Tennis · Laws of Tennis
Law 11: Ball in Play
1 parts · 1 tests · 10 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown
When the ball is in play: from the moment the server strikes it until the point is decided, unless a fault or a let is called.
11.111Ball in Play
When a ball comes into play, how long it stays in play, and the fault and let exceptions.
Test 1When the ball is in playTake a test
The ball comes into play with the server's strike.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · recall
Once in play, the ball stays in play right up to the end of the point.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · recall
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the serve.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · recall
No strike, no ball in play: a dropped toss changes nothing.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
A ball called a fault is not in play, so play on it does not count.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
A let means the serve does not count and the ball was not in play.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
The ball is in play until the point is decided, here by the ball landing out.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
The ball is in play from the strike to the end of the point.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · recall
Nothing from that serve counts; the server serves it again.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
The ball is in play from the moment the server hits it.
Source: ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 · applied
Sources
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 11 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)
- ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rule 1110