Tennis Rules Quiz: Is This Allowed?
Test your knowledge of the Rules of Tennis by taking this 10-question quiz.
Both players forget the game score. They should apologize to each other and replay the entire game.
False - Replay only the point in question, apologies are optional.
True
False
Player A’s hat falls off during the point. Player A cries out in embarrassment and calls a let. Player B exclaims that the point is hers, as she is the only one who can call a let in that situation.
True - Only player A’s opponent can call a let when the distraction is their fault.
True
False
Player A is not sure of a call on her side of the court and asks her opponent, Player B, for her opinion. Player B proclaims that the ball was “WAY IN!” Player A insists they replay the point because she was not sure if the ball was in or out. They should replay the point.
False - She must accept Player B’s call.
True
False
Player A hits a shot to Player B that appears to go through a hole in the net. Player B says the ball clearly went through the net. He claims that it is his point.
True - It is Player B’s call.
True
False
In a doubles match, the server hits a terrible serve that strikes the receiver’s partner before the ball hits the ground. The correct ruling is that the point goes to the serving team, despite the server clearly needing to practice their serve.
True
False
In a singles match, Player A hits the ball with so much backspin that it lands on Player B’s side of the net, but bounces backward over the net onto Player A’s side of the court. Player B is allowed to reach over the net and smash the ball for a winner.
True - But a player may only reach across the net after the ball has crossed back over it
True
False
Player A serves the ball before Player B is ready. Player B is allowed to call a let, even if he is clearly stalling.
True - However, Player B may only call a let if they make NO EFFORT to return the ball. Even if they make a reflexive move to return the ball, they are presumed to be “ready” and no let may be called. This also assumes that the player has not already been warned by an official for taking too much time between points.
True
False
Player A appears to hit the ball twice while making a normal swing at the ball. If Player B stops the point and says it is his point, he wins the point.
False - If the player makes a normal swing and follow through and somehow hits the ball twice in the same swing, it is considered legal. The point should continue, and if Player B stops the point, the point goes to Player A.
True
False
If Player A calls a ball out before it bounces, then the ball lands in, she may change the call to good and keep playing the point.
False - As soon as a ball is called out, play is stopped. In this scenario where the ball lands in, the point goes to Player B.
True
False
Looks like it’s time to hit the books! While we may not see you line-judging at the US Open, your adoration of the game is unwavering. Channel that passion into a little studying, and soon you’ll be the one calling point-penalties on your opponents. They may not like you for it, but your doubles partner sure will!
This was no easy quiz. You have a solid understanding of the game, and know more about tennis than most. While you have some learning to do, you could educate the tennis masses on the how this game is played. You make a great doubles partner, and will rarely get your team in trouble for any breach of the rules. Study up, you’re not far off from being a tennis guru!
Congratulations! You are a tennis Guru. In a game with as many funky rules as common sense ones, you truly understand the game and all its goofy intricacies. Whether you are a tennis pro, a weekend warrior, or a super-fan, maybe you should reconsider your career choice and join the ranks of USTA rules officials. What could be better than spending time on the court watching tennis, and getting paid for it?!?