Rec centers · schools · clubs · camps
Run a Hantis event
From a lunchtime open session to a full Competitive tournament, all you need is a few sets of tables, some tennis balls and this page.
Running a youth group or a camp? See Hantis for churches and camps →
Pick a format
Two ways to play
Most first events use Freestyle, where anyone can walk up and join the line. Once you have regular players, add a Competitive tournament.
Freestyle open play
- Any number of players per court, with a waiting line by Table 1
- Get out and you go to the back of the line; everyone moves up toward Table 4
- About 12 players per court keeps the line moving
- No brackets, no scorekeeping, and new players can join anytime
Competitive tournament
- Teams of two register and keep the same partner all event
- Sets are first to 21, win by 2
- You choose the match length: best of 1, 3, 5 or 7 sets
- Short on time? Play sets to 15 or 11, still win by 2
Competitive rules
Match rules at a glance
Share this with teams before the event. The full rules are in Section 6 of the rulebook.
| Topic | Rule | No. |
|---|---|---|
| Match length | Best of 1, 3, 5 or 7 sets of first to 21, win by 2. The organizer chooses. | 6.0.1 |
| Time limits | Organizers may reduce the winning score (e.g. first to 15 or 11). Always win by 2. | 6.0.2 |
| First serve | Rock, paper, scissors. | 6.0.3 |
| Serving | Each player serves 5 times, rotating through all 4 players and alternating teams. A Double is 2 points but 1 serve. | 6.0.4 |
| Serving side | Pick a table and make all 5 serves from it. | 6.0.5 |
| Change of ends | Swap ends every 10 points. | 6.0.6 |
| Set and match point | The trailing team serves until the score is level. | 6.0.7 |
| Faults | Only when set or match point down; otherwise a missed serve is a point to the other team. | 2.2.1 |
| Boundary | 8 m × 8 m official. | 1.1.3 |
| Referee calls | Blocking, and opposing players hitting the ball at the same time: the referee awards the point or calls a replay. | 7.0.0, 3.0.5 |
| Disputes | No referee? Replay the point, play rock, paper, scissors, or check the video. | 7.0.2 |
Plan it
Brackets and courts
Each court is one set of four tables. More courts means more matches at once.
Round robin
Every team plays every other team. Great for 4 to 8 teams and for making sure everyone plays plenty. Rank by wins, then points for and against.
Single elimination
Lose once and you're out. Fastest format for big fields. Seed from a short round robin if you have time.
Double elimination
Teams are out after two losses. Fairer than single elimination and more matches for everyone.
Free download
Organizer Kit
Everything to print for a Competitive tournament of 3 to 16 teams, plus posters to bring players in. Print only the pages you need.
- Five event posters: type in where and when, then print
- Round-robin schedules and a scorecard for 3 to 8 teams
- Single and double elimination brackets for 4, 8 and 16 teams
- Match scoresheets, a team sign-up sheet and court signs
- Rules at a glance, a day-of checklist and certificates
Teaching Hantis in P.E.? The P.E. Lesson Plans include a full tournament unit with 10-team round-robin, double-elimination and elimination sheets.
Free app
Run the bracket from your phone.
The free Hantis for P.E. app turns a list of names into random teams of two, draws a single-elimination, double-elimination or round-robin bracket, and tracks every result. Its scorekeeper follows the 5-serve rotation, set point serving and change of ends for you, on as many courts as you need.
Day of
Organizer checklist
- 4 same-size tables per court, set 3–5 ft apart
- A can of new tennis balls per court, plus spares
- Boundary tape or cones (8 × 8 m for Competitive)
- A scorekeeper or scoreboard for each court
- Printed brackets from the free organizer kit and the rulebook at the desk
- A phone on a tripod to film rallies and settle disputes
- Music: the free Hantis Beatz playlist
- Water, first aid, and clear space around every court
Share it
Ran an event?
Tell us.
Send your results, photos and best rallies, and tag your posts #hantis. We feature events on the channel.
Email your results