Rally (tennis)

In tennis, a rally refers to a sustained sequence of back-and-forth shots between two players or two teams of players (in doubles) after the serve and before a point is won. The rally begins after a successful serve that is not an ace or a double fault and continues until one of the following occurs:

• A player fails to return the ball within the boundaries of the opponent's court.
• A player hits the ball into the net.
• A player hits the ball out of bounds.
• A player commits a fault.
• A player touches the ball more than once consecutively (except when clearly hitting in a single motion).
• The ball bounces more than once on a player's side of the court.
• A player impedes the opponent (hindrance).

The length and intensity of a rally can vary significantly, ranging from a few simple exchanges to extended sequences of powerful groundstrokes, delicate volleys, and strategic lobs. Rallies are a fundamental part of tennis, showcasing players' skills in areas such as shot-making, footwork, strategy, and mental endurance. The ability to construct and win rallies is often a key determinant of success in the sport.