Japanese



The game of soft tennis includes both singles and doubles matches. The ball (which is made from rubber) is filled with air and is quite soft, and thus, can be hit extremely hard. This is one of the charming features of this fast-moving, yet precise game.
 

 

Doubles in particular requires a high level of skill, and good communication between players. Soft tennis players need not only good technique, but also great physical and mental strength, so as to combine effectively with their partners.
 
 

 

Strategically speaking, it is usual in doubles for the two players to take up a left-right formation, so as not to interfere with one another.

 
 

 

Furthermore, it is important for one player to assume a position close to the net, and the other near the baseline, thereby allowing complete court coverage. The partners alternate the serve after every 2 points.

 
 

 

The match itself usually consists of either 7 games (the first team to win 4 games wins the match), or 9 games (the first team to win 5 games wins the match). 1 game consists of 4 points however, if the score is tied at 3 points all, the game is continued until one team is ahead by 2 points, and they win that game. In the deciding game however, there are 7 points (with deuce at 6 all).

 
 

 

The size of the court itself is the same as a regular tennis court, but unlike tennis, the top of the net in soft tennis is parallel to the court surface.

 
 

 

The international rules governing singles were established in 1993, and since then, tournaments have been held at national and international level.

 

 

 
 
 
 
   
   


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