Tennis has a culture of etiquette that predates many of its written rules. After 25 years on recreational courts, here is everything I have learned — sometimes the hard way.
Before the Match
- Arrive on time. Courts are booked in hour blocks. Starting 10 minutes late steals time from both of you.
- Warm up cooperatively. Hit to your opponent, not past them. See our 15-minute warm-up guide.
- Spin for serve. Rough or smooth on the strings — do not just take serve.
- Practice serves are not points. The server gets a reasonable warmup.
Line Calls
| Situation | Correct Protocol |
|---|---|
| Ball clips the line | IN — the line is good |
| You are unsure | Benefit of the doubt to your opponent. Always. |
| Ball is clearly out | Call it out immediately and loudly |
| Opponent disputes your call | If genuinely unsure, replay the point. Never argue. |
| Out call on a ball that won you the point | Correct yourself. Even if it costs you the point. |
⚠️ The cardinal rule
You only call balls on your side of the net. Never question a call your opponent makes on their side.
During Points
- Call the score before every serve. Both players should always know it.
- Do not celebrate errors excessively. A fist pump is fine. A victory dance is not.
- Return balls to the server promptly. Do not hold onto balls at the baseline.
- Do not offer coaching between points unless specifically asked.
After the Match
- Meet at the net. Handshake or racket tap. Always. Even after a frustrating loss.
- Do not over-explain your performance. “Good match” is the correct response.
- Pick up all balls on your side before leaving.
Good etiquette keeps your tennis relationships healthy for years. Also check out how to find a great tennis partner — good etiquette is one of the best ways to keep the ones you have. 🎾
