Break Point
In tennis and similar sports, a point on which the receiver can win a game the opponent is serving.
Definition
A break point is a game point held by the returning side, a chance to "break serve" by winning a game that the opponent is serving. Because the server is normally expected to win their own service games, converting a break point is a significant swing that often decides sets.
Break points are counted, as in "two break points" at 15-40, or "double break point." If the receiver wins the point it is a "service break"; if the server wins it, they have "saved" the break point. A related idea, "break back," describes the previously broken player breaking serve in return. Break point applies to sports where one side serves a whole game, chiefly tennis and padel.
Scope: This entry covers the tennis and racquet-sport scoring sense, not unrelated uses of the word "break" in cue sports or motorsport.
Where you’ll hear “break point”
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Skills
Rules
- Tennis serving rulesThe rules governing how a tennis point begins, including where the server stands and where the serve must land.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- LetA call that stops a point and has it replayed without penalty, used across several racket sports.
Skills Academy
Scoring systems
- Padel scoring and the tie-breakHow padel matches are counted — the game and set structure, the tie-break serving order, and the alternative scoring methods the FIP rules explicitly authorise.
- Table tennis scoringTable tennis is scored on every rally to 11 points per game, won by two clear points, over a best-of odd number of games.
- 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.
- Badminton scoringBadminton uses rally scoring to 21 points per game, with matches decided over the best of three games.
- Tennis scoring systemsThe scoring methods the ITF Rules actually authorise — the advantage set, the tie-break set, the standard tie-break game, and the short sets and match tie-breaks in Appendix VI.
Tactics
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Net playControlling the point from close to the net with volleys, smashes and touch shots to cut down an opponent’s time.
- Approaching the netHow a point is moved forward — which balls justify an approach, why the approach is hit down the line, and the transition volley that has to be played from no-man's land.
- Serve and volleyAn attacking tennis tactic where the server follows their serve to the net to finish the point with a volley.
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- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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