Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're new to Lite Tennis or a returning player looking for more information, you've come to the right place. Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about this amazing new sport. Our goal is to make your Lite Tennis experience as enjoyable and seamless as possible—so if you're wondering how it all works, start here!
Also, if there is a question we didn't address, don't hesitate to drop us a line!
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What is Lite Tennis?
Lite Tennis is a new hybrid racquet game that combines the best elements of tennis but is played on a pickleball court. Besides the benefits of the smaller court, Lite Tennis is easy to learn, is a great off-ramp for tennis players (especially seniors), and requires no new equipment. Most of all it is easy to play, great exercise, and very fun!
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What do I need to play Lite Tennis?
All you need to play Lite Tennis is our special Lite Tennis ball, your favorite tennis racquet, and a pickleball court.
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Where do I play it?
Lite Tennis can be played anywhere, but the ball and the rules were specically adapted to play Lite Tennis on a pickleball court: using those same lines and that same net. Nothing needs to be done to a pickleball court in order to play Lite Tennis.
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What is unique about the Lite Tennis ball?
Our one-of-a-kind foam ball is like no other ball in the world. Why is it different?
• It was tested and designed specifically to be played on a pickleball court;
• It has a unique outer coating that no other ball has, giving it enhanced durability and higher spin performance.
• Our proprietary LTF coating allows us to apply a highly optical color for better visibility.
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Where can I order the balls?
Balls may be ordered online at our website > www.litetennis.com/category/store
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What is the cost of the Lite Tennis balls?
A two-ball pack will sell for $12 and a 24-ball bag will sell for $125. The Lite Tennis ball cost reflects the fact that in most cases our ball provides longer use and better play than other racquet ball products.
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Is it ok to play on public pickleball courts?
Of course! Those courts were paid with public tax dollars (or member’s dues) and they should be utilized as much as possible by as many as possible. Everyone benefits if these community assets are used for all racquet sports played on a pickleball court. Lite Tennis is not only a great tennis game, but it does not require any additional lines or nets other than what already exists on a pickleball court.
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What kind of racquet can I play with?
Any sized tennis racquet is legal. Players are encouraged to play with the racquet they would normally use on a full-size tennis court.
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Where do I find the rules?
The official rules of Lite Tennis can be downloaded off of our website: www.litetennis.com/rules
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What is the rule regarding the kitchen and volleying?
Balls may be volleyed out of the air as long as one foot remains behind the service line (kitchen line) at the point of contact.
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What is the rule about serving?
Only one serve is allowed. Let serves are faults. Serves are underhanded unless both parties agree to serve overhand.
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What is the difference between Lite Tennis and other paddle and racquet games like Touch Tennis or Spec Tennis?
Lite Tennis allows any size tennis racquet, encouraging the production of real tennis strokes with a full swing. The scoring is tennis-based and all of the rules and terms are tennis-friendly. The Lite Tennis ball has a one-of-a-kind outer coating and coloring, and is engineered to play specifically within the confines of a standard pickleball court. Lite Tennis and Spec Tennis are the only two games officially played on a pickleball court.
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How can Lite Tennis grow tennis in schools?
Lite Tennis has a Johnny Appleseed Initiative where we encourage people to donate a starter bag of 24 balls, called a Coach’s Bag, to their local school(s) to get Lite Tennis started at the earliest levels.
We think Physical Education (PE) coaches can be the first line of tennis delivery, rather than parents having to spend money to have their kids take a private lesson or clinic from a licensed tennis pro in order to get introduced to tennis.
Many schools have already had the United States Tennis Association donate racquets, nets, and lines to their PE programs. The good thing is that they have been adding pickleball units to PE classes and thus by using the same court, it’s easy for PE programs to also add a Lite Tennis unit. A Lite Tennis unit teaches kids basic tennis strokes and familiarizes them with tennis rules and strategy. PE teachers also like Lite Tennis because it is quiet and the kids can’t hurt each other with the ball! And, most of all, it is fun and promotes good exercise.
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How can Lite Tennis help me if I own a pickleball facility?
Lite Tennis makes a lot of economic sense for pickleball facility owners. By continuing to welcome tennis players into your facility to play on the exact same court as pickleballers, you cannot help but increase court usage/rental, food and beverage sales, and pro shop proceeds. ‘Swing’ and racquet facilities featuring multiple racquet and paddle sports are exploding across the country. If you can add another ‘swing’-type racquet sport like Lite Tennis without having to build any additional courts or infrastructure, you are adding extra revenue and value without any real investment.
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Why is Lite Tennis such a great activity for seniors?
Lite Tennis is a superior physical activity for seniors due to its ability to deliver all of the health benefits of tennis in about a third of the time. Medical studies have shown that tennis is by far the healthiest sport someone can participate in; better than walking, swimming, biking, etc. And Lite Tennis players experience far less orthopedic injuries than those that play pickleball.
Unfortunately, many 55+ people are unable to continue to enjoy full-court tennis due to the size of the court and the physical nature of chasing and picking up balls. Lite Tennis is like a little miracle where the court size is manageable and the ball bounces perfectly so rallies are extended much longer than in regular tennis.
Some of the many benefits of playing Lite Tennis to seniors include: improved balance, better cardio, lower heart rate, enhanced concentration and memory, and a healthier mental attitude due to fun, social interaction with other players. Senior communities cannot help but improve their physical and mental outlooks simply by playing Lite Tennis for 15-20 minutes a few times a week.