I need a ruling on a mishit ...

[CAM178]

Once again I'm in agreement with CAM here. Javier, you seem to keep assuming you know how we'd react in sitautions other than the one proposed and I don't think thats fair. You assumed that since we said we'd give that point away if we hit the ball, then we would be upset if our opponent didn't give the point to us had he been the one to hit it. Thats just a poor assumption. And simply not true. I have absolutely no problem with my opponent taking the point because the rules say so, its just not what I would do. And as far as catching a ball thats going to be way out, I haven't seen anyone do this in over ten years. It never even crosses my mind to do it, and it doesn't seem to cross anyone else's either.

Thanks, man.

 

[Raiden.Kaminari]

Interesting question ... gonna have to read everyone's input first, but initial reaction is you won the point but that there may have been a unintentional hindrance.

 

[CAM178]

Interesting question ... gonna have to read everyone's input first, but initial reaction is you won the point but that there may have been a unintentional hindrance.

Don't get involved in this one: some people are getting too heated over this.

Run. . . run while you can!

Just kidding. Read the posts, and you'll see what I mean.

 

[tennis-n-sc]

One of the reasons so few rec and club players know the rules is that many experienced players simply don't play by them and, therefore, do not teach by example on the court as to the proper application. In the OP's example, the question was for a ruling, not what would you do. I still get shocked often when I hear someone on a court try to explain a rule because they saw someone else do it that way. I just don't understand why some players choose to ignore some rules and think they are being good sports in doing so. This sets a poor example for those that do not know the rules. If it is a social match, why not explain the proper application of the rule, and play the point over. In a match that counts, apply the rule.

 

[CAM178]

One of the reasons so few rec and club players know the rules is that many experienced players simply don't play by them and, therefore, do not teach by example on the court as to the proper application. In the OP's example, the question was for a ruling, not what would you do. I still get shocked often when I hear someone on a court try to explain a rule because they saw someone else do it that way. I just don't understand why some players choose to ignore some rules and think they are being good sports in doing so. This sets a poor example for those that do not know the rules. If it is a social match, why not explain the proper application of the rule, and play the point over. In a match that counts, apply the rule.

True. In these instances, I still give away the point, but tell people what the proper ruling is. I sure wish there was a ruling against basket-toss mishits (when you hit the ball twice, and it almost looks like you're tossing a basket just to get the ball over the net).

 

[Hal]

Once again I'm in agreement with CAM here. Javier, you seem to keep assuming you know how we'd react in sitautions other than the one proposed and I don't think thats fair.

I think the following quote from CAM is the evidence that Javier is using in his assumption.

I kind of agree, but not really. Catching a ball that's going out is wrong. I've never done it, for fear of my opponent being a jerk and using the rule against me.

I know CAM didn't call Javier a jerk directly, but CAM is kinda calling people that enforce this specific rule a jerk. I admit, I'll enforce this rule, too. I don't think I'm a jerk for doing so.

 

[JavierLW]

I think the following quote from CAM is the evidence that Javier is using in his assumption.



I know CAM didn't call Javier a jerk directly, but CAM is kinda calling people that enforce this specific rule a jerk. I admit, I'll enforce this rule, too. I don't I'm a jerk for doing so.

Thanks, man.

 

[Hal]

Where in my posts did I say that I expect everyone to feel the same way? Also, if I were the OP, I would defer to whatever my opponent calls it. This is only because I am not aware of any specific code that addresses the situation.

Since no one has actually posted the rules that apply in this case, I thought I'd add them to the discussion (there may be others, too).

11. BALL IN PLAY
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server hits the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.
USTA Comment 11.1: Is a point decided when a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over the baseline or sideline? No. A ball is in play until it bounces twice or lands outside the court, hits a permanent fixture, or hits a player. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.

Combined with:

24. PLAYER LOSES POINT
The point is lost if:
a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or
b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice consecutively; or
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before it bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or
d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a permanent fixture; or
e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or
f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket or deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or
g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time while the ball is in play; or
h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or
i. The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is wearing or carrying, except the racket; or
j. The ball in play touches the racket when the player is not holding it; or
k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the racket
when the ball is in play; or
l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.

So, in the OPs case, since the ball is still in play when the ball crosses back over the net, Rule 24. i. states that the person that touches the ball loses the point.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Hal, where have you been all my life?

 

[CAM178]

I know CAM didn't call Javier a jerk directly, but CAM is kinda calling people that enforce this specific rule a jerk. I admit, I'll enforce this rule, too. I don't think I'm a jerk for doing so.

Sorry, didn't mean it that way, if that's how it came across. I just meant in reference to me catching a ball that might go outside of the court (we've all had balls go into thorn bushes, down embankments, etc.). I would get upset if the person enforced the rule, and I was just trying to prevent us from losing a ball. I had previously offered the example of stopping a ball from hitting a backdrop, but I only do that during practice or just hitting.

Javier, do you have a problem with me? If so, address it privately. I do not have a problem with you.

 

[JavierLW]

Sorry, didn't mean it that way, if that's how it came across. I just meant in reference to me catching a ball that might go outside of the court (we've all had balls go into thorn bushes, down embankments, etc.). I would get upset if the person enforced the rule, and I was just trying to prevent us from losing a ball. I had previously offered the example of stopping a ball from hitting a backdrop, but I only do that during practice or just hitting.

Javier, do you have a problem with me? If so, address it privately. I do not have a problem with you.

No I do not have a problem with you, even if you do choose to take remarks personally.

If I was playing somewhere that I had to worry about balls going into bushes, down hills, etc..., I would have to say that's a crummy place to play.

Where I play they put up this thing called a fence that surrounds all the courts. Unless the ball goes over the fence (which is impossible to catch), it's never going to find it's way outside the fence.

(unless there is a hole in the fence, or an open door, but in those cases, you wouldnt catch the ball because you dont know if it's going to make it out of the court area)

Even in your statement here, you say that you will get upset if someone enforces the rule. I dont mean it to get personal, but I disagree that you should feel that way. That's my OPINION. Dont take it personally.

(and certainly dont feel bad about it, this is just a message board after all....)

And I understand you are steadfast in your beliefs (that the guy enforcing that rule is a jerk), but Im still going to comment it on it anyway. It's the whole two sides of the story issue...

 

[blakesq]

Personally, i think people who get mad at you or whine about you for enforcing the rules are crybabies. Following the rules of tennis is good sportsmanship. Picking and choosing which rules you choose to follow is not good sportsmanship, imho. If a ball hits me on the fly even if I am standing 3 feet behind the baseline, its my opponents point, period. If my opponent's racket hits the net when the ball is still in play, its my point, period.

No I do not have a problem with you, even if you do choose to take remarks personally.

If I was playing somewhere that I had to worry about balls going into bushes, down hills, etc..., I would have to say that's a crummy place to play.

Where I play they put up this thing called a fence that surrounds all the courts. Unless the ball goes over the fence (which is impossible to catch), it's never going to find it's way outside the fence.

(unless there is a hole in the fence, or an open door, but in those cases, you wouldnt catch the ball because you dont know if it's going to make it out of the court area)

Even in your statement here, you say that you will get upset if someone enforces the rule. I dont mean it to get personal, but I disagree that you should feel that way. That's my OPINION. Dont take it personally.

(and certainly dont feel bad about it, this is just a message board after all....)

And I understand you are steadfast in your beliefs (that the guy enforcing that rule is a jerk), but Im still going to comment it on it anyway. It's the whole two sides of the story issue...

 

[Cindysphinx]

Where I play they put up this thing called a fence that surrounds all the courts. Unless the ball goes over the fence (which is impossible to catch), it's never going to find it's way outside the fence.

(unless there is a hole in the fence, or an open door, but in those cases, you wouldnt catch the ball because you dont know if it's going to make it out of the court area)

Javier,

Is it necessary to be quite this argumentative?

At some of our facilities, balls roll under the lip of the bubble and cannot be reached and wind up in some sort of Tennis Ball Graveyard. And if the doors/window tarps are open, balls can even bounce out into the street. I have finished matches with only two balls because one went missing in this way.

If I were playing Cam and he caught a ball to save it from Certain Death on a four-land road, I would cut the guy a break already. In fact, I would thank him.

That is quite different from the OP, where a poster just messed up, broke a rule, and should lose the point as a result. No mitigating factors there, IMHO.

 

[CAM178]

Where I play they put up this thing called a fence that surrounds all the courts. Unless the ball goes over the fence (which is impossible to catch), it's never going to find it's way outside the fence.

It is really best not to make remarks about where someone plays. What if I were poor? What if I could only afford to play somewhere that is "crummy"? Would you feel better than me then? Why do you have to take these shots?

And as far as having thorn bushes and hills, you might want to question those judgement calls (yet again. . .sigh). Thorn bushes are part of a rose bush, which implies playing somewhere nice. Hills imply playing somewhere with great scenery. But I'm probably just poor and play on "crummy" courts. Nice.

Enough of the discourse between you and me. Let it go. We're all trying to have a pleasant discussion on here, and you're really ruining the vibe.

 

[CAM178]

Javier,

Is it necessary to be quite this argumentative?

At some of our facilities, balls roll under the lip of the bubble and cannot be reached and wind up in some sort of Tennis Ball Graveyard. And if the doors/window tarps are open, balls can even bounce out into the street. I have finished matches with only two balls because one went missing in this way.

If I were playing Cam and he caught a ball to save it from Certain Death on a four-land road, I would cut the guy a break already. In fact, I would thank him.

That is quite different from the OP, where a poster just messed up, broke a rule, and should lose the point as a result. No mitigating factors there, IMHO.

Thank you, Cindy.

 

[CAM178]

Personally, i think people who get mad at you or whine about you for enforcing the rules are crybabies.

(10 char.)

 

[blakesq]

( 10 char)

 

[CAM178]

Cam,

My post directed to Javier, and not to you.

Blakesq

Okay. I figured so, that's why I wrote 10 char. instead of what I had originally wrote.

I don't want any more problems on here. Javier just seems like a not very nice person. You have taken shots at me, too, so I was expecting something from you, too.

In the words of the immortal Rodney King: "Can't we all just get along?"

 

[tbini87]

CAM let me just say that I am totally on your side on this one. Also, I'm actually shocked that more people aren't. If I'm the opponent here, I don't take the point. If I'm the one that hit the ball and it bounced back onto my side and hit me, then I'd give the opponent the point. Thats just how I do things. I don't at all criticize anyone who claims that "by the rules this point is mine", but I simply wouldn't do that. Everyone livess by their own code, and mine tells me I don't want this point.

it seems like this discussion got way off track, seeing as how people are "choosing sides". the op asked for a ruling on how the point should have been scored. that means according to the rules. people don't need to choose sides, they need to discuss the rules, which say that if the ball touches you before the point is over, you lose the point. as far as living by your own code... that is fine if your code is based on the rules... but that isnt really a part of what the op asked anyways.

 

[RedWeb]

Regarding catching or knocking down a ball that is clearly going out and may of headed for the "graveyard", its real simple. Ask your opponent before the match if he minds and if he says "yes" then don't do it. If he says "no" catch them at the service line (just joking on that).

Now if we agreed to catch/knock them and during the match a "questionable" catch/knockdown was made by me that my opponent complained about then that would be the last time I'd do it and I'd give him that point.

Why do people have to make things so complicated?

 

[JavierLW]

Regarding catching or knocking down a ball that is clearly going out and may of headed for the "graveyard", its real simple. Ask your opponent before the match if he minds and if he says "yes" then don't do it. If he says "no" catch them at the service line (just joking on that).

Now if we agreed to catch/knock them and during the match a "questionable" catch/knockdown was made by me that my opponent complained about then that would be the last time I'd do it and I'd give him that point.

Why do people have to make things so complicated?

Right, and I do agree with this. I just dont agree that he's going to think you are a jerk for claiming that point.

 

[Hal]

Sorry, didn't mean it that way, if that's how it came across.

No worries, CAM, I know you didn't mean it that way. I was just trying to show that it could have come across that way.

I just meant in reference to me catching a ball that might go outside of the court (we've all had balls go into thorn bushes, down embankments, etc.). I would get upset if the person enforced the rule, and I was just trying to prevent us from losing a ball. I had previously offered the example of stopping a ball from hitting a backdrop, but I only do that during practice or just hitting.

I could see this might be an acceptable example in practice or a social match, but IMO, this is a no-no in League or tournament competition. You just cannot expect the person on the other side of the net to feel the same way that you do about catching "out" balls. After all, the other person is just following the rules and should not be thought badly of as a result.

 

[JavierLW]

Javier,

Is it necessary to be quite this argumentative?

At some of our facilities, balls roll under the lip of the bubble and cannot be reached and wind up in some sort of Tennis Ball Graveyard. And if the doors/window tarps are open, balls can even bounce out into the street. I have finished matches with only two balls because one went missing in this way.

If I were playing Cam and he caught a ball to save it from Certain Death on a four-land road, I would cut the guy a break already. In fact, I would thank him.

That is quite different from the OP, where a poster just messed up, broke a rule, and should lose the point as a result. No mitigating factors there, IMHO.

Ive lost plenty of balls that have went underneath the fence, thru the door, thru the fence, thru a hole in the fence as well. But I still dont see people catching the ball because of this. Even if the fence doesnt go all the way down to the ground, you wouldnt catch it in most cases because it's not like every single ball is going to roll under there. (especially if it's flying thru the air and likely to hit the fence)

The only way I could see where you would catch it, is if there was no fence behind you at all. And I dont care what anyone thinks, even if you are on a beautiful prarie with rolling hills and roses and dandilions, if there not a back fence behind you, that is CRUMMY. (from a functional standpoint)

Listen, maybe you people dont like debating, but you're on an Internet forum.

He declared what he would do, and even tryed to explain why it's right. He even insisted that someone would be a jerk to call him on this particular situation (which I agree isnt exactly like the OP, but in my mind both contain someone doing something (hitting a ball improperly) where they had no real great reason to do so).

So Im still going to say that most of the time you have no real reason to catch the ball, and someone is NOT A JERK for claiming the point, so then he's going to come up with the argument that the ball might get lost and he's doing me a favor by catching it.

That's his argument and I have a right to dispute that. (especially since it's sort of a silly argument that I dont think rarely happens. Since when does anyone remember where a person caught a ball in MIDAIR, and you said "whew!!! Im sure glad you caught that otherwise it MAY of rolled under the fence)

Now unfortuanlly his feelings are hurt and he probally doesnt like to read posts that are over 20 words but Im sorry, I didnt mean to hurt his feelings.

 

[CAM178]

Now unfortuanlly his feelings are hurt and he probally doesnt like to read posts that are over 20 words but Im sorry, I didnt mean to hurt his feelings.

I have written responses, but it's not worth it. This is the internet, and I had forgotten about how many little children post on here.

Can we get back to the topic, please?

Mods? Any of you want to step in and stop Javier from making the comments on here?

 

[JavierLW]

I have written responses, but it's not worth it. This is the internet, and I had forgotten about how many little children post on here.

Can we get back to the topic, please?

Mods? Any of you want to step in and stop Javier from making the comments on here?

Ive written responses as well. If you cant actually read them and debate them without feeling that it's personal then let it go.

Here's some off topic facts:

1) You characterized someone who follows the rules as embarressing. (and you can cry all you want about how you didnt mean it that way, but you are doing the same thing to me by saying Im childish)

2) You made it a point to say that you feel that someone is a jerk who thinks they should have the point if you catch the ball. (you certainly didnt have to mention that)

3) You further more said it again while trying to appologize. (which is why I pointed it out again)

4) You made several hidden hints about how you feel about a certain poster on here because you felt bad.

5) You called me childish.

Get real, CAM. I dont want to have a problem with you and I dont want to get into some silly personal debate with you, but unless you shut up, dont expect me to do the same. I havent said one mean thing about you as a person. But I do have a right to debate anything you say and disagree, (and if it's silly Im going to call you on it).

That doesnt mean that I think any less of you as a person, so please dont take it that way. This is a message board. Furthermore it's a message board where we are talking about 'a game', there are much more important things in life to get upset over.

 

[JavierLW]

It is really best not to make remarks about where someone plays. What if I were poor? What if I could only afford to play somewhere that is "crummy"? Would you feel better than me then? Why do you have to take these shots?

And as far as having thorn bushes and hills, you might want to question those judgement calls (yet again. . .sigh). Thorn bushes are part of a rose bush, which implies playing somewhere nice. Hills imply playing somewhere with great scenery. But I'm probably just poor and play on "crummy" courts. Nice.

Enough of the discourse between you and me. Let it go. We're all trying to have a pleasant discussion on here, and you're really ruining the vibe.

Here's another example where you choose to take something personally. So it's okay for you to make a remark and then later claim "I didnt mean it that way", but when I do, you have to make it into some personal shot at you.

I was making a point, as well as making a "offhand remark", you can agree or disagree all you want.

As far as the court, Ive played on plenty of bad courts and usually I dont mind. They could be in the inner city, full of cracks, grass growing out of the cracks, gravel all over them, and fences for nets (we have those here in places). Ive played on these and sometimes it's fun because of the challenge.

But if they can not even afford a fence behind the court to keep balls from rolling away, them Im sorry, that's CRUMMY!!!!! (are you going to now claim that there is something good about that???)

And if it's in your lush rose covered beautiful scenic tennis resort that you apparently play in, then Im sorry, that's even more than CRUMMY, that would be cheap.

Since you cant figure it out, my point is if you have to catch a ball IN MIDAIR to keep it from going out of the court area, you must not have a fence there because even if it's a bad fence, and even if a door was open you usually dont have any idea that it was going out and unless it's heading straight for a door, it's probally not going out (it's in MIDAIR, it's going to hit the fence). Most people are going to give you the same reaction for catching the ball....

I'll even give this one too you: Maybe if it's just about to go out the door and you ran all the way over there just to save it and stuck your racquet at it, then maybe Id give you the point. But how many times is that going to happen? Give me a break, if you are going to say that "some jerk" would insist on taking a point if you catch the ball, you cant possibly thinking of just this one rare instance, and if you did, you should of said something in the first place.

Do you have something against poor people? Now why on earth do you have to drag them into this? I never said that there is anything wrong with a bad tennis court or the people that play there, or even the people who created the tennis court (if they cant afford it). But it's still a bad tennis court, are you going to make believe it's good?

It's people like you that cause us to put disclaimers on everything.

 

[CAM178]

Is the windbag empty, or does it have more to say? Cause we love reading your novels.

 

[JavierLW]

Is the windbag empty, or does it have more to say? Cause we love reading your novels.

Like I said, if you are going to personally attack me, then you have no right to complain no matter if you think you have a good reason for it or not.

 

[CAM178]

Like I said, if you are going to personally attack me, then you have no right to complain no matter if you think you have a good reason for it or not.

Hey Javier: BLACK!! (get it? Now you say WHITE!!) With you it doesn't matter what I say. You want to argue with everything. I just think it's your personality.

 

[JavierLW]

Hey Javier: BLACK!! (get it? Now you say WHITE!!) With you it doesn't matter what I say. You want to argue with everything. I just think it's your personality.

Yes I get it, you are doing the very exact thing you are complaining about, that's how these petty arguments work.

You have to respond in some petty manner to everything I have to say, yet you think that somehow WHEN YOU DO IT, it's justifyed.

Most people just get over it. Maybe, you are right, and I havent either, but you certainly are not one to talk.

 

[CAM178]

Yes I get it, you are doing the very exact thing you are complaining about, that's how these petty arguments work.

You have to respond in some petty manner to everything I have to say, yet you think that somehow WHEN YOU DO IT, it's justifyed.

Most people just get over it. Maybe, you are right, and I havent either, but you certainly are not one to talk.

(CAM playing the director) "Aaaaand. . . .scene." Enough, dude. Just let it go.

Let's get this car back on the road, and start talking about the OP's topic, everybody. Anybody have any more thoughts about the OP's situation?

 

[Cindysphinx]

:dashes in to grab the last word before Cam or Javier can get it:

 

[CAM178]

:dashes in to grab the last word before Cam or Javier can get it:

LOL! Yeah, I've had enough. I'm going to wash the sand out of my eyes from the sandbox. Cindy, thanks for giving me a laugh before I go. I needed that.

 

[JavierLW]

:dashes in to grab the last word before Cam or Javier can get it:

Wow, I thought you were going to get the last word in, but someone else decided to. Imagine that.....

 

[blakesq]

I am with you Javier, following the rules of tennis should not make one a jerk. Complaining about following the rules of tennis makes one a whiner.

Wow, I thought you were going to get the last word in, but someone else decided to. Imagine that.....

 

[blakesq]

CAm, personal attacks really aren't appropriate, please stop.

Is the windbag empty, or does it have more to say? Cause we love reading your novels.

 

[callitout]

I am with you Javier, following the rules of tennis should not make one a jerk. Complaining about following the rules of tennis makes one a whiner.

True. Dont get me started on the guy who footfaults by 6 inches on every serve...then gets upset when you politely mention it to him.

 

[10sfreak]

LOL! This thread started 'cause one guy just asked about a ball having spun back over the net and hitting him...Now, a week later, it's still going strong, with insults flying back and forth...Funny stuff!!

 

[JavierLW]

LOL! This thread started 'cause one guy just asked about a ball having spun back over the net and hitting him...Now, a week later, it's still going strong, with insults flying back and forth...Funny stuff!!

Actually it was dying out nicely until today.

 

[FiveO]

Hal has alluded to the "Rules" covering the issue:

11. BALL IN PLAY
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server hits the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.
USTA Comment 11.1: Is a point decided when a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over the baseline or sideline? No. A ball is in play until it bounces twice or lands outside the court, hits a permanent fixture, or hits a player. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.


24. PLAYER LOSES POINT
The point is lost if:
a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or
b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice consecutively; or
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before it bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or
d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a permanent fixture; or
e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or
f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket or deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or
g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time while the ball is in play; or
h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or
i. The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is wearing or carrying, except the racket; or
j. The ball in play touches the racket when the player is not holding it; or
k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the racket
when the ball is in play; or
l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.

As far as the contention regarding the "etiquette" implying or dictating what a player should do or is expected to do, there is "The Code" which actually addresses what proper etiquette actually is:

PART 2—THE CODE
THE PLAYERS’ GUIDE FOR UNOFFICIATED MATCHES
PREFACE
When your serve hits your partner stationed at the net, is it a let, fault, or loss
of point? Likewise, what is the ruling when your serve, before touching the
ground, hits an opponent who is standing back of the baseline. The answers
to these questions are obvious to anyone who knows the fundamentals of tennis,
but it is surprising the number of players who don’t know these fundamentals.
All players have a responsibility to be familiar with the basic rules and
customs of tennis. Further, it can be distressing when a player makes a decision
in accordance with a rule and the opponent protests with the remark:
“Well, I never heard of that rule before!” Ignorance of the rules constitutes a
delinquency on the part of a player and often spoils an otherwise good match.
What is written here constitutes the essentials of The Code, a summary of
procedures and unwritten rules that custom and tradition dictate all players
should follow. No system of rules will cover every specific problem or situation
that may arise. If players of good will follow the principles of The Code,
they should always be able to reach an agreement, while at the same time
making tennis more fun and a better game for all. The principles set forth in
The Code shall apply in cases not specifically covered by the ITF Rules of
Tennis and USTA Regulations.
Before reading this you might well ask yourself: Since we have a book that
contains all the rules of tennis, why do we need a code? Isn’t it sufficient to
know and understand all the rules? There are a number of things not specifically
set forth in the rules that are covered by custom and tradition only. For
example, if you have a doubt on a line call, your opponent gets the benefit of
the doubt. Can you find that in the rules? Further, custom dictates the standard
procedures that players will use in reaching decisions. These are the
reasons we need a code.
—Col. Nick Powel
Note: The Code is not part of the official ITF Rules of Tennis. It was meant to
be used as a guide for unofficiated matches. This edition of The Code is an
adaptation of the original, which was written by Colonel Nicolas E. Powel.

MAKING CALLS
5. Player makes calls on own side of the net. A player calls all shots landing
on, or aimed at, the player’s side of the net.
6. Opponent gets benefit of doubt. When a match is played without officials,
the players are responsible for making decisions, particularly for line
calls. There is a subtle difference between player decisions and those of an
on-court official. An official impartially resolves a problem involving a call,
whereas a player is guided by the unwritten law that any doubt must be
resolved in favor of the opponent. A player in attempting to be scrupulously
honest on line calls frequently will find himself keeping a ball in play that
might have been out or that the player discovers too late was out. Even so,
the game is much better played this way.

10. Treat all points the same regardless of their importance. All points in
a match should be treated the same. There is no justification for considering
a match point differently than the first point.

http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_13_2292.pdf

To the OP should that happen not only does the player struck by the "live ball" lose the point by Rule, he/she is obligated to make the call against him/herself by Code, which describes much of what is considered proper etiquette on court.

 

[tennis-n-sc]

Five-O, other than the childish bickering, this should finally close the case of the ball striking the opponent, which has been closed at least 10 times in this thread. But I doubt it.

 

[woodrow1029]

I was up at the net and badly mishit an overhead last night in a USTA match. In particular, I hit the bottom of the ball with the top of my frame, causing a ton of backspin. In a fraction of a second, the ball goes over the net, lands on the other side, bounces sharply backwards, and hits me in the chest as I am finishing my following through.

There is no way that the other team was getting to that ball, and the other team laughed and gave us the point, but after the match I was thinking that it should be the other team's point.

Specifically, I think since the ball touched me while still in play, I lost point (kind of like catching a ball that is going way out).

In the scheme of the match, the point did not matter, but I like to call matches accurately, so I wanted to be prepared in case this ever happened again.

Any time the ball touches you during the point, you lose the point. It doesn't matter if your opponent hits you on the fly, or if you hit the ball over the net and it bounces over and hits you before bouncing the second time.

The exception, as stated earlier, is when the serve hits the net then the player. That serve is replayed. If it happened on a second serve, you replay the second serve.

 

[JavierLW]

Any time the ball touches you during the point, you lose the point. It doesn't matter if your opponent hits you on the fly, or if you hit the ball over the net and it bounces over and hits you before bouncing the second time.

The exception, as stated earlier, is when the serve hits the net then the player. That serve is replayed. If it happened on a second serve, you replay the second serve.

What the heck?

This thread is from November of 2007, and we are now into 2009?

This was discussed to death way back then.

We know the rule, we established that at the beginning of this thread if you care to read it.

You're only inviting a bunch of whiners to show up and talk about how "they wouldnt call it that way", etc...

I applaud your ability to go back into history and actual find old threads, but you should read the entire thread before replying back (well okay, dont read the whole thread in this case, it's mostly crap, but the first page or so will do). Logic would dictate that in the past 13 months, the OP has had his answer by now.

 

[Jackie T. Stephens]

It's your point and it landed on that side and back to yours...

 

[pow]

Reading the OP's post, the OP should have lost the point because the ball was still live in that point and it touched you before the point was over. The point is not over until that second bounce.

 

[baseline08thrasher]

I was up at the net and badly mishit an overhead last night in a USTA match. In particular, I hit the bottom of the ball with the top of my frame, causing a ton of backspin. In a fraction of a second, the ball goes over the net, lands on the other side, bounces sharply backwards, and hits me in the chest as I am finishing my following through.

There is no way that the other team was getting to that ball, and the other team laughed and gave us the point, but after the match I was thinking that it should be the other team's point.

Specifically, I think since the ball touched me while still in play, I lost point (kind of like catching a ball that is going way out).

In the scheme of the match, the point did not matter, but I like to call matches accurately, so I wanted to be prepared in case this ever happened again.

The other team had to have touched the ball, if they don't touch the ball and it comes onto your side of the net, then it's your point.
Because they didn't touch the ball.

I had this happen to me when I hit a really slicey dicey drop shot.

 

[DJG]

What the heck?

This thread is from November of 2007, and we are now into 2009?

Indeed. Some things never die.

 

[woodrow1029]

Indeed. Some things never die.

Yeah, my bad. Normally I don't bring up an old thread like that. I didn't even notice the date. Sorry.

 

[jrod]

Yeah, my bad. Normally I don't bring up an old thread like that. I didn't even notice the date. Sorry.

Woodrow- No need to apologize. Last I looked there was not a statute of limitations on sharing useful information...

I wonder, does anyone think that new members might benefit from reading this old post?

 

[beckham]

really its no different than if you were playing doubles and the ball hit your partner. It doesn't matter that they wouldn't have been able to get to the ball in time- you touched a live ball so its your opponent's point.

wrong, its your point, they were required to touch they ball before it went over to your side, they couldn't, it hit you, your in play and part of the other side of the court, and they lose the point.