What Does 'Ad' Mean in Tennis?

Have you ever watched a tennis match, and even enjoyed it but just had no idea how to keep up with the score? Understanding tennis scoring can feel like learning a new language especially when terms like 'Ad-In' and 'Ad-Out' come into play. But no worries, we got you covered! Ad simply stands for Advantage. But what does that really mean on the court you ask? Let's talk through different ways to simplify scoring and unravel these concepts to get you prepared for that next match.

Before explaining "Ad" lets breifly recap the basics of scoring and what we call in the tennis world "No Ad Scoring." In tennis, each game is made up of points, the score goes like this: 15, 30, 40 and then game point. If both players get to 40, it's called deuce. Whoever wins the next point, wins that game. The player that wins 6 games, wins the set. For a more detailed explanation on this - check out our Tennis Scoring: A Complete Guide to Points, Games, Sets, and Tiebreakers blog post. Ok so here is where "Ad" comes in: When the score is deuce (40-40), the player that wins the next point gets an 'advantage' - if the server (the player who is serving the ball) wins the point, the score is "Ad-In". This would now make this player only 1 point away from winning that game. On the other hand if the receiver (the player who is returning the serve) wins the point, it's called "Ad-Out" and now they are only 1 point away from winning the game. Think of it this way :

Duece = a tied game (both players need to win 2 points in a row to win the game)
Ad-In, the server has the Advantage and is one step closer to winning the game.
Ad-Out, the receiver has the Advantage and is one step closer to winning the game.

If the player that has the advantage wins the next point, they win the game. (here comes the tricky part) - If they lose the point, it goes back to duece (40-40) and they keep playing until someone wins 2 POINTS in a row. This process can repeat multiple times - going back to deuce and then to advantage until the game is secured by the player who wins the two consecutive points.

When playing doubles, how does Ad-Scoring work? It works the same way, it just now involves both players. For the receiving team, it gives both players a chance to return the serve and contribute to the two consective points that need to be won to secure the game. Now, let's test your understanding through a couple of scenarios: #1 If the score is currently "Ad-In" who has the advantage? The server or is the reciever?

if you answered the receiver, you are incorrect - the server has the advantage. If you answered the server then GREAT JOB, you are getting the hang of it!

#2 It is "Ad-In" and the server loses the point so it returns to duece (40-40). At deuce, the server loses the next point, does the receiver win the game now?

if you answered no, you are correct. The receiver won the point, the score is now "Ad-out" (remember you have to win 2 in a row) so if the receiver wins the next point at "Ad-out" THEN they win the game.

Tennis is often described as a mental game - the mental aspect plays a significant role in a player's performance and success.

The Psychological Impact of Ad Points in Match Play

increased pressure - because these points hold a lot of weight, these moments can cause stress and anxiety as players know the outcome of the game is on the line.
heightened focus - we typically see players become more focused and concentrated.
emotional highs and lows - winning an ad point boosts confidence, while losing one can lead to frustration and disappointment.
momentum shifts - winning key ad points can shift the momentum and encourage the player to play with more confidence than the opponent.
strategic changes - players often alter their style of play in these moments - by playing either more aggressively or more conservatively.

The positive of players being able to understand how to navigate these psychological impacts include:

enhanced strategic awareness
improvement in emotional control
increased confidence
patience and discipline

Become a Master of Ad Points

Get ahead of the game and use these tips and drills to prepare you for these Ad moments on the court.

Grab your favorite hitting partner and practice 'Serve and Return' under pressure. Start the game at deuce and practice breaking the server, or if you are serving practice holding your serve and winning the game.
High Intensity Point Play - play short, intense rallies (best of 3 or 5) points, practice getting in the rhythm of winning consecutive points in confidence.
Target Practice & Serve Placement - set up targets in different areas of the service box and practice your accuracy with ball placement. Check out all of our training equipment to help you sharpen your game.