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Key Points

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Tennis counting is unique: '0 (Love)', '15', '30', '40. Winning 4 points generally wins a game.

  • 2

    In self-judging, 'when in doubt, it's in is the golden rule. Respect for the opponent is the most important rule of tennis.

  • 3

    Always exchange greetings before and after a match. Deciding service rights by a racket toss (Up/Down) is the standard style even in 2026.

Once you get somewhat used to tennis practice, the next thing you”ll want to challenge is a “match.” However, tennis has a unique way of counting the score and some etiquette that can be embarrassing if you don”t know it.

This time, we”ve summarized the “must-know” rules and etiquette in an easy-to-understand way, so that beginners can participate in their first matches or club activities with peace of mind.

1. Unique Tennis “Point Counting”

The most confusing thing for first-timers is that unique counting method.

Calling the Points

  • 0 points : 0 (Love)
  • 1 point : 15 (Fifteen)
  • 2 points : 30 (Thirty)
  • 3 points : 40 (Forty)
  • 4 points : Game won!

Why increments of 15? There are various theories, but it”s said to be a remnant of dividing a clock face into four quadrants. Incidentally, the reason it”s 40 is a prevailing theory that it was too much trouble to say “forty-five (45)” before 60 (a full circle of the clock), so it was shortened.

引用: YouTube

2. “On-Court Etiquette” to Know

Tennis values etiquette so much that it”s often called a “sport for gentlemen and ladies.”

Handing Over Balls

When passing a ball to your opponent, send it with “one bounce, to a place where it”s easy for the opponent to take it.” It is bad form to hit it silently or to send it when the opponent isn”t looking.

Self-Judging Mindset

In matches without an umpire, you judge balls that come to your side of the court yourself.

  • If it touches even a small part of the line: In
  • If a gap is clearly visible: Out
  • When in doubt: Judge it as “In,” which is favorable to the opponent

This is one of the most beautiful etiquettes of tennis.

💡 2026 Trend: Score Management with Smartwatches

Very convenient apps have appeared on recent smartwatches that notify and record tennis scores via vibration (haptics).

  • TennisTrkr (Wear OS 3+) : Available on Google Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, etc. It informs you of the timing for end changes with a “clear vibration,” so you won”t forget to switch sides even in heated matches.
  • Wrist Tennis Score (Apple Watch) : Record scores with a single tap, with feedback returned to your wrist for each input. This allows you to verify “whether the score was correctly updated without looking at the screen” via sense of touch, not distracting your focus from the play.
  • Benefits : Not only does it prevent trouble caused by miscounting the score, but it also automatically handles complex rules such as tie-breaks.
💡 2026 Trend: Digital Etiquette

While recent smartwatches have features to record tennis scores via vibration, checking your device many times during a match may lack consideration for the opponent. Basically, call out clearly, like “Fifteen-Love.”

3. Approach the Match with the “Knowledge Trilogy”

By reading this article, you are already getting ready to start tennis. If you are still worried about technical aspects or practice methods, check the following guides as well.

Summary: Knowing Etiquette Increases Your Tennis Partners

Rules and etiquette are not meant to bind you, but are “a common language for everyone to enjoy tennis comfortably.”

If you know the rules correctly and stand on the court with respect for your opponent, you”ll likely be invited to the next match even if you lose. Come on, find the courage to go say the first “Onegaishimasu!” (Let”s have a good game!).

# Tennis # Sports # Etiquette # Beginner Guide