Strange tennis rules you didn't know existed
What's the story
Just like any other sport in the world, tennis also has some rules in place, a few of which are incredibly strange. And while you may ace this sport during your practice sessions, these rules can be a game-changer. We look at some of the most bizarre tennis rules here, from whiffing the ball to serving underarm.
Underarm serve
Players can serve underarm
Although it is not very common, it is actually legal to serve underarm in tennis. As for underarm serve, it increases the chances of winning the point, since the ball comes slow, falling short of the opponent. As per the ITF rule, if the ball is in the air during a serve before hitting the ground on the opponent's court, the serve is legal.
Do you know?
The ball can be hit around the net
Usually, players hit the ball over the net for it to land inside the opponent's court. While hitting the ball through the net is illegal, it is allowed to hit the ball around the net. However, the ball needs to land inside the opponent's court.
Net factor
A player cannot go over or touch the net
There are some weird rules involving the net. A player is not supposed to touch the net and is neither allowed to cross over. As for the racquet, it is not allowed to touch the net either. In case of the racquet crossing over, it can only happen during the follow-through of a shot, provided the first contact was made inside the player's half.
Swing and miss
Whiffing the ball is considered a fault
Swing and miss is a common phenomenon in sports involving a ball. Although it is rare in tennis, there is a harsh law in place. In case of serve, if the server swings and misses, it is deemed as a fault. However, the server is allowed to redo the ball toss for the serve, without swinging the racquet, as many number of times.
Throwing racquet
Racquet cannot be thrown at the ball on purpose
This is a general rule across the sport involving a ball that while hitting the ball, the equipment must be in contact with the player. This rule is no stranger to tennis as the law states that the player cannot throw the racquet at the ball to hit it. However, if the racquet is unintentionally thrown, after hitting the ball, it is deemed legal.