Rules for Tennis (Singles, Doubles, Wheelchair)

Rules For Tennis Index

24. A Good Return

It is a good return:

a. If the ball touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the Court; or

b. If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that he does not contravene Rule 20(e); or

c. If the ball is returned outside the posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top to the net, even though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the proper Court; or

d. If a player’s racket passes over the net after he has returned the ball, provided the ball passes the net before being played and is properly returned; or

e. If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.

USTA Comment:

Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball lying on the Court at the start of the point as a result of a service let or fault or as a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary "foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let should be played. See Case 7 under Rule 25 which pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match.

ITF Note:

In a singles match, if, for the sake of convenience, a Doubles Court is equipped with singles sticks for the purpose of a singles game, then the doubles posts and those portions of the net, cord or metal cable and the band outside such singles sticks shall at all times be permanent fixtures, and are not regarded as posts or parts of the net of a singles game.

USTA Comment:

In doubles this would be a "through"—loss of point.

A return that passes under the net cord between the singles stick and adjacent doubles post without touching either net cord, net or doubles post and falls within the court, is a good return.

Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a net post or singles stick and falls within the lines of the opponent’s Court. Is the stroke good?

Decision. If a service: no, under Rule 10(c). If other than a service: yes, under Rule 24(a).

Case 2. Is it a good return if a player returns the ball holding his racket in both hands?

Decision. Yes.

Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes a ball lying in the Court. Is the point won or lost thereby?

Decision. No. Play must continue. If it is not clear to the Umpire that the right ball is returned a let should be called.

USTA Comment:

A ball that is touching a boundary line is considered to be "lying in the Court."

Case 4. May a player use more than one racket at any time during play?

Decision. No. The whole implication of the Rules is singular.

Case 5. May a player request that a ball or balls lying in his opponent’s Court be removed?

Decision. Yes, but not while a ball is in play.

USTA Comment:

This request must be honored.

The Singles Game Rules
1. The Court 2. Permanent Fixtures 3. The Ball 4. The Racket 5. Server & Receiver 6. Choice of Ends & Service 7. The Service 8. Foot Fault 9. Delivery of Service 10. Service Fault 11. Second Service 12. When to Serve 13. The "Let" 14. The "Let" in Service 15. Order of Service 16. When Players Change Ends	17. The Ball In Play 18. Server Wins Point 19. Receiver Wins Point 20. Player Loses Point 21. Player Hinders Opponent 22. Ball Falls on The Line 23. Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures 24. A Good Return 25. Hindrance of A Player 26. Score In A Game 27. Score In A Set 28. Maximum Number of Sets 29. Role of Court Officials 30. Continuous Play and Rest Periods 31. Coaching 32. Ball Change

The Doubles Game Rules	Wheelchair Tennis
1. The Doubles Game 2. The Doubles Court 3. Order of Service in Doubles 4. Order of Receiving in Doubles 5. Service Out of Turn in Doubles 6. Error in Order of Receiving Doubles 7. Service Fault in Doubles 8. Playing the Ball in Doubles	1. The Competitive Wheelchair Tennis Player 2. The Service 3. The Ball in Play 4. Player Loses Point 5. Wheelchair/Able Bodied Tennis

Appendix II: Alternative Scoring Methods for Tennis