A simple guide to TYPTI, the new racquet sport
In early 2026, a new racquet sport called TYPTI (pronounced TIP-tee) officially launched. The sport aims to bridge the gap between tennis and pickleball, offering a faster, more spin-friendly game in a smaller space.
TYPTI was created by Steve Bellamy (founder of The Tennis Channel) and is backed by a notable group of investors that includes Drew Brees, Tony Robbins and Chris Pine. Supporters have described it as “the snowboarding of the racquet world” – a modern alternative designed to rethink how racquet sports are played.
Below is a straightforward introduction to what TYPTI is and how it works.
What Is TYPTI?
So, how to play TYPTI?
TYPTI is a fast-paced racquet sport played on a standard pickleball court (20’ x 44’). It blends elements of tennis, pickleball and badminton, but introduces its own equipment, scoring system, and style of play.
Unlike pickleball, which uses a hard plastic ball and solid paddles, TYPTI uses strung racquets and a specialised foam ball. This combination allows for heavier spin, longer rallies, and more creative shot-making while keeping the game accessible to new players.
The Gear: Racquets and Balls
One of the defining features of TYPTI is its custom equipment, developed specifically for the sport.
The Racquet
TYPTI uses a 22-inch strung racquet, shorter than a standard tennis racquet but long enough to allow full swings and advanced spin. The strings give players more control and feel than a paddle. Check some racquets here.
The Ball
The game is played with a 3.5-inch channeled foam ball. It moves slower through the air than a tennis ball but bounces significantly higher than a pickleball. This higher bounce gives players more time to react and makes longer rallies possible.
Low Noise
Because the ball is made of foam, TYPTI is much quieter than pickleball. This addresses one of the most common complaints about pickleball in residential and shared spaces.
Unique Rules of Play
TYPTI introduces several rule differences that set it apart from other racquet sports.
No Non-Volley Zone
There is no “kitchen” or non-volley zone. Players are free to move and volley anywhere on the court.
Net Continuation Rule
If the ball hits the net on your side of the court, the rally does not automatically end. As long as the ball has not bounced twice, players are allowed to continue the point and attempt to get the ball over the net.
Creative Ball Contact
Players are allowed to use parts of the body other than the racquet to keep the ball in play in certain situations, encouraging improvisation and athletic reactions.
The Serve
All serves must be struck below the waist. Overhead serves are not allowed, making the game easier on the shoulders and more approachable for beginners.
The Stakes Scoring System
TYPTI uses a distinctive scoring format called the Stakes system, designed to keep games fast and competitive.
- To win a game, a player must win three points in a row.
- The score is described as Up or Down rather than using traditional numbers.
- Winning the first point makes the server 1-Up; the second consecutive point makes it 2-Up.
- Winning a third consecutive point wins the game.
- If a player reaches 2-Up and then loses the next point, the advantage shifts to the opponent, who becomes 1-Up.
A set is won by the first player to reach five games, and matches are typically played as best-of-three sets.
Why TYPTI Is Growing
One of TYPTI’s biggest advantages is infrastructure. Because it uses existing pickleball courts, it can be played at thousands of venues without new construction.
The sport is designed to be easy for beginners to learn, while still offering depth for experienced players. Former tennis players, in particular, may appreciate the ability to use full swings and heavy spin in a smaller, more accessible court setting.
TYPTI is also beginning to establish a professional circuit and has announced partnerships with organisations such as the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA) and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).
Has any of you tennis nerds out there tried TYPTI? It would be very interesting to hear your thoughts on this new sport.
This ain’t new! We played this with junior racket’s years ago. The only thing new is your greedy ass trying to monetize someone else’s sport with the help of your rich friend social circles! Lame! As head of the tennis channel you should instead go out and push the elegant sport of tennis to young kids. The learning curve for tennis is a lot steeper than your typti but if you push this cheap knockoff on the masses we will have less and less courts to play on. Keep Ping pong on the table and tennis on the court.
I love this sport concept. I don’t like the scoring system. Straight rally scoring to 11 or 21 would make the game flow better and should be optional. Otherwise, use tennis scoring with no ad. Having to win 3 consecutive points could make the game drag on and on. How often playing tennis does one get to 40-0? Not often. Also, the kitchen volley rule should be enforced or should be optional. Otherwise, it’s too easy to put away volleys sitting right on the net (like POP tennis.) I’ve seen players playing Typti staying out of the kitchen. Also, change the name.to something clever and cute like Tickleball.
To summarize:
Keep the rules as close to pickleball as possible. That will hasten adoption as players won’t have to learn new rules.
Change the name to a compound version of pickleball and tennis… Tickleball.
Serving, he ball should have to clear the kitchen line (like racquetball and pickleball) and every other line is in. Again, keep it simple and use pickleball rules.
Rally or side out scoring like pickleball. Keep it simple and easy to cross over from Pickleball to Tickleball. Otherwise, use no-ad tennis scoring.
Making it as similar as possible to pickleball will also make clubs more amenable to incorporating it and allowing play on pickleball courts.
l do like the hand saves. That will make it unique. To any other racquet sport.
Doubtful it gains a lot of traction. Getting racquets strung and playing with foam balls that will probably tear is not good. Also, Pickleball players will not be happy with these players on their Pickleball courts which were made specifically for Pickleball.
very interested but cant buy any of the balls yet?
Typti rackets cost $200 for a 22 inch kiddie racket?? It is more about making money than playing a sport. Redball is cheaper, rules simple, foam balls are safer and quieter than pickleball, a real winner.
I’ve been a devoted tennis player for a long time. As I get older and much less mobile, I wanted smaller indoor courts. I’ve been shunning pickleball. This looks like a blast and I can hardly wait to try it.
I’d love to try it but I’m not willing and I doubt I could find three others willing to pay $200 for a racquet to pay a sport Im not sure I’d like.
I’m looking for an affordable, organized venue to play. I’m not in touch with other enthusiasts yet. I’m a former average tennis player.
We are playing it and loving it here in Winston Salem, NC.
One thing we do differently is when I’m serving but the other team is up we call it up one instead of one up. This distinguishes that the other team is leading in the game I’m serving.
I played tennis for 40 years before switching to pickleball 6 years ago. I tried TYPTI while visiting La Quinta CA this month and found it very interesting. I would love to try to bring it to Georgia, but not willing to spend over a $1000 for 4 racquets and balls. Knowing that my friends would not spend $200 for a racquet, just to try the game out! You need to offer an ambassador program where the ambassadors could buy a set of 4 racquets and balls for less than $200. Number of ambassador could be limited to geographical areas. Just a recommendation!
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I am cheering for this to take root and succeed. I’m’a former tennis player consequently watching with great enthusiasm.
Couldn’t I just play pickleball with the foam ball. That’s what we pickleball players have needed, a quieter game. I think I will try some balls and try it.
The racket is a racket..no damn way is the racket worth 199…bs