Tethering isn't a good way to get a dog to play. It usually makes them mean and territorial instead.
My dog is on a two axis, overhead tether arrangement that gives her a range that almost covers the full extent of the back yard. She's quite well adjusted, thought the squirrels tend to stay just out of range. We can easily play retrieve (a ball or any of her favorite sticks pulled from the kindling piles) when she is "on the hook".
I agree that tethering is a poor method to secure a dog / allow a dog to play.
However, it makes the dog’s shooting all the crueler.
One of my dogs I found on the street. I believe he was tethered, and likely escaped from it somehow allowing me to find him, or him, me. I ascertained this after noticing shortly after taking him in that after walks when I’d drop the leash in the yard or driveway upon returning he’d stop as if frozen, unable to move. I keep walking but he doesn’t. He’ll just stand there wagging his tail hoping to be “released” from captivity. I walk back and grab the leash and he resumes walking. It’s been 4 1/2 years and he will go through this routine every time. His memories of being chained up is the only explanation I have for his behavior.