Tennis

High Performance Tennis and Padel Elite Training Premier Facilities and Tournaments 1

What is Tennis

Tennis is a globally popular racquet sport enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. It is typically played in singles (one-on-one) or doubles (two players per team) and combines skill, strength, agility, and strategy. Tennis is known for its fast-paced action, precision, and variety of shot techniques, making it both challenging and exciting. The sport is played professionally in major tournaments worldwide, including the Grand Slam events—Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open.

Why Tennis is Popular

Tennis offers a unique blend of physical, mental, and strategic challenges, making it popular among both recreational players and professional athletes. The sport promotes fitness, agility, and reflexes while encouraging strategic thinking and patience. Tennis’s rich history, worldwide fan base, and exciting professional scene make it a beloved sport around the globe. Whether played on a neighborhood court or in a stadium filled with fans, tennis brings people together, fostering sportsmanship, resilience, and community.

The Tennis Court

A tennis court is a rectangular area divided by a net and marked with lines to designate various areas of play.

  • Court Size: The standard court measures 23.77 meters (78 feet) in length and 8.23 meters (27 feet) wide for singles, or 10.97 meters (36 feet) for doubles.
  • Surface Types: Tennis courts can have various surfaces, each affecting the game differently. The four main types are hard courts, clay courts, grass courts, and carpet. Each surface affects ball speed, bounce, and player movement.
  • Lines and Areas:
    • Baseline: The line at the far end of each side where players stand to serve and rally.
    • Service Boxes: Divided by the center line, these areas receive the serve on either side of the net.
    • Net: Positioned in the middle of the court, the net measures 0.91 meters (3 feet) at the center and is higher at the posts.
High Performance Tennis and Padel Elite Training Premier Facilities and Tournaments 5
High Performance Tennis and Padel Elite Training Premier Facilities and Tournaments 5

Tennis Equipment

  • Racquet: Tennis racquets are strung with a tightly woven string pattern, and they vary in size, weight, and balance based on player preferences.
  • Ball: Tennis balls are made of rubber and covered with felt. They are pressurized to provide consistent bounce and speed on the court.
  • Additional Gear: Players wear specialized tennis shoes for grip, movement, and ankle support, as well as optional accessories like wristbands, visors, and dampeners to reduce racquet vibration.

Basic Rules and Scoring

  • Scoring System:

    • Points follow the sequence 0 (Love), 15, 30, 40, and Game.
    • If both players reach 40, the score is “Deuce,” requiring a player to win by two consecutive points to secure the game.
    • Sets are typically won by the first player to win six games, with a two-game lead required. Matches are generally played as best of three or five sets.
  • Serve:

    • Each point begins with a serve, where the player must stand behind the baseline and strike the ball diagonally across the net into the opponent’s service box.
    • Players alternate serves every game and switch sides of the court at intervals.
  • Rally and Scoring Points:

    • Players hit the ball back and forth, aiming to make it bounce within the opponent’s side of the court.
    • Points are won when an opponent cannot return the ball, hits it out of bounds, or fails to make a valid serve.
    • The game emphasizes strategic shot placement, including groundstrokes, volleys, lobs, and serves.
High Performance Tennis and Padel Elite Training Premier Facilities and Tournaments 5
High Performance Tennis and Padel Elite Training Premier Facilities and Tournaments 5

Tennis Techniques and Skills

  • Groundstrokes: Forehand and backhand shots are the main techniques for rallying, hit after the ball bounces once on the court.
  • Serve: A powerful starting shot that can set the tone for the point; serves can be flat, topspin, or slice.
  • Volley: A shot taken close to the net without letting the ball bounce, often used to end points.
  • Lob and Drop Shot: Specialized shots aimed at altering the pace and catching the opponent off guard.

Try Tennis with HPTP

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner looking to try something new, High Performance Tennis and Padel (HPTP) invites you to experience tennis at one of our premier facilities. Join us for a training session, participate in a tournament, or simply enjoy the game with friends and family in Kenya’s growing padel community.