Tiebreak
A special game used to decide a set in tennis when the score reaches a tie, usually at six games all.
Definition
A tiebreak (also written tie-break) is a shortened game played to settle a set when both players have won an equal number of games, most commonly at 6-6. Instead of the usual game scoring, players count points as 1, 2, 3, and so on, and the first to reach the target number of points while leading by at least two wins the set.
Serving alternates during a tiebreak according to a set pattern, and players change ends at regular intervals. The format gives a clear, quick way to break a deadlock, and similar tiebreak systems are used in other racquet sports.
Where you’ll hear “tiebreak”
Sports that use this term:
Tennis
A singles or doubles racquet sport that blends agility, strategy and stamina on court.
Padel
A sociable, doubles-first racquet sport played in an enclosed court where the walls stay in play.
Pickleball
A friendly, easy-to-learn paddle sport played on a small court with a solid paddle and a light, perforated ball.
Beach Tennis
A sociable sand-court paddle sport played with solid paddles and a soft ball that is volleyed without a bounce.
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Scoring systems
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
- Padel scoringPadel borrows tennis scoring, counting points as 15–30–40 within games and playing sets to six games decided by a tiebreak.
- Tiebreak scoringA tiebreak is a short deciding game used in racket sports to settle a set that has reached an even number of games, scored in simple numbers to a fixed target.
Equipment
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
- Tennis ballA hollow rubber ball covered in felt used in tennis and related racquet sports.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Badminton racketA lightweight strung racket used to hit the shuttlecock in badminton.
Positions
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
- StrikerA striker is the main attacking player in football, positioned furthest forward with the primary job of scoring goals.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
Rules
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- Tennis serving rulesThe rules governing how a tennis point begins, including where the server stands and where the serve must land.
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.
- False startA rule breach in a race when a competitor begins to move before the starting signal is given.
- Drafting rulesRules that govern when a rider or athlete may sit in the slipstream of another to save energy.
Facilities
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.
- Padel courtAn enclosed court, much smaller than a tennis court, walled with glass and mesh so the ball can be played off the walls.
- Tennis courtA rectangular marked court, divided across the middle by a net, where tennis is played as singles or doubles.
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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