Tennis Etiquette 101
Whether you're just starting out or attending your first tournament, welcome to the world of tennis! This guide will help you navigate the essentials of tennis etiquette, ensuring you have a great experience on and off the court.
Why Tennis Etiquette Matters?
Tennis is a sport rooted in respect and sportsmanship. While not everyone follows these unspoken rules, your awareness and adherence help maintain the sport’s positive and courteous culture—one of the things that makes tennis truly special.
At some point, you’ll likely experience poor etiquette on the court. It might be tempting to respond in kind, but staying composed and leading by example will enhance your enjoyment of the game and earn you the respect of your peers.
If you're new to tennis or attending your first tournament—congratulations! I’m excited for you to be part of the sport, and I hope this guide helps you make the most of your experience.
Public Courts: the very basics
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Waiting for a public court
It’s perfectly fine to wait for your turn outside the court, but be mindful of proper etiquette.
If you’d like to check how much time the players have left, wait for a changeover and politely ask once. After that, be patient and avoid repeatedly asking.
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Entering a Tennis Court
On some public tennis courts, you may need to walk across one court to reach another due to limited access points.
If a match is in progress on the court you need to cross, it's best to wait until the players switch sides before entering. While some may try to slip through between points, it usually doesn't allow enough time to get in, close the gate, and settle without disrupting the game—so it's generally discouraged.
If the court is being used for casual play or practice, wait for a pause in their hitting and politely ask if it’s okay to pass through before proceeding.
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Pay Attention to Posted Signs
Public courts often have specific rules posted on doors, bulletin boards, or near the courts. Before playing, take a moment to review and follow them to avoid any issues.
For example, some courts might be reserved. It’s just best to check!
Helpful Tip:
The courts at Kereiakes have a board near the restrooms that shows who has paid to reserve the courts. Instead of assuming you can just wait by a court, check the board to make sure it’s free. -
Loss of control of the ball
If your ball rolls onto someone else's court, wait for a pause in their play before retrieving it. Never walk behind players during a point, as it can be distracting and may lead to injury.
When someone's ball rolls onto your court you should return it to them after their point is over.
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Keeping Courts Clean
It should be a given, but always clean up after yourself when leaving the court. Dispose of any trash, including overgrip packaging, empty ball cans, water bottles, or any other waste. Leaving it behind for the next players is not only inconsiderate but also poor etiquette.
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Don’t Hold Up the Court
If you're waiting for a friend to arrive, avoid holding the court while others are waiting to play. An unused court is wasted time for everyone, so be considerate and allow others to use it until you're ready to start.
For Players
This guide should help you navigate tennis etiquette and learn how to be a better teammate, ensuring that you and those around you have a more enjoyable experience on the court. Keep these principles in mind, and you’ll play with respect, integrity, and sportsmanship!
How to be a great teammate!
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Be Punctual and Considerate
Arrive on time for your matches out of respect for your teammates and opponents. The match can't start without you, so be ready to play when scheduled.
Support Your Captain
Help your captain by organizing practice matches or assisting with team logistics. Small efforts like these make a big difference in keeping things running smoothly. And don’t forget—a simple "thank you" goes a long way! -
Retrieving Balls from Nearby Courts
If your ball rolls onto a nearby court, it's fine to retrieve it—but timing is key. Never walk onto another court during a point. Instead, wait until the players have finished their rally before collecting your ball or politely asking for it to be returned.
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Targeting Your Opponent
During net play, there may be moments when your opponent pops the ball up, giving you a prime opportunity for a put-away shot. While the rules allow you to aim directly at your opponent, doing so—especially at close range—is poor etiquette.
If possible, aim for the open court or at their feet. However, this shouldn't come at the expense of winning the point.
There’s a fine line between fair play and bad etiquette. If your opponent turns away to avoid getting hit, there's no reason to target them—just place the ball in play. However, in fast-paced situations like overhead smashes, your shot’s direction might be out of your control.
If you accidentally hit or come close to hitting your opponent, a quick wave and a brief apology show good sportsmanship. After all, it wasn’t intentional, right?
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Net Shots & Mis-Hits
Occasionally, you’ll hit a shot that clips the net cord and lands on your opponent’s side, making it nearly impossible to return. Likewise, you might mishit the ball in a way that catches your opponent off guard and wins you the point.
When this happens, it’s common courtesy to give your opponent a small wave—an unspoken acknowledgment that luck played a role. While luck is part of the game, no one enjoys losing a crucial point because of it. The wave isn’t about apologizing; it’s simply good sportsmanship.
Some players debate the necessity of this tradition, but I appreciate the gesture.
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Drop Shots and Lobs
Are repeated drop shots and lobs bad etiquette? It depends on the setting.
In competitive play, they are completely fair game. If a player struggles against these shots, it’s up to them to adjust. In fact, excessive use of drop shots or lobs often backfires, putting the attacking player in a defensive position.
However, in casual matches, overusing these shots can drain the fun out of the game. While legal, they might frustrate your opponent and make it harder to enjoy the match.
Another questionable scenario is repeatedly targeting an opponent's physical limitation—like bad knees—with drop shots. Sure, you might win, but is it really enjoyable? If you’re on the receiving end of this, it may be best to find a new hitting partner.
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Underarm Serve
The underarm serve is legal, but it carries a stigma. Some players view it as disrespectful, assuming the server isn’t taking the match seriously or is trying to catch them off guard.
However, just like drop shots and lobs, the more an underarm serve is used, the less effective it becomes.
If an opponent hits an underarm serve, don’t let it rattle you. Instead, stay prepared and adjust your return position accordingly.
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Non-Marking Shoes
Tennis shoes have specialized soles designed to prevent scuff marks on the court. Many clubs and public courts require non-marking shoes, and wearing the wrong footwear can damage the playing surface.
Recreational players sometimes show up in running or cross-training shoes, which can leave marks and wear down the court. Not only is this poor etiquette, but it also shortens the lifespan of your shoes.
If you're planning to play, invest in a pair of non-marking tennis shoes. Affordable options are available, and they provide better stability to protect your feet and ankles.
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Celebrating Wins
Good sportsmanship means being both a humble winner and a gracious loser. Celebrating a victory is fine, but be mindful of your opponent’s feelings.
There’s a fine line between enjoying a win and gloating. Keep your celebration respectful.
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Shaking Hands After a Match
Regardless of the outcome, it’s proper etiquette to meet your opponent at the net and shake hands.
The winner should acknowledge their opponent’s effort, while the loser should offer congratulations.
In professional tennis, some players embrace after an intense match, particularly if they share mutual respect or friendship. While this isn’t necessary, a firm handshake and eye contact go a long way in showing respect.
DOUBLES ETIQUETTE
The same etiquette rules that apply to singles also apply to doubles, with one key exception—talking. In doubles, communication with your partner is perfectly acceptable while the ball is traveling toward your team.
However, in recreational or non-competitive mixed doubles, there’s an unspoken etiquette rule that some players overlook—especially when there’s a noticeable skill gap between partners or opponents.
Ideally, doubles teams should be evenly matched, but that’s not always the case. In these situations, it’s considered poor etiquette for the stronger players to repeatedly target the weaker player—regardless of gender.
Rather than focusing on what’s technically allowed, consider what makes the game enjoyable. While it’s not against the rules to direct shots at the weaker player, tennis should be fun for everyone. A skilled player has the power to enhance or diminish the experience for others.
If you’re on the receiving end of relentless targeting, it’s unlikely to be enjoyable. Instead of confronting the player, consider finding new opponents who prioritize fun and fair play.
Of course, in a competitive setting where the goal is to win, strategically playing to an opponent’s weakness is completely fair game.
A Note on Line Calls
In doubles, both players have the right to call lines for serves and during points. This is important to keep in mind so you don’t mistake a teammate or opponent’s call for poor etiquette.
For Spectators
At every level of tennis, whether amateur or professional, being a considerate spectator is just as important.
Your behavior can contribute to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere or, conversely, add unnecessary stress to the players. Poor spectator etiquette can be distracting, disrupt focus, and even impact performance. By respecting the game and those on the court, you help maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure a better experience for everyone involved.
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Stay Quiet During Points
Whether you’re watching an amateur or professional tennis match, it’s essential to remain silent during points to avoid distracting the players.
At professional matches, even if you feel far from the court, noise can quickly escalate when thousands of spectators are whispering or talking at once. Maintaining silence ensures players can focus and compete at their best.
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When to Leave Your Seat
Spectators should only leave their seats during designated changeovers to minimize disruptions. The best times to exit are:
After the first game of a set
After the first point of a set when players switch sides without a break
During these times, you can stretch, chat, grab a snack, or use the restroom. However, keep in mind that changeovers only last 90 seconds, so be quick to exit and return to avoid moving around during active play.
At many tournaments, ushers prevent spectators from returning to their seats until a changeover. Leaving at the wrong time could mean missing a crucial moment in the match, so plan accordingly.
Additionally, some tournaments may have their own specific guidelines, so it’s a good idea to check event policies before attending.
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Phones, Photography, & Video
Smartphones are everywhere, and while they can be used at tennis matches, proper etiquette is important.
Silence your phone—don’t take calls during a match, as it disrupts players and annoys fellow spectators.
Photography & video are generally allowed, but be mindful:
-Ensure your camera is in silent mode—if it doesn’t have one, consider leaving it at home.
-Never use flash photography, as it’s distracting and could get you removed from the match.
-Be considerate of others—don’t block anyone’s view by standing up to take photos, and keep your camera out of their line of sight.
-Keep selfies to a minimum—constant posing is disruptive, and yes, leave the selfie stick at home.
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Taunting & Sportsmanship
Unlike sports like baseball or football, where taunting is common, tennis maintains a more respectful atmosphere. Heckling players is frowned upon and can even get you removed from the match if ushers or fellow spectators report your behavior.
Poor spectator etiquette creates unnecessary stress, which can negatively impact player performance. Tennis thrives on a respectful and sportsmanlike culture, and as a spectator, your actions contribute to making the sport enjoyable—or not—for everyone involved.
By following proper etiquette, you help maintain the integrity of the game while ensuring a positive experience for players and fans alike.
Tennis Etiquette for Parents
Parental etiquette at a tennis match is much like general spectator etiquette, but there are a few additional points worth emphasizing.
First, while it’s natural to feel invested in your child’s performance, it’s important to keep emotions in check. Excessive reactions—whether excitement or frustration—can distract players and, more importantly, place unnecessary pressure on your child. Cheer and encourage them, but do so respectfully. Celebrate their great shots, but avoid over-the-top reactions or applauding their opponent’s mistakes.
Second, never coach or interfere during a match. If your child’s opponent makes a questionable call, resist the urge to step in. Instead, ensure your child understands the rules and how to handle such situations on their own, including when to call an official if needed.
Lastly, make sure your child is familiar with proper tennis etiquette. Teaching them sportsmanship and respect for the game will help them navigate competitive play and develop as both a player and a person.
Drop Shots League
Wimbledon Event