Is a double hit allowed in tennis?
A · Advanced · How is a point won or lost? · 1 of 7Checked 13 October 2026
It depends on whether it was deliberate. A player loses the point only for deliberately carrying or catching the ball on the racket, or deliberately hitting it twice. An accidental double hit in one swing is legal. In doubles, only one partner may hit the ball on each return.
How it works
- Deliberate carry, catch or second touch: point lost.
- Unintentional double hit: play on. It is not a hindrance either.
- Doubles: if both partners touch the ball in returning it, they lose the point.
- A ball off the frame is a normal hit.
Tricky cases
The rackets of both doubles partners clashed and one hit the ball. Is that a fault?
No. Only one player touched the ball. The point is lost only if both touch the ball.
Why the rule exists
Fast exchanges at the net often produce accidental double contacts that nobody can see. Penalising only deliberate ones avoids arguments over what cannot be judged.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITF rules | As above | L24 f, l; L26 Case 1 |
From the rule book
ITF Rules of Tennis 2026, Rules 24 f and l and 26 Case 1. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITF Rules of Tennis (PDF).