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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.
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 | Paper, scissors, rock. | 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, paper-scissors-rock, 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.
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 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
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