In the fast-paced game of tennis, understanding when to switch sides is essential and can make a big difference in how you play. In this post, we’ll explore the rules, strategies, and key moments that explain when players change sides on the tennis court.
Tennis players will switch sides of the court after the first game and then every odd-number game. For instance, you will change the first, third, fifth, seventh, etc., depending on how long you play. Professional tennis events will call this, indicating it’s time to move to the opposing court.
Still curious about when tennis players should changeover and why this is a game rule? Well, we have these answers and more, so keep reading!
Table of Contents
When Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Sides During A Game?
How To Switch Sides During A Tennis Set/Game
When Do You Switch Sides During A Tiebreaker In Tennis?
Why Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Court Sides?
Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Sides Of Their Court When Serving?
What Are The Effects Of Court Switching On Tennis Players?
FAQs
Conclusion
When Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Sides During A Game?
Regarding the rules of switching sides during tennis, you will do this every odd game and after your first game finishes. This is universal, meaning amateur and pro players will have to change courts several times throughout a game.
Moreover, you can remember this is the first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, or however many games you play that hit odd numbers. If the other person you play with forgets, remind them and initiate the court swap. This may also be called a ‘changeover.’
How To Switch Sides During A Tennis Set/Game
Whether you play singles or doubles, you will need to switch sides of the court throughout your game. Doing this should be standard for those who have played the sport long enough, even as an unspoken rule or time to drink water or say hi to the other player.
Typically, at a leisure level, tennis players will take every odd number switch as a time to get acquainted and complement the other’s ability. Of course, at a professional level, this may be when the player raises concern with the umpire/scorekeeper, but that’s another story.
As we said, these are also called changeovers, which are 90 seconds long and allow players to recover mentally and physically at their bench. In between sets, the changeover is extended to two minutes.
When Do You Switch Sides During A Tiebreaker In Tennis?
In the event of a tiebreaker, players will change sides of the court once the total score is a multiple of six. Switching sides during the tiebreaker keeps everything fair. This is because one side of the court can have an advantage, causing the person or team on it to continue scoring.
Switching every six points is customary and will be enforced at the amateur and professional level. Again, this isn’t a big deal and can also be a time to grab water or strategize with your teammate (doubles).
Why Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Court Sides?
Switching sides or a ‘changeover’ in tennis is to keep the game fair. As mentioned, one side of the court can have an advantage over the other. Therefore, swapping sides after the first, third, fifth, etc., time you win or lose is fairer.
Let’s say the court is less bouncy on your side. If you didn’t switch throughout the game, that means a higher-than-necessary chance of losing. Switching sides can also help reset your mind during a game, especially if tensions are high.
You can also take 90 seconds during the changeover to grab water and dry yourself with a towel. Spend your court switch carefully and return to the game with full force and precision.
Do Tennis Players Have To Switch Sides Of Their Court When Serving?
Yes, tennis players switch sides when serving after odd-number games. This works just like it does for changeovers, bringing the person serving to the opposite side of their court. This should come naturally to you as your skills age, but practicing and doing it even at the amateur level is good.
After all, you never know if the pro level is something you’ll want to achieve, so get these rules down pat now.
“After you have served one game in a set, you switch ends of the court and receive your opponent’s serve for one game. You should switch ends again after the third, fifth, seventh, and following every odd-numbered game.”
Not swapping sides is a common mistake among new tennis players, but luckily, it can be fixed with proper re-training.
Does It Matter Which Side You Serve From In Tennis?
Yes! While playing tennis, you need to serve from the right side of the court to the opponent’s right side. The Ad Court is the left side for the player, and the Deuce Court is the right. Knowing these tennis serving rules will help you to become a stronger athlete, so make sure to do this.
What Are The Effects Of Court Switching On Tennis Players?
The effects of switching court sides during tennis are primarily positive, as many people use this as a time to reset. Typically, a tennis player will grab some water and a snack or strategize during the changeover period, which can help them to reprogram and settle down.
After all, tennis is a mental sport as much as it is physical, which many new players don’t realize. Don’t forget to take deep breaths, settle yourself down, and use those few breaks to your best advantage.
As players get tired or stressed, unforced errors become more prevalent, which you want to avoid.
FAQs
Do You Switch Sides In Doubles?
Yes, even while playing doubles, tennis players must swap court sides after the first and following odd-number games. You also need to switch servers at every new point, so that’s another thing to remember.
Do You Switch Sides After A Set In Tennis?
Yes, tennis players do typically switch sides after a completed set. Furthermore, you also changeover after an odd-numbered game within a set.
Conclusion
In this article, we reviewed the rules behind changing sides in tennis, including how you must do this in every odd-numbered game, starting with the first played. This applies to those playing singles OR doubles, so it will always be a major component of your game. Have fun!
