When you've been hit, do you get angry or get even?

Angle Queen

Angle Queen

Professional
In a lackadaisical ladies practice last week (hot temps and w/o my regular partner) and got gobsmacked by a volley. Jammed my sunglasses into my visor and slammed 'em back down across the bridge of my nose. It's turned into one heckuva shiner.

Since I like to think I defend myself and my court position fairly well, it's rare for me to get hit. In this instance, we are all teammates and I know there was no ill-will intended.

But as I sit here with the ice pack still on my face trying to get the swelling down, I think of the few other times I've been hit and wondered how you other players handle those situations. Since this mostly happens in doubles, how do you and/or your partner react in those situations?

My own experiences are that if someone hits my ladies partner, I'm gonna put one close to our opponents at the next opportunity (usually because I'm usually the one at net)...and that's that. Never in/at the face...but close enough for them to get the idea. If I'm the one getting the close call, I just shrug it off...pride bruised a bit...and hope to get my racket on it better next time. Funny how I'm willing to avenge her...but not myself.

In mixed, the situation is quite different. If they hit my male partner...he generally will seek the revenge himself but only if it was the opposing man who did it. If it was the woman who did it, we'll laugh it off as a (un)lucky shot. But if I get hit (regardless which gender opponent did it)...my partner is all set to hit the guy (again, regardless of who actually "hit" me). I try to talk him out of it. Kind of a double-standard, I suppose, given how I try to take care of my ladies partner.

So what do ya'll think/do?
 
ThePro101

ThePro101

Rookie
Trying to hit someone is never good sportsmanship, even if it happens to be a winning tactic.

My position is to just keep playing... I've never encountered a situation where someone was intentionally trying to injure me or another player. If a hit occurs, it always seems to be quickly followed with an apology.

-- Fair Play--
 
wrxinsc

wrxinsc

Professional
seeing as how we are in the middle of mixed league this is a well timed question imo.

for me, even though one is "supposed" to hit at the presumably weaker female partner, i just don't play that way. if they are playing that way i make sure we become less predictable as a partnership, and i will become much more aggressive a partner looking for opportunities. in short at a recreational level there isn't much call for hitting the lady.

i don't much care one way or another if i am hit. it just happens sometimes in combos and spring league.

if my lady partner was to be hit intentionally somewhere other than at the feet (a 4.0 / 4.5 man can control where he hits the ball) that would be another story. at the earliest opportunity the offending guy would be hit squarely between the eyes. i pitched a little as a young man - that is what you do.
 
1stVolley

1stVolley

Professional
I agree with the previous post. I often hit directly at a close-by player, but never to hurt them, only to elicit an error or weak return. And I've never had an opponent who got hit take it the wrong way. Also, if it's an especially hard shot, I immediately apologize.

With overheads, I never consciously aim directly at someone, though every once in awhile my aim is not so good and it gets pretty close. Again, I immediately apologize.

Likewise, when I've been hit, I never get mad as I've never suspected any malice.
 
M

mlktennis

Semi-Pro
It's happened a couple of times where I have been hit. Usually accidentally... but sometime during the game I get them back. Never at the head but somehow, somewhere in my subconcious when hitting a sitter/lob, I get them and it's not a premeditated act.
 
120mphBodyServe

120mphBodyServe

Banned
Depends on the situation. If it's accidental I let it slide...
If it's a competitive match and I feel like it was intentional...
I get angry. And I get even. Well, at least I try to...
 
Cooper_Tecnifibre4

Cooper_Tecnifibre4

Professional
i was playing a inter district tournament today, in doubles every time our opponents got somewhat of an easy shot they would crack one so hard at me or my opponent that it would either hit us in the face or just miss and hit back fence...... it got so bad that i was ready to jump the net and well....... yeh ;)

......smart ass cockey tennis player i HATE
 
D

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my [Mixed Partner]. And you will know my name is [DizzlMcwizzl] when I lay my vengeance upon thee.

~Jules from pulp fiction
 
polski

polski

Semi-Pro
I have probably been hit hundreds of times while playing doubles. There was only one time where I felt it was intentional. In mixed, we were up big against a guy known as a bad sport. He slammed one that caught me right in the stomach. He said nothing, just stared at me. We finished the match as if it never happened & won pretty easily. Then I shook his partner's hand & walked to my car. I haven't played the guy since & probably won't.
 
T

tennis tom

Legend
Angle Queen said:
In a lackadaisical ladies practice last week (hot temps and w/o my regular partner) and got gobsmacked by a volley. Jammed my sunglasses into my visor and slammed 'em back down across the bridge of my nose. It's turned into one heckuva shiner.
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Sorry to hear about your "gobsmacking" and thanks for adding a new word to my vocabulary. I'll be listening to Andy Murray for it.

Dump the shades and the visor too! They just get in the way. In your case, they probably created more of an injury than if you hadn't been wearing them. There's only one or two pros, who are good enough to be seen on TV, who wear them. Even the "best" quality lens cause refraction, (the ball isn't where you think it is: the gold fish bowl effect).

I've been hit in the eye by a ball in a very similar situation as yours. Actually, I hit myself in the eye, when the ball ricocheted off my racket. It was the very first point of a "friendly" club match. Like you, I was a bit lackadaisical. Unfortunately my opponent wasn't and he tee'd off on the first return and hit right for me. Moral of the story: if your on a tennis court, or near one, keep your eye out (or in) for fast moving balls, coming your way, from from the warm-up to the handshake.

It was in the stone-age of my doubles career, when I did what the "pros" instructed me to do: smack the net with my racket and stand there screaming "yours" and "switch" 84 times a match. If I'd been positioned near the service line, where I stand today, I would have had plenty of time to react and hopefully hit a decent volley.

I dug some ice out of the cooler, put it in a towel and iced it for a few minutes while I wondered if they'd be calling me ol' one eye. I was able to continue playing, saw my eye doctor the next day--no serious damage.

It's only a fuzzy little ball. The shape of the eye-socket fortunately prevents the ball from penetrating too deeply. I've seen a lot of people get hit in the eye (and the ear) and thankfully have yet to observe anyone sustain serious damage.

Lose the glasses, wear 'em on the sidelines. If they did any good, every pro would be wearing them. Neither Fed or Nadal wears glasses or a hat.
 
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polski

polski

Semi-Pro
blakesq said:
If you don't want to get hit, don't come up to the net, period.
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Who are you, Happy Gilmore? No one wants to get hit.

I never aim for anyone, but I will hit a volley (not an overhead) at someone's feet if it is the only shot that will win a point for me. If the ball happens to hit my opponent, I always quickly apologize & make sure they are OK prior to continuing.
 
polski

polski

Semi-Pro
tennis tom said:
I've seen a lot of people get hit in the eye (and the ear) and thankfully have yet to observe anyone sustain serious damage.
I know a guy that hit an opponent in college in the throat with a line-drive 2HBH service return. The opponent began bleeding through his mouth and was rushed to the hospital. Guy told me that the opponent had to have a voice box installed.

Note: this is all heresay, but it is still a great reason not to aim at someone.
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Angle Queen

Angle Queen

Professional
Thanks for all the comments, gang.

And yeah, Tom, that visor ain't going back on my head anytime soon. Funny thing is, I had literally just put in on during the previous changeover because the sun was really pounding down with nary a cloud in the sky. As we are getting ready for a midday showdown at Sectionals, I was trying to mimic playing in such conditions and what will and what won't work gear-wise. Right now, I'll lose both the visor and glasses because even setting the sunshades across the bridge of my nose hurts. :p

For what it's worth, I'm not afraid of getting hit...nor do I really get mad about it. Like polski, rarely have I even the hint that a "close call" is intentional (except when in obvious retaliation for something we've unintentionally done). I both offer and receive quick apologies when something has inadvertently come a bit too close.

The other part I've realized...is that I rarely see such a hot shot coming back at me...because my regular partner is quite good at not hanging me out to dry (either keeps it low and well away from the opponents or a good lob)...or warns me of it. Like I said, I wasn't with my regular...and so I'll just leave it at that. No hard feelings harbored anywhere on this one. :)
 
B

blakesq

Hall of Fame
I don't like to to lose either, but I still play tennis (and still lose, but I also win some). But, I am not overly worried about getting hit, and thats why I will come to net. If someone is going to complain about getting hit, that someone should stay away from the net.


polski said:
Who are you, Happy Gilmore? No one wants to get hit.

I never aim for anyone, but I will hit a volley (not an overhead) at someone's feet if it is the only shot that will win a point for me. If the ball happens to hit my opponent, I always quickly apologize & make sure they are OK prior to continuing.
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P

Panic492

Rookie
It is a fair part of the game. However, I would be full of it if I said it did not bother me. I never hit women in mixed-will not do it. In mens doubles if I get hit twice in a match then game on.
 
M

Mike2228

Rookie
In my last last match I faced a kid I think was nut hunting, but I just ingored it and continued playing my game.
 
West Coast Ace

West Coast Ace

G.O.A.T.
blakesq said:
If someone is going to complain about getting hit, that someone should stay away from the net.
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I'm with you. Feel bad for the OP - but she apparently overestimated her reflexes ("likes to think she defends her court position fairly well" ) and learned a tough lesson. If your partner hits a duck you gotta get down and turn - take the shot in your back.
 
jmverdugo

jmverdugo

Hall of Fame
If I get hit on the net I usually say: "good shot!". I do get angry but to myself, usually when you get hit is because you are on the wrong place or you are just not paying attention to the point.
 
pyrokid

pyrokid

Hall of Fame
jmverdugo said:
If I get hit on the net I usually say: "good shot!". I do get angry but to myself, usually when you get hit is because you are on the wrong place or you are just not paying attention to the point.
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Same, they hit a shot that won them the point, you're kind of overthinking this if you get too mad. It was a good shot by them, as good as a winner.

I mean, in almost any other sport you do a lot worse things to other players for less of a reason.

When I play with my friends, we usually go at the other person on volleys and overheads if they're hittable. It's all in good sport. It's like a contest.

It gets even better when we just stand there and try to volley the overheads back.

What's a sport without at least a little punishment?
 
JeMar

JeMar

Legend
If I get a floater and a clear shot, I'll take it.

I won't TRY to create that shot or make dumb errors just to get even.
 
J

J_R_B

Hall of Fame
If I get hit (intentional or not), I just move on. It's one shot out of hundreds, it's part of the game, and it's not worth dwelling on. In fact, I prefer if people hit sitters right at me. I have a hell of a lot better chance of getting a racquet up and blocking it back if it's right at me rather than a clean winner somewhere.
 
TnTBigman

TnTBigman

Professional
If I like the person or am indifferent about them, I shrug it off after they show some from of apology (saying sorry, raising their racquet etc). If I don't like the person, I'll be gracefull about the hit, but send some more winners and passers their way.
 
goran_ace

goran_ace

Hall of Fame
Getting hit is part of the game. It happens. It doesn't exactly feel good, but chances of actually sustaining an injury are remote.

I have played mixed teams who have used 'etiquette' offensively in head games. Basically I could tee off on the male's serve all day. The female was all over the net. So basically anything I hit hard anywhere other than the server's side doubles alley (tougher to do on a return) was met with complaints about me trying to hit her and then my partner would get mad at me thinking they might retaliate and would ask me to just slice it cross court every time (and then wonders why we don't get the same amount of break opportunities).

I don't apologize for hitting a ball near anyone, male or female. I don't intentionally try to hit people; I aim for spots on the court. If they happen to be standing in the way, then they should either know how to put a racket on it, get out of the way, give up the niet position and start at the baseline -- or maybe they should think about maybe playing at a lower level.
 
spaceman_spiff

spaceman_spiff

Hall of Fame
Don't get mad at your opponent; get mad at your partner. If you've been smacked hard, 9 times out of 10 that means your partner is to blame for setting them up for the kill. So, if you're getting hit and are getting angry, have a go at your partner.

On the other hand, if your opponent is going for a smash and you've decided to face up to it (hoping to get a lucky block back), you can't really blame the opponent if you get hit. Even if they're not aiming for you, there's always a good chance the smash/high volley doesn't go where it's supposed to and ends up going right at you. It happens all the time by mistake, and sometimes on purpose. Unless you turn your back early, basically conceding the point, then you've accepted the risk.

(I played 6 sets of doubles yesterday: 2 hits on the leg, blocked back 3 shots at the body, and dodged 1 at the face because it was a mis-hit that went long. I faced up to all of them, so I had no anger towards my opponents or any need for revenge.)
 
J

J_R_B

Hall of Fame
TnTBigman said:
If I like the person or am indifferent about them, I shrug it off after they show some from of apology (saying sorry, raising their racquet etc). If I don't like the person, I'll be gracefull about the hit, but send some more winners and passers their way.
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You need to get hit in order to be motivated to hit winners? Strange...
 
goran_ace

goran_ace

Hall of Fame
J_R_B said:
If I get hit (intentional or not), I just move on. It's one shot out of hundreds, it's part of the game, and it's not worth dwelling on. In fact, I prefer if people hit sitters right at me. I have a hell of a lot better chance of getting a racquet up and blocking it back if it's right at me rather than a clean winner somewhere.
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Agree 100%. I welcome retaliation. Sign of a mentally weak opponent.
 
G

Grover Sparkman

Rookie
I've only been hit in a match once, and the guy apologized immediately. As long as it's obvious there's no malice behind it, I understand those things happen, and it's cool.

I was doing some drills once with the captain of my team, his wife and a few others. His wife was on the other side of the net, and someone hit a lob. I went for the smash which I can normally hit perfectly well. Except this time. It wopped her right between the eyes. I apologized profusely and felt horrible about it, of course. And fortunately, everyone realized that accidents like that happen. We laughed about it, but at the time it was one of the worst feelings you can have when playing tennis.

Luckily enough, it missed her nose and just hit her forehead, so no broken/bloody/swolen nose or anything. Just a small bruise that went away in a couple days.
 
goober

goober

Legend
Angle Queen said:
In mixed, the situation is quite different. If they hit my male partner...he generally will seek the revenge himself but only if it was the opposing man who did it. If it was the woman who did it, we'll laugh it off as a (un)lucky shot. But if I get hit (regardless which gender opponent did it)...my partner is all set to hit the guy (again, regardless of who actually "hit" me). I try to talk him out of it. Kind of a double-standard, I suppose, given how I try to take care of my ladies partner.

So what do ya'll think/do?
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Your mixed partner should not play for revenge in a tennis match. It is unsportsmanlike conduct IMO to deliberately try to hit and possiblly injure somebody to get even. 90 % of the time the reason you got hit is because your partner did not make a good shot that set you up to be hit. In reality he should be mad at himself.

If your partner made a tough shot and they still volleyed or hit a difficult overhead smash that hit you- well hats off to the other team. There is no way most recreational players could deliberately hit you off that kind of shot. I would stop playing with a person who deliberately tried to hit people as a revenge tactic.
 
Angle Queen

Angle Queen

Professional
West Coast Ace said:
I'm with you. Feel bad for the OP - but she apparently overestimated her reflexes ("likes to think she defends her court position fairly well" ) and learned a tough lesson. If your partner hits a duck you gotta get down and turn - take the shot in your back.
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Yep. Complete overestimation on my part. And, today in practice, I took a step back from my usual position and actually got to a few balls that normally would have been behind me. Lesson(s of several kinds) learned. :)

And, for what it's worth, I'm not complaining that it happened. It's definitely part of stepping on the court. It was just the impetus for the question.

spaceman_spiff said:
Don't get mad at your opponent; get mad at your partner. If you've been smacked hard, 9 times out of 10 that means your partner is to blame for setting them up for the kill. So, if you're getting hit and are getting angry, have a go at your partner.
Click to expand...
Yep, here too. Realized that. Wasn't with my regular partner (who I probably would've had a quick quip for :p ) and didn't want to cause any waves and, so, said nothing to her.

goober said:
Your mixed partner should not play for revenge in a tennis match.
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True enough. But reality is somewhat different. He's usually not able to do anything about right away...and the lust for it wears off quickly.

I would stop playing with a person who deliberately tried to hit people as a revenge tactic.
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It's a fairly common trait with most of the guys around here. And by "hitting at" -- I'm talking about a shot essentially at their feet. I would never, ever want to hurt someone...and you're right, I wouldn't play with anyone who would.
 
RogerRacket111

RogerRacket111

Semi-Pro
I don't anyone hits intentionally. If you give a floater expect the hit it hard and show your backs and get out of the way. If its a really fast shot then I don't think they have that much control to intentionally hit you.

If you look at it from the other side when you try to be really nice sometimes by trying to place it might actually come back for a winner. Or you might end up hitting the net.
 
Ronaldo

Ronaldo

Bionic Poster
When you get hit, you know you are in the game. With so many playing close to close shots, someone will get tagged. But at higher levels, that ball may come rightbackatchu.
 
T

Tarboro

Rookie
The only time I've ever gotten angry about being hit was when I conceded a point on a sitter when both opponents were at net. I turned my back and took a step toward the alley. The less "agreeable" opponent, who's always hard to get along with, hit me in the lower back with the overhead, then offered a pretty weak apology ("Woops, that one got away from me").
 
D

dizzlmcwizzl

Hall of Fame
I play with a group of men that play at a local public tennis complex. The courts are nearly always full and there are always people hanging around having beers and socializing. In this environment often times we go out of our way to tag our opponents, below the wasit usually. We are all friends and we have all been the hitter and the hittee many times. When it happens there is always loud hollering and a little taunting .... followed by a faint wave or meaningless apology. Within this group no worries.

However, when playing mixed if the man targets my female partner innopropriately I will return fire back at him ... never at her. I find it is generally easier to poach off the woman's return and the best shot is usually to aim at the net man's forehand hip.
 
G

gameboy

Hall of Fame
If I get hit, it is my own damn fault for not blocking it.

I have gotten hit plenty of times (even in the groins, I rolled around for good 10 min). Never even thought to retaliate.

If you are not fast enough to block the ball coming to you (or at least turn around), then move back. Otherwise, shake it off and play. We are not talking about getting hit by a baseball or something.
 
goober

goober

Legend
Angle Queen said:
to do anything about right away...and the lust for it wears off quickly.

It's a fairly common trait with most of the guys around here. And by "hitting at" -- I'm talking about a shot essentially at their feet. I would never, ever want to hurt someone...and you're right, I wouldn't play with anyone who would.
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Hitting at someone's feet is not revenge IMO. That is normal hitting and play. I would say that is fair play at any time.

I guess I am glad I don't play competitive mixed doubles. It seems that many guys have the mentality- "women are weak, protect the women. I must avenge any slight against my female partner"

I only play social mixed and most people try to go out of their way to play nice so I never run into any situations like you seem to.
 
darthpwner

darthpwner

Banned
Angle Queen said:
Yep. Complete overestimation on my part. And, today in practice, I took a step back from my usual position and actually got to a few balls that normally would have been behind me. Lesson(s of several kinds) learned. :)

And, for what it's worth, I'm not complaining that it happened. It's definitely part of stepping on the court. It was just the impetus for the question.

Yep, here too. Realized that. Wasn't with my regular partner (who I probably would've had a quick quip for :p ) and didn't want to cause any waves and, so, said nothing to her.

True enough. But reality is somewhat different. He's usually not able to do anything about right away...and the lust for it wears off quickly.

It's a fairly common trait with most of the guys around here. And by "hitting at" -- I'm talking about a shot essentially at their feet. I would never, ever want to hurt someone...and you're right, I wouldn't play with anyone who would.
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Hitting at someone's feet is the smartest play. If I get anything about chest or shoulder height, it's an easy put away. Picking up balls at my shoe laces is much more difficult.
 
S

slewisoh

Semi-Pro
I confess that I get pissed when I feel an opponent is repeatedly going at the head, whether by accident or on purpose. At such times I have had a heightened ability to place the ball just out of their reach.

However, there was one opponent who nailed me in the neck, and then high-fived her partner who yelled, "NICE FINISH!" They were accustomed to me hitting at their feet or around them, so were quite surprised when the shots started coming in to their sternums.

No wings or halo for me...
 
B

blakesq

Hall of Fame
in a men's 4.0 doubles match, I returned a serve hard right into the net guy's frank and beans. It was terrible to watch, because he immediately said "Oh no" upon being hit, because he know the pain is delayed in those types of hits, and then he turned pale, and went down to his knees. I felt bad, and apologized, but I think it was a fair shot.
 
goober

goober

Legend
blakesq said:
in a men's 4.0 doubles match, I returned a serve hard right into the net guy's frank and beans. It was terrible to watch, because he immediately said "Oh no" upon being hit, because he know the pain is delayed in those types of hits, and then he turned pale, and went down to his knees. I felt bad, and apologized, but I think it was a fair shot.
Click to expand...

If you are at the baseline and you hit someone at the net that is totally on them for not being able to handle it. Honestly that shouldn't happen in a 4.0 level doubles match unless they guy was completely not paying attention for some reason. On a return of serve situation the netman is completely set and ready- expecting a ball hit at him. If he can't handle that situation, he shouldn't be at the net.
 
B

blakesq

Hall of Fame
I only have to disagree with a portion of your response. It can and does happen in 4.0 tennis, because at 4.0 (and higher) a person can simply make a mistake, misjudge the ball, get his timing screwed up, anticipate wrongly, whatever. Mistakes happen.

goober said:
If you are at the baseline and you hit someone at the net that is totally on them for not being able to handle it. Honestly that shouldn't happen in a 4.0 level doubles match unless they guy was completely not paying attention for some reason. On a return of serve situation the netman is completely set and ready- expecting a ball hit at him. If he can't handle that situation, he shouldn't be at the net.
Click to expand...
 
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