Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
While coaching on court I often overhear people discussing or arguing various things whilst playing matches on neighbouring courts. Most people don't understand how a player should behave, react and sometimes make up their own rules when it comes to indecision.
Each player is responsible for their decisions on his or her side of the court. Each player should be honest on all calls and if unsure should give his or her opponent the benefit of the doubt. You should not play a let!
Making a call on your opponent's side of the net is not allowed unless the opponent has requested it or you are making a call against yourself giving your opponent the point. First serves cannot be called from the other side, whereas second serves can.
Let's and fault's should be called immediately. If the player has hit the return in or out before the call, play should continue.
All calls should be verbal and clear for the opponent to hear. Hand gestures and other signals are not calls. They may be followed by calls but should never be done alone.
If a ball interrupts play from another court or creates a visible interruption behind the court, a let should be played.
Most of us don't have ball boys, so remember, if the ball is on your side it is your responsibility to pick it up whether it's for yourself or to return to your opponent.
Obvious first serve faults should not be returned, instead they should be left to pass by or ground it.
To avoid arguments over scoring, the server should announce the game score before serving each point.
Never go on to another court, walk behind, retrieve or return a ball to another court until they've completed their point.
Hope this has cleared up some things for tennis players who were unsure of what to do in different situations. It is a good idea to discuss with your opponent these things before you start so there are no problems or arguments during the match.
Happy hitting!
