Skip to Content

Singles Tennis: How to Serve, What are the Rules, and How to Get Started

Playing tennis can be a lot of fun, but there are a couple of different ways to play the game.

One type is singles tennis.

This blog post will talk about how to play singles tennis and what you need to know before you start playing.

First, we’ll talk about the rules for singles tennis and then we’ll discuss some tennis tips on how to serve in this version of the game.

Some of the topics I will cover in this post inlcude:

  • Singles Tennis Rules
  • Singles Tennis Court Lines
  • Where do you stand in singles tennis?
  • Tennis Strategy for Singles
  • Serve and Volley Strategy
  • Helpful Tennis Tips for Singles Players
  • FAQ
Singles tennis is a challenging, fun game that can be played on any court surface. This article will give you the basic rules and strategy for singles tennis so you are ready to play when your next opportunity arises!

Everything You Need to Know About Singles Tennis Rules

Playing singles tennis is a fun way to get in some exercise.

There are a few versions of the game, and one that you might want to try is called “singles” or “one-on-one.”

This blog post will talk about what you need to know before beginning this version of the game.

The first thing you need to understand when learning singles is what the lines on the court mean.

Singles Tennis Court Lines

All of the lines mean the same thing in both doubles and singles but there is one big difference that you need to be aware of.

You can read more about basic tennis rules here.

The lines on the outside of the court are also known as the “alley”.

In singles, the alley space is not included in the hitting area. It’s important to note that foot faults are called out for if you hit your hand past line one during a serve or return.

Hitting the ball in that area will also be called out of bounds during a singles match.

In doubles, players can hit in the alley space as that is included in the doubles court.

The positioning for the serve is important for singles.

The server must be behind the line and in the “serving box”.

Your opponent is in the opposite box, diagonal from on the court to receive your serve.

Where do singles stand in tennis?

During a singles match, you will want to be on the center portion of the court.

This is different than what you would do during a doubles match because you are covering the whole court by yourself.

Staying near the middle will allow you to get to more shots taking fewer steps.

Tennis Strategy Singles

So what is the best tennis strategy for singles players when it comes to serving?

Serving from the middle of the court instead of near the alley is your best option.

This way you will be near the middle of the court when they return the serve.

This is an important difference between singles and doubles because you have to cover the whole court on your own.

In doubles, you could choose to serve closer towards the alley if you wanted because your partner can cover the space near the middle.

Another one of my favorite strategies to use during any tennis match whether it be singles or doubles is to focus on hitting consistently instead of just hitting “winners.”

It is easy to become excited about hitting a winning shot but this can also set the stage for errors to happen.

Instead focus on hitting consistent strokes and always getting the ball back…wait for them to make the mistake!

Serve and Volley Strategy

The serve and volley strategy is a common and effective strategy for singles players.

To do this strategy, you need to be able to serve a good amount of speed and power.

You will then need to charge the net after your serve.

Once you have reached the net you will want to use your volley shot to aim towards the back corners of the court or anywhere that would be difficult for your opponent to get to.

Helpful Tennis Tips for Singles Players

One of the best tips for singles tennis players to help you win more matches is to play the game is to play aggressively.

When you are on defense, your opponent will be looking for a way in and if he can’t find an opening himself then they’ll create one by pushing forward into gaps so make sure that when this happens you’re always ready to hit back with all of the power in your body behind it!

You also want to make sure that you have the endurance to play your best throughout the entire match.

If you are a doubles player and starting to play singles you may notice that you get much more tired earlier on in the match.

This is because you know have to get to every ball as you no longer have a partner helping you out.

Don’t worry though, the more you play singles the stronger you will get and your endurance will get better as well.

Have a question about playing singles tennis?

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in getting started playing singles tennis. If there’s anything that we haven’t covered, please feel free to leave a comment below or join our facebook group for more tips and tricks on the game!

What is the difference between singles and doubles tennis?

The main difference between the two is that in singles you are playing against your opponent and the doubles version is made up of two teams, one on both sides.

Two people who work together to get a return shot that will be an easier task for their partner. In singles tennis it is just you!

How many sets are there in singles tennis?

The most common number of sets is three. The basic rule set in singles tennis is that you have to win six games before your opponent does.

Is singles harder than doubles tennis?

It is difficult to say that singles tennis games are any harder than doubles, however, they require a different skill set. In doubles you must be able to read your opponents’ shots and make smart decisions about what the right option is for either of you; in singles it’s on the individual player to execute against their opponent with no one else to support them.

Related Posts You Will Enjoy

Tennis Footwork Drills for Beginners

Tennis Tank Tops that Will Keep You Cool on the Court!

How to Hit a Backhand in Tennis

Tennis Lessons for Kids: When Should They Start?

Things Every Tennis Player Needs to Get Started!

Singles tennis is a great way to get your competitive juices flowing while also working on improving your skills. It's the perfect opportunity for beginner and intermediate players alike to meet new people, find like-minded partners, or play with an old friend. Get started playing singles today with these tips from our blog!