的穿透性和侵略性，拍面就要开放得小一些，即常说的把抑面“立”起来；若希望球出手后高飘一些，则并而就要开放得大一些，初学者应对此多做比较以找到最佳感觉。
E 随挥
击球后手、臂、拍乃至整个人体重心顺应出球方向也有一个向前跟进的动作。削球的随挥应体现简捷、短促的特点，随挥路线越短越好，收拍要及时，小臂和手腕不要甩动和上下地翻转，随意地挥洒球拍将令球失去控制。一般来讲，随挥结束时球拍虽然可以挥至持拍手一侧的身畔，但击球者自己必须意识到削球发力的实际终结点是在出球方向的假定延长线上，余下向旁边拉的动作只是惯性所致。
整个削球动作应给人朴实刚劲、切中要害的感觉，后摆至随挥的动态过程中拍与手最好是目的明确、直来直去，任何化哨、无节制的动作都足一种“恶性的浪费”。
正削球比反手容易得多，但使用的机率却比较少。正手削球对挥拍的限制是相当宽泛的，东方式正手、东方式反手、大陆式握拍都可以用来打削球，甚至西方式也可以，因为这些握拍方式用在削球上都不大容易形成对臂、腕有伤害性的动作，击球者完全可以凭自我感觉的舒适程度来决定采用哪一种方式。后摆至随挥过程中的要点与反手差不多，只要击球者不乱甩球拍，几乎就可以百分之百地击出一个好球。在此不做多论。
击反弹球
反弹球也是落地球的一种，其特点是击球者几乎在来球落地的同时不等球弹跳起来就迅速将球阻击回对方场区。这种打法一般在中前场及处理过渡球时用处颇大。
A 握拍
不想换握的话就可以采用大陆式握法，否则可以随底线正反手击落地球的握拍方式适时换握。
B 准备
随时准备。
球员回球的方式很大程度上取决于对方来球的方式，审时度势、随机应变是一个网球好了应具备的素质，对于初学者来说，具备这样的素质需要一个熟悉球感、提高球技的过程，在这个过程中，“兵来将挡，水来也用将挡”的思想准备一定要有，用有限的技术及不高的击球水平去应付一切可能发生的情况，体现在准备动作上就是“随时准备”，不管对方怎样把球打过来，把球打到哪里，把球打得多快或是多慢，我只管把球打过网、打回去。慢慢地你会发现自己处理球的方式越来越多了，在准备时除了随时准备外更有了预见性及针对性，这是网球水平提高的一个标志。
C 技术
击反弹球的基本动作与击上旋球相似，不同之处在于缩小了后摆和随挥的幅度，到达击球点一瞬间出手更果敢也更强硬一些。整个过程中球员应上体大幅度前倾、低重心、交叉步、抢点击球。这里需要注意的是，球出手后身体中能骤然抬起，也应顺着出球方向“送球一程”，若所处位置有利于上网则要继续迅速上步至网前准备截击对方的来球，若需要回守底线就应该立即退返至合适的位置，任何妨碍前进或后退速度的身体动作都将殆误时机，使自己陷入被动挨打的境地。球员无论在什么地方击反弹球都应该以上述标准要求自己。
关于击球点。击反弹球时球落点的位置几乎就是击球点的位置。球员小幅度后摆球拍等候(常常是“争抢”)在预见到的击球点旁，球没落地即开始前挥动作，最后理想的结局是“球落拍到”，刻不容缓地将球回击过网，击球点抢得越在体前越好。
反手击反弹球时以以正手类推，在此不多言。
打网球需要将身体各部位关节、肌肉的功效与球拍的弹性与力度等一系列因素都很好地结合在一起，对初学者来说这是不太容易的—件事，可能常常会顾此失彼。不过，你只要在每一次挥拍或者击球时向自己强调一个要点并努力去体验就足够了。球员应该学会发现来源于白己本体的某个感觉、经验及长处，单个的感觉汇集在一起并与正确的理论相融汇，可以帮助击球者最终找到所需要的正确感觉，也只有这样做才有望得到最快、最大程度的提高。
初学者对网球场的认识可能大部分是通过眼睛看，所以初学者可以先到场地上站一站，然后左右跑一跑，亲身体验一下身处网球场的空间感和距离感，这对于以后的移动、取位乃至击球都非常有益。击落地球绝大多数用于底线的攻防，而在打底线的过程中，最常规的站位及移动范围是在底线后一米左右，每次击球后都应尽快回到中点附近以便迎接下一个来球，站位太偏容易使自己的阵地出现虚空之处，给防守增加难度。初学者容易因场地概念不太强而站到场地里面，或因怕来不及接球而站得大靠后，应该在慢慢熟悉场地以后努力避免这些情况的出现。
网球场上的“无人区”，在这个区域内，无论进攻还是防守都是非常困难的，每次在此区域击球后或尽快上网或干脆快速回防到底线，绝不能有片刻的犹豫。
正手击上旋球
A 握拍
由于击上旋球多数用于底线的攻防，所以在介绍这种击球方式时我们以底线正反手击上旋球为例。首先从握拍谈起，根据不同的习惯，正手击上旋球时采取东方式正手或西方式挥拍法，需要再次指出的是：击正手上旋球中适合采取大陆式握拍，此种握拍法在击球过程中，特别是在到达击球点的一瞬间为了使拍面能保持稍关(稍向地面倾斜)而击球者必须有一个压肩和旋腕的动作，经常做这个动作对了腕、肘、肩等关节是有损害的。为避免劳损性受伤，网球初学者从开始就尽量不要选择这种既不舒服又不安全的握拍方式。
在网球场上，任何击球动作几乎都可由准备、后摆球拍、前挥击球及随挥这几个环节组成，每个环节完成得越到位，环节间接续得越连贯、周密，击球的效果也就会越好。下面让我们依次做一讲解。
B准备
底线击球的准备：双手自然持拍门于体前，非持拍手以拇指、食指、中指辅助持拍，这样能减轻持拍手的负担，对击反手球时的换握也很有帮助；两脚分开与肩同宽或略宽于肩，稍呈内八字，重心落在前脚掌上；膝关节微弯顾并稍内收，保持弹性(便于起动、变向)；上体自然前倾，含胸、收肩，保持一种比较戒备但又很放松的状态，随时准备起动、出击。有一点需要注意，准备击球时双手切匆紧紧抓住拍柄，只要保持球拍不脱手就足够了。另外，在底线击球的准备姿势场上的任何准备都不应单单只是摆个静止的姿势，如果不能够将此姿势溶人到动态的、积极的步法移动及脚步调整当中去，那么这个姿势摆得再好也将是没有任何意义的。
C 后摆球拍
在准备动作基础上，与持拍手相异一侧的脚向来球方向迈进半步至一步，并将重心移至持拍手相同一侧的脚上，同时向后转体带动手臂后摆球拍。
a.后摆幅度：一般来说，若身体侧对球网站立且双臂自然侧平举成180度，那么后摆时持拍手最好不要摆过这个限度。后摆幅度过大会延误前挥击球的时机，球员在不妨碍前挥发力的基础上应尽可能地缩小后摆幅度以节省来回挥动球拍所耗费的时间及体力，力争用最经济的动作击出最富成效的球。
b.后摆高度：比较理想的高度是持拍手与腰、髋部同高，拍头略高于手并与手保持协调一体，二者在后摆过程中皆不要有大的翻转和扭动，否则将直接影响出球的稳定性。
c.后摆的时机和速度：几乎每个网球选手都曾遇到过来不及击球的情况，究其原因，除了与球员的预测及判断能力、奔跑能力、技术掌握的熟练程度有关外，后摆时机和快慢的掌握更是症结的核心。
初学网球的朋友请记住下面这样一条虽不严密但却百分之百行得通的“公式”： 早做后摆,快做后摆----充足的准备----从容的击球
击球者在球还没有落地之前就已经早早地做好了后摆球拍的动作，也就是说在判断出来球的方向之后，击球者应该毫不迟疑地先把后摆动作完成，当球还没跳至身前时再恰到好处地开始前挥击球，而很多球员特别是初学者往往是在该前挥的时候才想起来做后摆。后摆球拍除了在时机上要“早”以外，还应在速度上强调“快”。有些朋友很早就已经开始后摆了，但其过程却像抻面条一样被拉得很长很长，好半天也到不了位，这与后摆开始得太晚在本质上是没有区别的，结果当然也好不到哪里去。后摆时机的早晚很大程度上指的是后摆到位的早晚，利落、圆滑而不乏力度的快速后摆是实现后摆早到位的保证。如果击球者需通过跑动来取位、击球，那么应尽量做到先后摆再跑动，至少是在跑动中完成后摆，双脚到位时后援也该适时到位了。无论正手还是反手，只要后摆有了“早”和“快”，来不及击球的现象就会减少许多，前挥击球将变得从容而天地广阔。
d. 后摆时的拍面：自然向地面倾斜，具体角度视各人习惯而定。
e.后摆弧线：从准备动作到后摆球拍，持拍手应带动球拍由高至低画一个圆滑的弧线，在此期间手腕不要僵硬地禁锢在一个角度上，小臂放松以带动手腕、拍头顺应此弧线做轻微的弧形摆动。
f.“转体”是影响发力效果的一个重要环节，它包括转肩及转髋两部分，手臂做弧形的后摆必须是在转体的带动和配合之下，肩与髋中有一个部位没有转过来都不是真正意义上的转体，都不利于发力动作的协调，甚至会给发力制造障碍。肘部动作与转体一样可以影响发力的效果，关系到整个击球动作的成败，而初学者恰恰是经常控制不好自己的肘部，总是从后摆球拍开始就让其随意活动。正确的做法是：肘部在后摆过程中时刻都要保持弯曲，保持弹性并收近腰部，绝不能直臂后摆或让肘部散离身体。身体转动半径的长短会直接影响到转体发力的速度及发力的效果，而肘部弯曲与否又对身体转动半径的长短起决定性作用，初学者对此应有足够的认识。
D 前挥击球
在后摆动作的基础上，重心由支撑脚移到前脚，同时蹬地、转体并带动手臂自下而上挥拍迎击来球。
a.“自下而上”：由后摆至击中来球这一过程中，手及球拍所经过的自下而上的挥拍轨迹。从图中也不难发现：到达击球点之前拍头是低于击球点的，所以如此，关键在于“上旋”二字，我们的目的是要击中球的后下部，然后依靠自下而上向前上方挥拍的力量将球提拉呈上旋出手；另一个需注意的是：在此过程中，持拍手应带动球拍顺着后摆的弧线继续画弧，只不过由“由高至低”转为了“自下而上”，其间不应有脱节及生硬的停顿，特别是后摆转至前挥的“转折”之处，手腕与小臂都不应僵硬、死板地紧紧固定不动，应依然是顺应大弧线做轻微而有弹性的摆动，拍头也就伴有一个自然下落再上提的动作。
b.击球点的位置：击球点是击一切球的核心所在，球员的跑动、挥拍等一系列努力都是为这一点服务的，都是为了千方百计找好、找准击球点的位置并且在这最关键的一瞬间释放出所有的能量以与来球相抗衡。击上旋球最理想的击球点是在身体侧前方相当于腰部高或略低于腰部的位置上，此时重心已移至前脚，身体也应该已转向出球方向，在此位置和状态下击中球，人体的姿势比较舒展、视野非常开扩，最关键的还是加力过程在此正好达到了巅峰。
谈到击球点，许多初学者在击球时总有这样的情况，就是感觉击球点离身体太近，球像要撞到身上来似的。这种现象很大程度上是跑位方法不对所造成的。初学者常常有一种认识，即击球点就是击球者应全力以赴奔向前去的那一点，其实不然，其间应该有一段距离，这段距离留给了手臂和球拍。如果击球者预测的击球点比较远，需要奔跑数步才可击到球，那么击球者跑动的目的应是为击中球而取位、站位的点，是双脚最后要“占领”的位置，而不是球与拍相触的击球点。分清了其中的区别，在取位时把击球点“让”出来，击球点离身体太近的现象就会得以改观，也不会感觉球要迎面撞到身上来了。
c.到达击球点时的拍面：击上旋球时，拍面在击球点的位置上是稍向地面倾斜的，如果拍面打开上仰则击出的球可想而知要往天上飞，但若关得太厉害则容易下网，合适的角度需击球者自己去体会和掌握。这里还要注意的是，到达击球点时球拍整体与整个手臂不应成一条直线，而应保持一个近垂直的角度，这样就确保了球拍与球能够在一个打开得最充分的平面上做最充分的接触。
d.介绍后摆时提到过肘部弯曲的问题，前挥击球时肘部仍要保持弯曲、角度牢固并收近身体，其目的也同样是为了缩短身体转动的半径以便于发力。另外，直臂前挥击球还将对肘关节的安全构成威胁，易诱发网球肘等劳损性伤病。
初学者可以分别试一下两种不同的感觉：
(1)直臂挥拍击球；
(2)屈肘并把肘收近身体挥拍击球。哪一种比较易于发力且不感觉肘部吃力呢?
e.击球的力量源于身体而非手臂，这是网球初学者常常会产生误会的一个问题。在很多人的印象中，打球是否有劲儿主要靠胳膊，仿佛只有具备一双强壮的臂膀才可以击出重磅的球。其实这是很失偏颇的。实际情况中，手臂的力量随然重要，但它的主要作用在于控制球拍、对抗来球、协调发力动作而非真正地去发力。由后摆球拍转至前挥击球，在这一过程中屈膝、蹬地和来回转体所产生的身体惯性才是发力的根本，手臂仅仅是在此惯性的带动下去完成控制球拍走向的任务并保证球拍不乱晃。以后我们还会多次提到这个问题，初学者最终也一定要学会用惯性和速度而不是靠肌肉的绝对紧张或手臂的甩动去加力、去击球，否则打网球将是一件极费力的苦差事，受伤也必定在所难免。
E.随挥
“随挥”即随球挥动球拍。到达击球点之后，虽然球与拍面的接触已经完成，但这并中意昧着整个击球过程的结束，转体及自下而上前挥球拍所形成的惯性仍然存在，随挥就是要顺应此惯性并且利用此惯性引导手臂及球拍沿出球方向继续送出，最后在其势末收住球拍、结束击球。尽可能地多送球一程可对出手后的球起到“保护”的作用，可令球飞行得更加平稳，更加听话。
a.随挥的高度和幅度：随挥结束时持拍手应与其异侧的耳朵差不多高，并且身体也应已完全面向出球方向。初学者常常觉得这个高度和幅度比较夸张，也比较费力，其实，若每一次击球都能够尽力达到此标准的话，很快你就会发现自己发力的能力比原来增强了。因为如果不大面积转肩、转髋的话，随挥是很难达到此幅度的，而转肩和转髋正是转体发力的根本，这是“由表及里”的效应。初学者可以在随挥时有意令持拍手触到自己的耳朵，久而久之就能找着随挥的感觉了。
b.随挥时后脚勿着急向出球方句迈进，否则会破坏身体的平衡，导致发力失败。
非持拍手在挥拍过程中应起到掌握身体平衡的作用，包括随挥时接住末势的球拍，不要总是令其紧吊在体侧。在这里，我们还要谈一下击落地球时如何控制出球方向，因为它与非持拍手有很大的关系。充分发挥非持拍手的作用是正手击球控制出球方向最简单易行的方法。如果想打斜线的话，从后摆开始至到达击球点后“送球一程”，非持拍手绝不要随便摆动或吊放在休侧，而应是始终牢牢地指向你所希望打的那条斜线，转体的惯性再大也不要动摇。直线也是如此。如果随挥的时候你的非持拍手还在与那条直线遥相应呼，那么你绝少有可能打出一条令人失望的线路。本质的问题在于非持拍手不仅可以帮助击球者掌握平衡和更顺利地转体发力，同时也可以限制击球时转体的幅度，而对初学者来说，出球的大方向恰好是由转体的角度决定的。如此，反手的出球方向也要由转体角度来控制，打直线时，身体转到面向这条直线时就该“制动”了；打斜线时，身体加大转动幅度直到面向这条斜线为止，单双手握拍皆然。还需要强调的是，持拍手前挥送球的目的性也要为初学者所注意，想往什么地方打球，拍面就要往这个方向送，整个人的走向也要朝着这个地方跟进。上述几方面都能贯彻好的话，控制出球方向应该是不成问题的。
c.“眼跟球走”：击球者的目光没有一刻离开过飞行当中的球，球出手后也是如此，包括盯牢击球点那一瞬间。初学者经常会遇到挥拍击球却没击到球的尴尬情况，如果能试着“眼跟球走”，不让球有一刻逃离自己的视线，那么这种情况发生的概率就会明显下降，因为在“盯球”的过程中你的注意力集中到球上了，而初学者往往意识不到应该这样做。
击球过程其实就是加大惯性、爆发惯性、再顺应惯性的过程，击球点是力的爆发点。除到达击球点一瞬间需握紧球拍并保持手腕、肘的固定与强劲外，击球者一定还要注意加力的渐进性，也就是说肌肉的放松与发力都应有弹性和清晰的节奏，手臂不能时时都处在紧张僵硬的状态之下，否则是难以获得足够的挥拍速度和力量去击球的，因为力量都内耗在与本体肌肉相抗衡上了，这是极大的浪费。请记住：任何紧张、痉挛性的或是离心性的动作都将对发力产生相反的作用。 随挥动作结束后，击球者所要做的下一件事是尽快回到底线中点或所判断到的有利于准备下一次击球的位置上，下一次击球准备的开始就意味着上一次击球已经完整地结束了，整个击球动作应力求做得流畅、自如、大方、完整。
反手击上旋球
A 握拍
东方式反手或西方式握拍，双手的握法可参照前一章。
a.换握球拍：在底线击落地球过程中，准备动作时一般都是正手握拍，这样持拍手的状态比较自然、舒服，况且正反手击球之间的换握过程在融人条件反射变为一种自动化的动作以后，是根本不会妨碍击球的。初学者若担心因来不及换握导致来不及击反手球而在准备时就用反手握拍，那么遇到正手球时不一样也要换握吗?
若采用西方式握拍法，那么正手和反手握拍是没有区别的，不需要换握，而正手若采用东方式或半东方式半西方式的握拍则在击反手球之前必须有一个换握的过程，否则将无法击反手球。换握球拍一般在做反手后摆的过程当中进行，方法是由非持拍手辅助持拍手使拍柄在手掌中做逆时针方向旋转(右手持拍是如此，左手持拍则相反)，完成换握。此动作极细致、极敏捷，随着练习次数的增多，它会很自然地被融人条件反射中，击球者下意识地就可以完成它。
B 准备
同正手。
C 后摆球拍
在准备动作的基础之上，与持拍手同侧的脚向来球方向前跨半步至一步，同时以相异一侧的脚为支撑向后侧转体(肩、髋髓一体同时转)，同时后摆球拍。
a.双手后摆：双手落在腰髋部的高度上，持拍稳定但不僵硬，双手不能握得太紧，也没有大幅度的翻转或晃动，拍头在手腕自然而不吃力的限度内与手腕持平或略高于双手，拍面自然倾向于地面，双腿弯曲、重心下降并落在与持拍手相异一侧的脚上，眼睛盯球。
b.单手后摆：单手后摆与双手后摆有很多地方是相似的，如重心的转移、拍面倾向地面、眼睛盯球等等，差异当然也存在，比如手腕固定的强度与力度上。如果单手也像双手那样自然、放松的话，接下来的前挥发力将是不可想像的，单手后摆时手腕一定要坚固、稳定，哪怕紧张一些也好。辅助手虽然不必像双手后摆时一样与持拍手紧靠在一起，但也不要认为辅助手是多余的而将其吊于体侧，应将其扶在拍体上协助持拍手抬起拍头，它对于协调转体与发力、掌握身体的平衡都具有重要的作用，这与正手相似。
c.后摆幅度：反手无论单手握拍还是双手握拍，其后摆幅度皆要比正手稍大一些，因为反手是离心用力，对于许多腰腿部力量不足的击球者来说更需要加大后摆幅度、加长加速度的过程来获取动力，而加大转体幅度则是加大后摆幅度的根本保障和真正的意义所在。可以打个比方：假如击球者后背上写有号码的话，那么你最好能让隔网而立的对方看到这号码。反手击球(特别是单手握拍)如果不以转体为大前提，不以充分的转体为发力的源泉，其结果比正手击球不转体要糟糕得多。
d.后摆弧度：与正手一样，反手后摆时持拍手也应带动球拍画一个圆滑的弧线,并且拍头有个小小的下吊动作。此动作在双手后摆过程中可表现得较为松弛柔和，而在单手后摆过程中则应以简洁、强劲为原则，弧线划得不必太精致更不能随意吊下拍头，否则将影响手腕、肘在前挥发力时的坚固和一致程度，导致无法与球对抗。
这里还要再一次请朋友们注意保持肘部弯曲并收近腰部、收近身体，直臂后摆、直臂击球是有百弊而无一利的，无论双手还是单手握拍。
D 前挥击球
反手前挥击球过程中的基本要点(如拍面、自下而上、重心由后脚移至前脚、蹬地发力等等)与正手的差异仍然不是很大，只要看一下图片就会很清楚了，在此不做过繁的重复。需要重点强调的还是转体的问题。转体无论在正手还是在反手击球过程中永远是第一位要做好的，后摆时转体到位只是开了个好头，前挥击球时能再转回来与球相对抗则更为重要。另外，单手前挥时持拍手仍要保持坚固、强劲及不拆不挠的前挥势头，辅助手可留于身后像展开翅膀一样帮助身体掌握平衡，也可帮助持拍手扶住拍柄并在前挥时向前推送一下，把单手挥拍变为“半双手”挥拍。双手握拍者两只手不要分主次，特别是辅助手不能过于主动地前顶拍柄，否则整个球拍的动力平衡就会被破坏掉，发力将失去协调性。
关于击球点。
反手单、双手的最佳击球点也都应在身体侧前方腰部或略低于腰部的位置上，这一点不是轻易等得到的而需要击球者全力以赴去抢、去争取。
关于击球点离身体的远近。原则上说，在合理的范围内无论正反手都应争取击球点能离身体近些再近些，身体转体的半径越短越有利于发力，这我们在前面的内容里已有涉及。但由于正反手在发力时还有个向心和离心的区别，所以相对来说反手是越收近身体越妙，而正手对击球点的要求比反手就要宽泛一些，远近的弹性大一些，有时候手臂完全离开体侧都是可以的，只要击球者仍然有力量控制住拍子、控制住球就行。到达击球点时拍面的倾斜角度、拍体与手臂所成的角度均可参照正手。
E 随挥
反手同正手一样，随挥动作也是尽量沿出球方向送出球拍的，不同之处在于正手挥至持拍手异侧耳朵的高度，而反手则是挥至持拍手同侧的耳朵高度。
a.双手握拍的随挥动作比较容易也比较随意，一般只注意双臂保持弯曲并且一致前挥到尽头，最后自然过渡至同侧的耳朵附近就可以了，其间不要有翻肘、抬肘等多余动作。从始至终都是双手握拍，其实实际运用中许多球员在击中球后就已经把辅助手松开了，也有的人等双手挥过肩头高度才将辅助手松开，只要击球者能够控制住自己的球拍、能够完整顺畅地发力，这些都是可以采用的随挥方式。
b.单手握拍的随挥幅度比较难掌握，原则上应该是宜小不宜大，最好不要挥出自己余光所及的范围。很多初学者由于力量相对不足并且也还不能够熟练地依靠转体去发力击球，所以往往要靠大幅度地甩胳膊发力，结果造成随挥幅度过大，甚至整个手臂都甩到身体后面去了，这不仅会影响快速地准备下一次击球，而且也容易造成肩部的损伤，因为肩部肌肉很难负荷多次如此剧烈的牵拉。
弥补的办法是：
(1)加强练习上臂及肩部周围的肌肉以便在随挥时能够有力量控制球拍的走势；
(2)保持整个身体包括手臂、球拍的走势大方向是向前面而不是向旁边拉；
(3)把转体动作延续至随挥结束以缓解肩部的压力。
常常会听到开放式击球、关闭式击球的说法，其实这主要是针对击球过程中两脚及身体的状态而言。本章里所有的都是关闭式的击球，即在后摆时有个向来球方向上步的动作，两脚连线与底线成一定的角度，身体侧对球网，在前挥击球时重心由后脚移至前脚同时转体挥拍。而开放式则没有向来球方上步的动作而是单纯地转体后摆，两脚的连线与底线近乎平行，前挥击球时重心是横向地由一只脚移至另一只脚。其实只要把后摆至前挥时来回转体的过程完成得同样好，那么开放式与关闭式在正手击球时的发力及出球效果上是没有多大区别的。反手则不然，无论单手还是双手都最好采取关闭式，开放式会使球员很难充分地转体、后摆，从而导致前挥击球时不能充分地回转发力，这对于任何水平的选手都是很别扭、很致命的。网前截击也存在类似的问题，只不过没有击落地球那么突出罢了，以后我们会陆续讲到。
以上罗列了反手击上旋球的技术要领。有的朋友时常会感觉已经很用力了，挥拍的速度、节奏也掌握得很好，但球出手后却经常下网并且好像不具备向前的推进力。俗话说“胳膊拧不过大腿”，打网球也是如此，我们在前边已经谈过，反手击球整个发力的原理与正手同出一辙，都要依靠身体整体的惯性和速度去与球相对抗，而蹬地是其中不可缺少的一个辅助环节，如果能够很好地将腿部力量用在发力上，那么情况将会大有改观。初学网球者如遇上述困难的话，不用担忧，你只需在后摆时有意识地做一个幅度比较大的屈膝下蹲动作，然后在前挥击球的同时配合转体向前上方(或向出球方向)快速蹬地，这样就可以感觉到完全不同的一种发力及出球效果了，蹬地所产生的力的爆发点与转体带动手臂前挥击球时力的爆发点结合得越完美效果也就越好。另外一件重要的事情是，击球点之后拍子及身体一定别忘记了“送球一程”，勿着急把拍子收回来以免前功尽弃。
击下旋球
“下旋球”即常说的“削球”，是一项适用面相当广泛且经常令对手防不胜防的技术，只要来得及做准备，击球者几乎可以在网球场的任何角落运用此技术处理任何来球。相对于上旋球来说，因为下旋球是反向旋转的，所以球落地后有一种“弹不动”或“弹不起来”的粘滞感，这是它最具特点、最有利用价值的地方，无论击球者的意图是进攻、防守还是控制球路、调动对方跑位，下旋球都有它可发挥的天地。
在这里笔者想重点介绍一下反手击下旋球技术，因为在实际击球过程中，反手下旋球远比正手下旋球要实用得多也难得多。
A 握拍
东方式反手或大陆式握拍均可。
B 准备
基本姿势同上旋球。由于下旋击球的机会随时都可能出现，所以击球者不管在底线还是在网前都要随时对此有所准备，以快速应变，而对下旋击球的准备一般更多地是体现在战术意图中，而非体现在动作外形上。
C 后摆
在上步、转体的同时以拍头为先导，引领持拍手向异侧肩头方向做后摆。可以发现，反手削球后摆动作的关键仍在于转体，即同时转肩、髋，这与反手上旋球是一样的；手臂也还要保持弯曲，若伸的话你会觉得根本无法获得与球对抗的力量；拍头高于手，拍面打开(角度视各人习惯而定，与地面约成45度角是个可以参照的标准)，但手腕不要刻意翻转，只要自然而稳定地把持住球拍就可以了；直线后摆到位，持拍手、臂和球拍尽量中要有多余的划弧及摇晃；双膝弯曲，重心落在与持拍手相异一侧的脚上；眼盯来球。
D前挥击球
球拍征大臂的带动下由高于击球点处斜线“下切”击于球的后下部将球击打出手。在此过程中，由于反手削球多用单手而且是离心用力，所以较之正手(向心用力)要多耗费些力气才能击出同样有威胁的球(这与正反手上旋球的道理是一样的)。为弥补此中的差距，反手削球前挥时除了仍格外要保持手臂、腕的坚固与强劲，保持大臂和肘一直收近身体，避免松散打开，不可手软外，尤其要把握好转体发力的节奏，身体各部位要协同一致，用整体的力量去对抗来球，总体感觉应是先持拍手一侧的肩胛用力“靠向”来球，然后转体击球。
下旋球的击球点同样在身体的侧前方，击球时拍面的开放深度视需要而定，给大家提供了一个参考，若希望球出手后有很强的穿透性和侵略性，拍面就要开放得小一些，即常说的把抑面“立”起来；若希望球出手后高飘一些，则并而就要开放得大一些，初学者应对此多做比较以找到最佳感觉。
E 随挥
击球后手、臂、拍乃至整个人体重心顺应出球方向也有一个向前跟进的动作。削球的随挥应体现简捷、短促的特点，随挥路线越短越好，收拍要及时，小臂和手腕不要甩动和上下地翻转，随意地挥洒球拍将令球失去控制。一般来讲，随挥结束时球拍虽然可以挥至持拍手一侧的身畔，但击球者自己必须意识到削球发力的实际终结点是在出球方向的假定延长线上，余下向旁边拉的动作只是惯性所致。
整个削球动作应给人朴实刚劲、切中要害的感觉，后摆至随挥的动态过程中拍与手最好是目的明确、直来直去，任何化哨、无节制的动作都足一种“恶性的浪费”。
正削球比反手容易得多，但使用的机率却比较少。正手削球对挥拍的限制是相当宽泛的，东方式正手、东方式反手、大陆式握拍都可以用来打削球，甚至西方式也可以，因为这些握拍方式用在削球上都不大容易形成对臂、腕有伤害性的动作，击球者完全可以凭自我感觉的舒适程度来决定采用哪一种方式。后摆至随挥过程中的要点与反手差不多，只要击球者不乱甩球拍，几乎就可以百分之百地击出一个好球。在此不做多论。
击反弹球
反弹球也是落地球的一种，其特点是击球者几乎在来球落地的同时不等球弹跳起来就迅速将球阻击回对方场区。这种打法一般在中前场及处理过渡球时用处颇大。
A 握拍
不想换握的话就可以采用大陆式握法，否则可以随底线正反手击落地球的握拍方式适时换握。
B 准备
随时准备。
球员回球的方式很大程度上取决于对方来球的方式，审时度势、随机应变是一个网球好了应具备的素质，对于初学者来说，具备这样的素质需要一个熟悉球感、提高球技的过程，在这个过程中，“兵来将挡，水来也用将挡”的思想准备一定要有，用有限的技术及不高的击球水平去应付一切可能发生的情况，体现在准备动作上就是“随时准备”，不管对方怎样把球打过来，把球打到哪里，把球打得多快或是多慢，我只管把球打过网、打回去。慢慢地你会发现自己处理球的方式越来越多了，在准备时除了随时准备外更有了预见性及针对性，这是网球水平提高的一个标志。
C 技术
击反弹球的基本动作与击上旋球相似，不同之处在于缩小了后摆和随挥的幅度，到达击球点一瞬间出手更果敢也更强硬一些。整个过程中球员应上体大幅度前倾、低重心、交叉步、抢点击球。这里需要注意的是，球出手后身体中能骤然抬起，也应顺着出球方向“送球一程”，若所处位置有利于上网则要继续迅速上步至网前准备截击对方的来球，若需要回守底线就应该立即退返至合适的位置，任何妨碍前进或后退速度的身体动作都将殆误时机，使自己陷入被动挨打的境地。球员无论在什么地方击反弹球都应该以上述标准要求自己。
关于击球点。击反弹球时球落点的位置几乎就是击球点的位置。球员小幅度后摆球拍等候(常常是“争抢”)在预见到的击球点旁，球没落地即开始前挥动作，最后理想的结局是“球落拍到”，刻不容缓地将球回击过网，击球点抢得越在体前越好。
反手击反弹球时以以正手类推，在此不多言。
打网球需要将身体各部位关节、肌肉的功效与球拍的弹性与力度等一系列因素都很好地结合在一起，对初学者来说这是不太容易的—件事，可能常常会顾此失彼。不过，你只要在每一次挥拍或者击球时向自己强调一个要点并努力去体验就足够了。球员应该学会发现来源于白己本体的某个感觉、经验及长处，单个的感觉汇集在一起并与正确的理论相融汇，可以帮助击球者最终找到所需要的正确感觉，也只有这样做才有望得到最快、最大程度的提高。