Walking Tennis Rules Explained

Walking Tennis keeps the vast majority of standard tennis intact, with a small set of adaptations that bring the pace down to walking speed. This guide covers the core principles shared by most Walking Tennis sessions.

The core principle: no running

Players must keep one foot in contact with the ground at all times — the same standard used to judge race walking. Fast, purposeful walking (sometimes called a “stride”) is encouraged, but a deliberate run to reach the ball means the point is lost. As with most self-officiated club sport, this relies on players being fair and honest with each other rather than a strict umpire’s call.

The double bounce

To help keep rallies manageable at walking pace, the ball is often allowed to bounce twice before it must be returned, rather than the single bounce used in standard tennis. This gives players enough time to reach the ball on foot rather than needing to run.

Scoring

Scoring follows the same structure as standard tennis — points, games, and sets — so anyone familiar with regular tennis will recognise it immediately. Some clubs use a simplified “sudden death” deuce (first point wins, rather than requiring a two-point lead) to keep matches moving within a booked court slot.

Court and equipment

Walking Tennis can be played on a full-size court or a smaller one, depending on the venue and the club’s preference. Standard tennis rackets and balls are typically used, and doubles is generally the more popular and sociable format, including “American doubles” (two against one) when numbers are uneven.

Rules can vary by club

Because Walking Tennis has grown through many different clubs and community groups independently, small variations in bounce rules, court size, and scoring format exist from one session to the next. Always check with your specific club before your first game.

Find a session

Ready to try it for yourself? Find a Walking Tennis session near you and check their specific rules when you arrive. Find Walking Tennis Near You

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Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

Walking Tennis – Rules

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