Tennis etiquette: Are you breaking the 5 unwritten rules of the beautiful game?

You've drilled your serve, perfected your forehand, and even dabbled in the strategic nuances of the drop shot. You know the score, the lines, the official rules. But step onto any club court, any social hit, and you'll quickly discover a far more intricate code at play – an unseen web of unspoken agreements, subtle cues, and quiet respect that truly defines the game.

This isn't about the rulebook; it's about the social contract of the court, the psychology of shared space, and the enduring spirit of fair play. Master these, and you'll not only be a better player but a more respected and enjoyable opponent.

1. The call of honor: your side, your lines (and your integrity)

This is the bedrock. In recreational play, you are the sole judge of balls on your side of the net. If it's out, you call it out. If it's in, it's in. Simple, right? Yet, the true test comes on a crucial point, when a ball clips the line, favoring your opponent. The unwritten rule demands honesty, even when it stings. Hesitation, a mumbled call, or worse, a clearly wrong call, is a direct assault on the spirit of the game. It casts a shadow over every subsequent point and poisons the atmosphere faster than a random outburst from Zverev towards his box. Your integrity is worth far more than a single point.