touchtennis Rules

A touchtennis court has different dimensions to a tennis court.

In tournaments we get particular about the size but if you are having a casual game feel free to work with what you have. A pickleball court can work if you don't want to tape lines down.

We use a high density foam ball which creates the unique characteristics of our gameplay.

The foam ball is pretty forgiving on most surfaces so get creative with where you want to play!

We use 21" stringed racquets, most manufacturers have a 21" racquet that works almost as well as our GOAT racquet! ;)

All racquets must have a minimum of 12 cross and 14 main strings. Yonex racquets for example that only have 10 x 10 are prohibited.

No textured or hexagonal strings.

If the racquet leaves your hand in order to make a shot, then that shot will still count so long as your racquet does not end up on the opponent's side of the court.

If once you are disarmed and you have made a shot with your racquet throw, then you may continue that rally with your body parts! Note though, that you MUST have made the shot prior to this with a racquet that was NOT in your hand and thrown to make it.

Grunting: It is fully acceptable as it is known to distract your opponent!

Changeovers: As per tennis, players switch sides after every odd game, as in the first, third and fifth games. Players also switch sides at the end of a set if they're playing an odd number of games. If the total is even, players switch sides after the first game of the subsequent set.

We use short sets to 4 games and if a set goes to 4 games all then a tiebreak is played

Each game is scored like a normal tennis game i.e 15-0 30-0 40-0 game with the exception of games where the score reaches deuce (40-40). At this point a deciding point is played and the receiver decides which side the server must serve to. This point decides the winner of the game. It’s also referred to as a sudden death point. You don't return to deuce. (this is also played at 4 points all in a tiebreak - see below)

In all events that are NOT slams (one of the 4 major trophies) all matches including doubles are played as best of 3 sets (first to win 2 out of the 3 sets wins). 

The 3rd set is also played fully to 4 games and at 4-4 a tiebreak is played to five points.

In doubles tour matches the 3rd set is either a match tiebreak and it is played to 7 points or a full third set depending on the size of the event  

Singles tie breaks are first to 5 points. Starting with 1 serve, then each team serves for 2 points. Players change ends every 4 points. At 4-4 in a tiebreak a deciding point is played. The receiver at that point decides whether to take the serve on the deuce side or ad side. 

In Slams we play best of 5 sets

Prize money is only payable to those players that actually win a match. You don't qualify for prize money if you get a bye and then get smoked in your first match! You have to actually win a match first! 

Only ONE serve is permitted in touchtennis.

Ball toss – once the server tosses the ball upward to serve then that player is obliged to hit it.

No Let Rule – if the ball clips the net and then lands in the correct service box (diagonal to the server) then that ball is considered "in play"

Overarm or underarm serving is permitted but it is mandatory to inform your opponent that you are about to serve underarm. This also allows people to abuse you for taking the soft option!

If your serve hits your opponent without bouncing then it is a fault UNLESS they are touching the service line or are inside the service box when the ball hits them in which case the server wins the point.

A serve may not be volleyed back by the returner.

You must be 16 or over on the date of the event. No exceptions may be made to this rule by an organiser

Warm ups are prohibited after your first match. Once each player has played an initial match no further pre match warm ups are permitted on that day. Should a tournament stretch over more than one day then a further 3 minute warm up is permitted for each player assuming one or both of them have not played before on that day in a tournament match;

Foul language: One audible obscenity of any description is an IMMEDIATE point penalty. 3 audible obscenities in a match means immediate disqualification

Racket abuse: If you smash a racket you are immediately disqualified. You are also fined £20.00 which must be paid prior to playing any further tour matches. However, if you do no damage and you can still play with it, then you may continue playing as long as you use the same racket for the rest of the match…even if you break a string during the match after you have whacked it against something, you still need to continue using it.

If you win the toss in doubles you can either choose to serve, or choose which member of the opposing team serves first! 

In doubles, one player from each team must remain inside the service line and tramlines until the ball bounces in court. Once it lands, it is considered “in-play” and the player may move back to the baseline and grind out the point. The receivers partner must be in the box directly opposite the server. If they encroach and lean their head over or body parts into the server’s target box, then being struck will lose them the point. Otherwise, if they are well inside their allotted box, the serving team would lose the point.