Red Ball Social Tennis
Want a new way to play tennis that is fun, social, and easy to jump into? Red Ball Social Tennis drops the pressure and dials up the fun of the classic game we all love. Whether you are brand new, coming back after a break, or experienced, Red Ball Social Tennis lets you rally, move, and play whenever and wherever you want. No formal courts, no strict rules, just high energy fun.
Tennis for Everyone. Anywhere. Anytime.
With Red Ball Social Tennis, you can play the world’s healthiest sport anywhere—from your neighborhood park or driveway to local courts or even indoors! Using slower balls, smaller racquets, and shorter courts, the focus is on fun, movement, and connection, no matter your age or skill level. Beginners and lifelong players alike can jump in easily, enjoy healthy competition in a relaxed environment, and discover endless ways to play and improve.
Why Choose Red Ball Tennis?
EASY TO LEARN
Red Balls are larger and bounce more slowly, giving you extra time to set up and connect.
FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE
Programs emphasize enjoyment and social interaction. Sessions have smiles and support.
TAILORED FOR ALL
The program is specifically designed for all players, focusing on fitness and fun.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS
Connect with others who share your love for tennis and enjoy social activities on and off the court.
STAY MOTIVATED
Regular sessions and community help you stay active and committed to your fitness goals.
GET FIT
Tennis is a fun way to boost cardiovascular health, build strength, and improve agility.
BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
As your skills improve, you will feel more confident not only on the court but in other areas of life.
PLAYER CENTRIC-COACHING
Coaches provide personalized instruction to help you progress at your own pace.
GAME FOR LIFE
Red Ball lays the foundation for a lifelong love of tennis, whether you’re just starting or returning.
Playing Social Tennis: Getting Started in Red Ball
Think of Red Ball Tennis as traditional tennis made simple. Play singles or doubles—your choice, your style.
How to Play 
SINGLES
> Players decide who will serve first.
> Underhand serves, cross-court to the opponent (server receives two chances, or “serves,” to put the ball in play).
> The ball must bounce once on the return, and a bounce is required (no volleys – taking the ball out of the air with no bounce).
> Switch sides every odd game.
DOUBLES
> Players decide who will serve first.
> Server determined by who’s next on opposite team.
> Underhand serves, cross-court to the opponent (server receives two chances, or “serves,” to put the ball in play).
> The ball must bounce once on the return, and a bounce is required (no volleys – taking the ball out of the air with no bounce).
> Switch sides every odd game.
How to Score 
> First to four points (1, 2, 3, 4) = 1 game (at 3-3, the next point wins).
> First to four games (to win the set). The first player with two out of three sets wins the match, OR
> Play a timed match (e.g. 10 minutes, 20 minutes), the players with the most games win.
ALTERNATE RULES
> Volleys allowed anywhere
> Volleys allowed anywhere outside the “no volley zone” (closer to the net).
> Regular tennis scoring (15, 30, 40).
> No switching sides: teams stay on the same side the
entire match.
> Whatever side the ball finishes a point on, that player serves the next ball.
Ways to Play Red Ball Tennis
OPEN PLAY
> Rotate in only one new player if there’s an odd number of players waiting.
> Racquets are placed down in order of arrival to determine who’s next.
ROUND ROBIN
Step #1 – Find your play partner and opponents.
Step #2 – Each team plays the other teams at least once.
Step #3 – Match win-loss record determines the overall winner.
Step #4 – The two top winners play in “playoffs” for first place.
Order of Play
> The winning team stays on the court, new team plays next, OR
> All four players exit and two new teams play, OR
> Rotate in one new player when there’s an odd number of players.
CUSTOM RULES
Want volleys? Want to use traditional scoring? Call it before the match and make it your own.
What You Need to Play
> A 23-inch racquet (smaller and lighter makes it easier to swing, but you can use any racquet if you don’t have a small one!)
> A Red Ball (slower bounce makes rallies last longer)
> A Net (pop-up nets are perfect)
Where to Play in Southern California
Play Red Ball anywhere. Its slower pace and low impact style make it easy to pick up and adaptable to almost any flat, hard, bounceable surface. From pop up rallies in local parks to urban courts, Southern California is the perfect Red Ball playground. With sunshine, community, and endless places to play, SoCal was made for it. Red Ball Social Tennis is not just a game. It is a lifestyle that makes tennis approachable, playful, and unmistakably Southern California.
PLACES TO PLAY RED BALL SOCIAL TENNIS IN SOCAL
> Neighborhood parks and school playgrounds
> Driveways and cul-de-sacs
> Tennis and pickleball courts
> Beach promenades
> Parking lots and rooftops
> Community centers and gyms
> College campuses
> Breweries and patios
> Festivals and fairs
> Office courtyards or company campuses
> Apartment complex recreation areas
Ready to Be a Part of the Action?
SIGN UP FOR RED BALL TENNIS NEWS, EVENTS, AND A FEW SURPRISES.
