Common Fouls and Penalties in Tennis Matches (Explained Simply)

Tennis looks like a calm, elegant sport — until a point stops midway, a player argues with the umpire, or the crowd reacts to a call they don’t fully understand.

For beginners and casual fans, many tennis penalties feel confusing at first. In reality, most of them come down to fair play, timing, and respect for the rules.

Here are the most common fouls and penalties you’ll see in tennis matches, explained in a straightforward way.

1. Foot Faults on the Serve

This is one of the most basic serving violations — and also one of the most overlooked.

A foot fault happens when the server:

• Steps on or over the baseline before hitting the ball

• Touches the court inside the baseline during the serve

• Changes position illegally during the service motion

At the professional level, foot faults are watched closely, especially on big serves. At the recreational level, they’re often ignored — but they’re still technically fouls.

Penalty:
The serve is counted as a fault. Two faults equal a double fault, and the point is lost.

2. Double Faults

A double fault is not a separate rule, but it’s one of the most common ways points are lost.

If a player misses both the first and second serve, the point automatically goes to the opponent.

You’ll often see this happen:

• Under pressure

• Late in a set

• When a player overthinks the second serve

It’s simple, but mentally brutal.

3. Ball Touching the Net or Player

During a rally, the ball must not touch the player or anything the player is wearing.

That includes:

• Clothing

• The player’s body

• A hat or wristband

If the ball hits any of these before bouncing on the opponent’s side, the point is over.

Penalty:
Immediate loss of point.

4. Touching the Net During a Point

Players are not allowed to touch the net while the ball is in play.

This applies whether it’s:

• A hand

• The racket

• Clothing or hair

Even a light touch counts, regardless of whether it affects the opponent.

Penalty:
Loss of point.

This rule is strictly enforced in professional matches and is one of the easiest ways to lose a point at the net.

5. Ball Bouncing Twice

This one seems obvious, but it still causes confusion.

Each side is allowed only one bounce before hitting the ball.
If the ball bounces twice on your side before you make contact, the point is over.

This also applies if:

• You reach the ball but hit it after the second bounce

• The ball rolls or stops after the first bounce

Penalty:
Loss of point.

6. Hindrance (Intentional or Unintentional)

Hindrance is one of the most subjective calls in tennis.

It refers to anything a player does that distracts or interferes with the opponent during a point, such as:

• Shouting or making noise

• Sudden gestures

• Stopping play unnecessarily

Intentional hindrance results in a harsher penalty, but even unintentional actions can cost a point.

Penalty:

• Unintentional: replay of the point

• Intentional: loss of point

7. Coaching Violations

In professional tennis, players are traditionally not allowed to receive coaching during a match (with some recent exceptions depending on the tour).

Common coaching violations include:

• Verbal instructions from the stands

• Clear hand signals

• Repeated communication during points

Penalty progression:
1️⃣ Warning
2️⃣ Point penalty
3️⃣ Game penalty

8. Time Violations

Tennis has strict time limits:

• Limited time between points

• Set time for changeovers

• A serve must begin within a set time

Taking too long — often to slow momentum — can result in a violation.

Penalty:
Usually starts with a warning, then point penalties if repeated.

9. Code Violations (Unsportsmanlike Conduct)

These are the moments fans remember.

Code violations cover:

• Racket abuse

• Verbal abuse

• Arguing excessively with officials

• Audible obscenities

Penalty escalation:

• First offense: warning

• Second offense: point penalty

• Third offense: game penalty

• Severe cases: default (disqualification)

Final Thought

Tennis rules are not meant to complicate the game — they exist to keep competition fair and respectful.

Once you understand the most common fouls, matches become easier to follow, arguments make more sense, and the sport feels less mysterious.

And if you’ve ever lost a point to a net touch or foot fault — welcome to tennis. It happens to everyone.