In yesterday's match (a non-USTA league), I heard a new one. Is this a thing? The service receiver's partner is only supposed to call the service line and line closest to her (whatever you call the perpendicular line that divides the two sides of the court), and only the receiver may call the alley line. I have NEVER heard this before and in fact know of many doubles partnerships where the receiver tells her partner to please do all the service line calling. What do you guys think?
Service receiver and receiver partner calling lines?
- Thread starter DailyG&T
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Dartagnan64
G.O.A.T.
Theoretically based on positioning the receivers partners has best view of the service line and the receiver has best view of the sidelines.
But while that may determine primary responsibility, both partners remain responsible for assisting in making calls if they see it clearly.
But while that may determine primary responsibility, both partners remain responsible for assisting in making calls if they see it clearly.
tennis tom
Legend
It's not a rule--if there are any rules in rec tennis. According to the "code"--whatever that is--anyone can help, and is obligated to with the calls, including opponents. It usually boils down to who has the best angle of view of that line. In the receiver's case he would have the best perspective of his sideline. The server has the best view of the "t", etc.--of course these perspectives can vary with acuity of eyesight and the alcohol percentage in the bloodstream. It's usually suspect when the dubs partner makes the call on the sideline, but it's OK if the receiver is hesitant and the partner sees a clear space of six inches or so--but it's NOT a new rule.
milk of amnesia
Legend
In USTA, either the receiver or the receiver's partner can make the call. The server and/or server's partner cannot make calls on their own serves unless specifically asked for help by the receiving side. So if they don't like the call, they just have to lump it. As others have mentioned, based on perspective, some lines are easier to call for the receiver and some for the receiver's partner. It is usually easier for the receiver to make the call on the doubles sideline. However, if the receiver's partner clearly sees the ball as out on the doubles sideline there is no reason he/she shouldn't make the call. I can't imagine why it would be different in non-USTA play - and opponents aren't allowed to make up rules as they go. 
The line that divides the service boxes is called the "center service line."
The line that divides the service boxes is called the "center service line."
fuzz nation
G.O.A.T.
Agree that it's not a rule, but different players have their own accepted guidelines. Try to sort things out with your partner before the match starts, especially if you are a new pairing.
Some players insist that the player closer to the ball on a doubles team needs to make the call... all sorts of things like that. The Code is helpful with this stuff, but it's not all written in stone. Generally though, if two partners don't agree - one thinks a ball was in and the other isn't sure - the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponent. Unless one partner got a good look and can confidently make the "out" call, the ball should be called "good".
When the serve lands just behind the service line (let's say an inch or two), the returner can't actually see that space between the ball and the back of the service line, but the returner's partner usually has a clear look at it as long as that player is up in the neighborhood of the service line. That's why the returner's partner is encouraged to help with that call.
Don't assume that the player closest to the ball should make the call - that player often doesn't have the best look. When the ball is closer to us, it's moving through our field of view more quickly and that makes it more difficult for anybody to accurately spot where it lands on the court as it scoots by in a blur.
Also keep in mind that the player closest to the ball may be running to get to it. With our heads bouncing around on top of our shoulders like that, we can be effectively rendered legally blind while we're on the run. Getting a good look at where the ball lands on the court can be almost impossible when we're on the move. And in the case of returning serve in a doubles match, that returner may be lunging to reach a ball - lunging is also a fast, jerky movement. If that returner's partner is stationary, he/she might get a better look at the center line or sideline than the lunging returner, too.
Some players insist that the player closer to the ball on a doubles team needs to make the call... all sorts of things like that. The Code is helpful with this stuff, but it's not all written in stone. Generally though, if two partners don't agree - one thinks a ball was in and the other isn't sure - the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponent. Unless one partner got a good look and can confidently make the "out" call, the ball should be called "good".
When the serve lands just behind the service line (let's say an inch or two), the returner can't actually see that space between the ball and the back of the service line, but the returner's partner usually has a clear look at it as long as that player is up in the neighborhood of the service line. That's why the returner's partner is encouraged to help with that call.
Don't assume that the player closest to the ball should make the call - that player often doesn't have the best look. When the ball is closer to us, it's moving through our field of view more quickly and that makes it more difficult for anybody to accurately spot where it lands on the court as it scoots by in a blur.
Also keep in mind that the player closest to the ball may be running to get to it. With our heads bouncing around on top of our shoulders like that, we can be effectively rendered legally blind while we're on the run. Getting a good look at where the ball lands on the court can be almost impossible when we're on the move. And in the case of returning serve in a doubles match, that returner may be lunging to reach a ball - lunging is also a fast, jerky movement. If that returner's partner is stationary, he/she might get a better look at the center line or sideline than the lunging returner, too.
Cindysphinx
G.O.A.T.
It depends.
Is the person who told you this a new partner? If so, he/she may have phrased it poorly, but may mean that as between you two that you won't call lines you're not looking down to avoid the risk of a disagreement in the call and loss of point.
Otherwise, players can call lines they are in poor position to call accurately, but calling lines tight from a poor position won't win you any friends.
Is the person who told you this a new partner? If so, he/she may have phrased it poorly, but may mean that as between you two that you won't call lines you're not looking down to avoid the risk of a disagreement in the call and loss of point.
Otherwise, players can call lines they are in poor position to call accurately, but calling lines tight from a poor position won't win you any friends.
The rules offer only as "advice", that line calls be made by the player who was in the best position to make the call. Since this can create arguments over who was actually in the "better position", the rules go on to explicitly state that "ultimately, only one player needs to make the call".
Any disagreements, or significant delays in making a line call should be settled in favor of your opponents.
Incorrect: You call your opponents shot "in". Your partner, who was in a better position, calls it "out". Since your partner was in the better position, their line call takes precedence. The ball is "out".
Correct: You call your opponents shot "in". Your partner, who was in a better position, calls it "out". Regardless of where you or your partner were standing when the call was made, the call must be resolved in your opponents favor due to the disagreement in calls. The ball is "in".
Any disagreements, or significant delays in making a line call should be settled in favor of your opponents.
Incorrect: You call your opponents shot "in". Your partner, who was in a better position, calls it "out". Since your partner was in the better position, their line call takes precedence. The ball is "out".
Correct: You call your opponents shot "in". Your partner, who was in a better position, calls it "out". Regardless of where you or your partner were standing when the call was made, the call must be resolved in your opponents favor due to the disagreement in calls. The ball is "in".
winchestervatennis
Hall of Fame
Are you sure about that? Isn't it true the serving team cannot call a FIRST serve out (to avoid them calling out on an in serve when the return is a winner) but they can always call a second serve out?In USTA, either the receiver or the receiver's partner can make the call. The server and/or server's partner cannot make calls on their own serves unless specifically asked for help by the receiving side. So if they don't like the call, they just have to lump it. As others have mentioned, based on perspective, some lines are easier to call for the receiver and some for the receiver's partner. It is usually easier for the receiver to make the call on the doubles sideline. However, if the receiver's partner clearly sees the ball as out on the doubles sideline there is no reason he/she shouldn't make the call. I can't imagine why it would be different in non-USTA play - and opponents aren't allowed to make up rules as they go.
The line that divides the service boxes is called the "center service line."
Rattler
Hall of Fame
This is correct.
Although today in my singles match I called two of my own first serves out. My opponent called each serve and Ace..they were both wide.
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winchestervatennis
Hall of Fame
And you were correct to do so. The rule is to prevent the server from calling out when your opponent is giving benefit of the doubt and get the return in play. If they miss the return and the server clearly see the ball out, they SHOULD call a fault.
kylebarendrick
Professional
And that exception is specified in the Code. You can (and should) call your own 1st serve out if you clearly saw it out and the receiver failed to return it.
D
Deleted member 23235
Guest
i wouldn't word it that way...but effectively agree.
a receiver's partner (RP) will have the best vantage point for the service line, and a terrible vantage point for the sideline.
if the RP is following the code, the RP should be calling all close sideline shots, IN (because there's no way you can be sure, until the ball is like 2-3in out.
meanwhile the return (R) can see very close out balls (ie. 1in out) much better/clearer, with confidence.
but as RP, if my partner asks what i saw on a sideline call, i will say what i saw (ie. but it has to be clearly out to me... so close calls will likely go to the server).
if the opp asks me what i saw, i will say i'm not sure, because i don't have the best vantage point (ie. if it's close)
but obviously, if i see the ball clearly out (ie. 6in), i will overrule my partner (the returner), every time.
Thanks, you guys. I (think?!) I understand more now. To give more detail, I was playing with a new (to me) partner and she was serving. She brought this up during her serve when the non-receiving opponent was making calls where it bounced in the alley. BTW the funny thing is the serves were not close calls but rather clearly out, and she was "educating" the opponents.
Rattler
Hall of Fame
Strictly speaking, the rules say you cannot call your first serve out. However, the rules also say you should also call your own balls out if it is obvious.
The "big picture" is that USTA does not want servers call their own serves out in cases where the return is a "winner", because that is an advantage to the server, for being "honest". Being "honest" should never work in your favor. You may lose points over honesty, but no player will go home feeling bitter about being cheated.
If you hit a serve you think was out and dont/cant play the return of serve, ask your opponents what the call was. If they say "yes", then forfeit the point. If they say "no", take a second serve.
If you hit a serve you think was out and your opponents do not call it out, proceed to take a second serve. If your opponents ask you what you are doing, tell them your first serve was out. If they disagree and say your ball was in, then take the point. If they dont object to you calling your serve out, continue with second serve.
The only time i've been argued with over calling my first serve out was when I beaned an opponent with my errant serve. Basically, kick serve + sun = equals frame. After my opponents insisted I take the point and brief friendly banter-laced argument ensued (because, there are actually no rules that supported my position. I cannot call my serve out; I hit an opponent with the serve, therefore we win the point) I agreed to take the point. This is a much better situation to have than your typical argument over calls.
The "big picture" is that USTA does not want servers call their own serves out in cases where the return is a "winner", because that is an advantage to the server, for being "honest". Being "honest" should never work in your favor. You may lose points over honesty, but no player will go home feeling bitter about being cheated.
If you hit a serve you think was out and dont/cant play the return of serve, ask your opponents what the call was. If they say "yes", then forfeit the point. If they say "no", take a second serve.
If you hit a serve you think was out and your opponents do not call it out, proceed to take a second serve. If your opponents ask you what you are doing, tell them your first serve was out. If they disagree and say your ball was in, then take the point. If they dont object to you calling your serve out, continue with second serve.
The only time i've been argued with over calling my first serve out was when I beaned an opponent with my errant serve. Basically, kick serve + sun = equals frame. After my opponents insisted I take the point and brief friendly banter-laced argument ensued (because, there are actually no rules that supported my position. I cannot call my serve out; I hit an opponent with the serve, therefore we win the point) I agreed to take the point. This is a much better situation to have than your typical argument over calls.
samiam158
New User
when I play I tell my partner which balls i will call for service lines and they are the back line and the wide serve (if it is clearly out) I feel the center line is a hard call, for me as the partner, to make because I can not see directly beside. Like they can't see directly in front.
and I don't know remember any rule saying the server can call their serves. If I see it as good and I play it....the ball is good. Just like the ball that hits outside the courts....if i see it as good....it is good. Play the ball. MY CALL.
People only complain when you call their service in and they thought it was out.
and I don't know remember any rule saying the server can call their serves. If I see it as good and I play it....the ball is good. Just like the ball that hits outside the courts....if i see it as good....it is good. Play the ball. MY CALL.
People only complain when you call their service in and they thought it was out.
Rattler
Hall of Fame
Really overly complicated...As far as being honest goes it applied to and was limited to the receiver calling first serve that was out an Ace, period.
I don’t get upset when they smack a winner off of a serve that just misses because they saw or thought it was in. I understand not every player’s vision is at the same level. Admittedly it will throw me off the first time it happens, but only once.
kylebarendrick
Professional
As far as the original question goes, and has been noted in this thread, here is the official rule from the code on calling serves:
In that case, here is where the rule says a server can call their own first out if the receiver doesn't return it. It also states that you are to call out any second serves that you see are clearly out.
25. Service calls in doubles. In doubles the receiver’s partner should call the
service line, and the receiver should call the sideline and the center service line.
Nonetheless, either partner may call a ball that either clearly sees.
service line, and the receiver should call the sideline and the center service line.
Nonetheless, either partner may call a ball that either clearly sees.
In that case, here is where the rule says a server can call their own first out if the receiver doesn't return it. It also states that you are to call out any second serves that you see are clearly out.
26. Service calls by serving team. Neither the server nor server’s partner shall
make a fault call on the first service even if they think it is out because the receiver
may be giving the server the benefit of the doubt. There is one exception. If the
receiver plays a first service that is a fault and does not put the return in play, the
server or server’s partner may make the fault call. The server and the server’s
partner shall call out any second serve that either clearly sees out.
make a fault call on the first service even if they think it is out because the receiver
may be giving the server the benefit of the doubt. There is one exception. If the
receiver plays a first service that is a fault and does not put the return in play, the
server or server’s partner may make the fault call. The server and the server’s
partner shall call out any second serve that either clearly sees out.
Nostradamus
Bionic Poster
not a rule. but partner if Correctly positioned should be standing on the service line and therefore will have the BEST view of the service line call as the ball lands. it is called Linesman's view. so should be alert and call the line there. but alley/side line call should be receiver's.
