How many 'suspect' line calls do you accept before enough is enough?

[AndrewD]

After playing a doubles tournament today (finished runner-up) and, during the course of our matches, there were several calls that both my partner and I felt were obviously/blatantly incorrect. However, with no umpire monitoring the lines we had to go with the calls of our opponents (as you should), regardless of what we thought. Fortunately, in each of our matches, there weren't enough blatantly bad calls to require the tournament referee's presence and, fortunately, only two of the calls came at important points in a match.

I appreciate that bad calls can be made innocently. Sometimes people don't see the ball from the best angle, sometimes they take a guess and sometimes they so badly want the ball to be out that they actually see it as out. None of those are deliberate and I know that I'm perfectly capable of making a shocking call for the same reasons (although I would hope it's never the last one). All of that I do try to make allowances for. However, there does come a time during a match when you can't just pass bad calls off as innocent mistakes.

What I'm wondering is, when does that time come for others? Do you give your opponents the benefit of the doubt on a couple of calls, more than a couple or none at all?

 

[Moz]

After playing a doubles tournament today (finished runner-up) and, during the course of our matches, there were several calls that both my partner and I felt were obviously/blatantly incorrect. However, with no umpire monitoring the lines we had to go with the calls of our opponents (as you should), regardless of what we thought. Fortunately, in each of our matches, there weren't enough blatantly bad calls to require the tournament referee's presence and, fortunately, only two of the calls came at important points in a match.

I appreciate that bad calls can be made innocently. Sometimes people don't see the ball from the best angle, sometimes they take a guess and sometimes they so badly want the ball to be out that they actually see it as out. None of those are deliberate and I know that I'm perfectly capable of making a shocking call for the same reasons (although I would hope it's never the last one). All of that I do try to make allowances for. However, there does come a time during a match when you can't just pass bad calls off as innocent mistakes.

What I'm wondering is, when does that time come for others? Do you give your opponents the benefit of the doubt on a couple of calls, more than a couple or none at all?

I think it's time to get the ref on the third obvious bad call. Unless there are a couple of bad ones suddenly when the match is getting tight and then after the second.

 

[bad_call]

I think it's time to get the ref on the third obvious bad call. Unless there are a couple of bad ones suddenly when the match is getting tight and then after the second.

i agree. however after getting a ref who initially said he would only intervene during disputes and then immediately started calling every ball he saw fit, i would think again.

 

[tbini87]

if the calls are blatantly wrong i would probably let 2 or 3 go before saying something like "are you sure?" just to let them know that i can see too, and that they are making some poor calls. after the next bad call i would get someone to help the feller out with his calls.

i have only had to call for help once, and i probably gave the kid 8 chances. he was just horrible, not even looking at the ball, calling it before it bounced, everything. he was horrible so i let it go for a while, well, til i lost the first set! after the set i got called for lines people, and went on to win the second set and tie break. i don't think he made a bad call the rest of the match.

 

[Cindysphinx]

I say "Are you sure?" on the very first one. Not in an accusatory way, just a questioning way. Hopefully, this will get them thinking someone is paying attention. If it starts happening too much, I will just make the "good" gesture, which I think is sufficiently snarky.

My experience with bad line calls is that most seem to come on key points. It's not the frequency of bad line calls, it's the timing.

 

[Steady Eddy]

I don't have a set number. It's more the circumstances of a bad "out" call. Once on set point, my partner hit a cross-court winner. The opponent stood on the sideline, hanging his head. We walked to the net to shake hands. He said, "Was that set point?" Then, he pointed out. It was so obvious I cracked up. My partner, who'd argued many of their calls, argued again. I grinned and asked if it was really necessary to replay that one? We played it over, and won again. What a loser!

Most people don't seem to have a need to cheat that bad in 'drop in' tennis.

 

[raiden031]

If the first one is on/near the line, I will say "Are you sure?". But if the first one is like several inches in, I will say "the ball was in, please watch a little closer next time". If it happens again in either case, I will say "thats the second bad call, please watch closer". And if it happens a third time, I will ask for a ref if available or otherwise tell them to "stop cheating".

 

[10sguy]

If the first one is on/near the line, I will say "Are you sure?". But if the first one is like several inches in, I will say "the ball was in, please watch a little closer next time". If it happens again in either case, I will say "thats the second bad call, please watch closer". And if it happens a third time, I will ask for a ref if available or otherwise tell them to "stop cheating".

This is a good approach; as in many areas of life, etc., "how" you say it is very significant. Try not to sound incredulous in the first instance, fairly matter-of-fact in the second and be even more direct (although definitely not "snotty") in the third. Once someone starts getting personally accusatory (or takes the questioning the wrong way) a match can to to hell in a hurry.

 

[Cindysphinx]

You know, I've been on the receiving end of this. Someone going ape over some call or other that I make. Every time, they are way, way wrong. I mean, not even close. I have been surprised at some of the balls my opponents thought were in. People have asked me if I'm sure on lobs to the baseline when I'm standing right there and make no attempt to play the ball, on account of how it is so obviously out.

I just look them in the eye and say "Definitely out" with a finger gesture for the amount out. I don't think I've ever reversed myself. If anything, I give away too many free points on that whole benefit of the doubt thing.

Especially in mixed. Those balls are flying too fast to have any idea if something is out. . . .

 

[Cruzer]

After playing a doubles tournament today (finished runner-up) and, during the course of our matches, there were several calls that both my partner and I felt were obviously/blatantly incorrect. However, with no umpire monitoring the lines we had to go with the calls of our opponents (as you should), regardless of what we thought.

Since you were playing in an officiated tournament why didn't you ask for a lines person?

 

[AndrewD]

Since you were playing in an officiated tournament why didn't you ask for a lines person?

Didn't you read the very next sentence?

Fortunately, in each of our matches, there weren't enough blatantly bad calls to require the tournament referee's presence and, fortunately, only two of the calls came at important points in a match.

 

[Tarboro]

I ask the first time as well, but the call has to be spectacularly bad. I tell opponents, particularly opponents who seem worried about the quality of their calls (to the point of circling marks on clay so I can come across the net and verify their calls) that I want them to call honestly and fairly, and that I'm going to do the same. I'm not losing any sleep over an honest bad call, and I'm not going to lose any sleep over a dishonest bad call. The perpetrator is much less likely to reverse him/her self in the second case than in the first.

I had an opposing player tell me my line calling was "bulls---" once. As the match went on, he tried to get back at me for "robbing" him by calling a few first serves out that I felt were good. I won the match and he got a warning for profanity on court, so that worked out perfectly for all involved. No need to call for an official and give this guy even more cause to blow up and make a donkey out of himself.

 

[SlapShot]

I usually let it go. It's just one point (or maybe more), and if they're going to call it close, I'll usually just try and hit more of the court.

That being said, I had an opponent this weekend make some really questionable calls. I hit an overhead that I watched land in the corner (I could see space between the ball and the line), and he tried to call it long. I did argue that one, and he conceded that he hadn't seen it clearly.

 

[PimpMyGame]

I'll let the first one go without comment, let the second on go with comment and call for a line judge after the third.

 

[Nellie]

I am usually pretty calm about calls because most (99%) players are pretty honest. Even when they are wrong, they are not trying to cheat you. But I lost it in my last match in playoffs when the opponent, not looking at the ball, call it out during the third set tie breaker - it was such blatent cheating.

 

[SlapShot]

I am usually pretty calm about calls because most (99%) players are pretty honest. Even when they are wrong, they are not trying to cheat you. But I lost it in my last match in playoffs when the opponent, not looking at the ball, call it out during the third set tie breaker - it was such blatent cheating.

Saw that one this weekend. Our singles player was in a 3rd set breaker, and he hit a FH deep to the corner at 9-7. The opponent stared at the spot, and then called it long. There was an official there that overruled him. On match point.

 

[duketennisgal]

With me I usually let the first call go, thinking it was probably just a mistake and giving them the benefit of the doubt. On the second call I ask if they are sure, on the third I tell them that I'm sure it was in and if available I will get a line judge.

 

[AndrewD]

With me I usually let the first call go, thinking it was probably just a mistake and giving them the benefit of the doubt. On the second call I ask if they are sure, on the third I tell them that I'm sure it was in and if available I will get a line judge.

That's a very polite way to go about things. I do tend to let things go a bit more if I'm being genuinely beaten, although why someone who is beating you fairly would want to hook you on calls, I have no idea.

I'm also curious to know if people find the dodgy calls more at the lower levels or if they don't think it makes any difference what standard you're playing. I know there's a couple of blokes at our club who will always play 'up' because they find that higher calibre players won't feel the need to cheat them on calls. They'd rather get beaten soundly but enjoy the game than deal with the greater possibility of bad calls.

 

[Steady Eddy]

That's a very polite way to go about things. I do tend to let things go a bit more if I'm being genuinely beaten, although why someone who is beating you fairly would want to hook you on calls, I have no idea.

I'm also curious to know if people find the dodgy calls more at the lower levels or if they don't think it makes any difference what standard you're playing. I know there's a couple of blokes at our club who will always play 'up' because they find that higher calibre players won't feel the need to cheat them on calls. They'd rather get beaten soundly but enjoy the game than deal with the greater possibility of bad calls.

I think it more has to do with age. A local tennis mag interviewed a senior player, and he said he likes playing other seniors because the calls are fair. I've noticed that what he said has also been true in my experience.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

What I'm wondering is, when does that time come for others? Do you give your opponents the benefit of the doubt on a couple of calls, more than a couple or none at all?

It is situational for me -- and the "timing" of when I act also depends.

• If I'm winning easily I don't protest the calls. But if I'm sure he's actually hooking I *will* look for opportunities to "knock him out of his shoes" ... as payback. Otherwise, after shaking hands I'll ask him if anyone ever explained how to call close balls before. If he's receptive, I'll "instruct" him a bit. (If he's not receptive, I blow it off.)

• If I'm losing badly I figure I suck so bad I'm probably also not seeing well. I don't protest. I just "tuck tail" and get off the court quickly.

• If it is a "friendly match" I'll demand a "Challenge" ... then act like I forgot we don't have the Challenge System in-place. Usually, that's all my opponent needs to know I'm suspicious he's hooking.

• If it's a closely fought "serious" match I'll ask, "Are you sure about that?" on the first blatantly bad call. (And if it's an obvious hook, I'll request a Referee the second time it happens and he "assures" me it was out.)

• If it's a closely fought "friendly" match I'll ask, "Are you sure about that?" on the first blatantly bad call. And if it's an obvious hook, I'd pack up my stuff and leave; I don't need the aggravation. (I've never had to do this. But I've advertised it with enough of our local community, I'm pretty sure everybody knows I won't put up with nonsense.)

Lastly, I've noticed the most questionable calls come at the Intermediate Level ... no matter what age they are. 3.0 and 3.5 players try to make up for their lack of ability with their creative line calls, IMO.

- KK

 

[NoBadMojo]

I'm also curious to know if people find the dodgy calls more at the lower levels or if they don't think it makes any difference what standard you're playing. I know there's a couple of blokes at our club who will always play 'up' because they find that higher calibre players won't feel the need to cheat them on calls. They'd rather get beaten soundly but enjoy the game than deal with the greater possibility of bad calls.

I think this is 'generally' true, but that it's more a matter of being a good sportsman than not feeling the need to cheat because they are better players. There are fewer better players, and the ones who try and win at all costs usually have a rep for one-sided bad calls, and then find that they dont get called to play matches. if playing a universally known cheater, i put my foot down on the very first bad call. i also have found that generally, the better the player the less ego, gamesmanship, bragging, bravadio, and crap in general. lots of people seem to think that because they play tennis, they therefore must be good at it and know everything about it. This is reason enough to get better...also the better you get, the less chance you have to endure a pusher

I have no problem if my opponent errs both ways, as those are honest mistakes. when the calls all go their way and at key moments, thats another story..i think it very much depends on the situation how hooking is handled. I also think it is less frequent in dubs with 4 watching the ball as opposed to 2, and with someone often positioned closer to the ball than in sings.

i think the basic rule should be universally applied..if you dont see a ball on your side as clearly out, you must call it in. hopefully your opponent plays by the same rule.

Cintrast the above w. a college coach I knew of instructing his team to call balls close to the baseline out when they really need a point if they arent being watched because it is impossible to tell from the other side of the court...ahhhhh tennis........

 

[Cindysphinx]

What do you guys do when people hook you in a social or team practice match?

I usually don't say anything, but one of my teammates is All Business. She walks purposefully toward the net, asks if we're sure, the whole routine. It's probably a good idea to handle team practices exactly as you would a league match, but it does feel a little weird . . .

 

[coloskier]

It is situational for me -- and the "timing" of when I act also depends.

• If I'm winning easily I don't protest the calls. But if I'm sure he's actually hooking I *will* look for opportunities to "knock him out of his shoes" ... as payback. Otherwise, after shaking hands I'll ask him if anyone ever explained how to call close balls before. If he's receptive, I'll "instruct" him a bit. (If he's not receptive, I blow it off.)

• If I'm losing badly I figure I suck so bad I'm probably also not seeing well. I don't protest. I just "tuck tail" and get off the court quickly.

• If it is a "friendly match" I'll demand a "Challenge" ... then act like I forgot we don't have the Challenge System in-place. Usually, that's all my opponent needs to know I'm suspicious he's hooking.

• If it's a closely fought "serious" match I'll ask, "Are you sure about that?" on the first blatantly bad call. (And if it's an obvious hook, I'll request a Referee the second time it happens and he "assures" me it was out.)

• If it's a closely fought "friendly" match I'll ask, "Are you sure about that?" on the first blatantly bad call. And if it's an obvious hook, I'd pack up my stuff and leave; I don't need the aggravation. (I've never had to do this. But I've advertised it with enough of our local community, I'm pretty sure everybody knows I won't put up with nonsense.)

Lastly, I've noticed the most questionable calls come at the Intermediate Level ... no matter what age they are. 3.0 and 3.5 players try to make up for their lack of ability with their creative line calls, IMO.

- KK

Since you are from Colorado, I am sure you know about some of the top ranked players in the 50 and above group that have been notorious hookers ever since they were juniors. I played one in a match and even told him straight to his face "You don't have to hook me to beat me". He just smiled and kept on hooking me. So, I took 4 straight balls that landed in the middle of the court and called them out. He went ballistic, and I told him "if you want a line judge, I'd be glad to get one". He proceeded to lose the next 7 games and the match. Of course, the next time we played he blew me off the court and every call was a fair one. But sometimes you just have to take a stand.

 

[smoothtennis]

Yep - about three for me...if they are really bad calls.

 

[Swengo86]

I never really had to deal with someone making such bad calls that it was changing the outcome of the match, but for myself I know I sometimes make questionable calls if I don't get a good look at it. Usually, if I think I may have called one incorrectly I'll just get them the benefit of the doubt on the next close one and call it in. I think that's what most people do anyways. It's only fair since there is no impact replay.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

Since you are from Colorado, I am sure you know about some of the top ranked players in the 50 and above group that have been notorious hookers ever since they were juniors.

That's my division.

Click my Screen Name and send me an e-mail. Let's compare notes...!

- KK

 

[EPaps]

After a call that i think is questionable, i usually ask "are you sure?" even if it could've been out. If i'm sure that an incorrect call is made, even if i'm playing on hard court, i'll sometimes ask my opponent to show me where he think the ball landed.

On a side note with the "are you sure?" after line calls.. I was always taught to make line calls loudly so there was no confusion. Sometimes after a ball lands out by a couple of feet, I will still say "out" or point with my racquet, even though the ball was clearly out and both me and my opponent know it. Sometimes after i say out, my opponent will shout a sarcastic "ARE YOU SURE?" What's the right thing to do here? Not call out when it's two feet out or just politely respond that it was out after making a call each time no matter how close it is?

 

[WHSTENNIS]

To me after the second or third call. And what really makes me mad is when they call it late.

 

[LuckyR]

Since you are from Colorado, I am sure you know about some of the top ranked players in the 50 and above group that have been notorious hookers ever since they were juniors. I played one in a match and even told him straight to his face "You don't have to hook me to beat me". He just smiled and kept on hooking me. So, I took 4 straight balls that landed in the middle of the court and called them out. He went ballistic, and I told him "if you want a line judge, I'd be glad to get one". He proceeded to lose the next 7 games and the match. Of course, the next time we played he blew me off the court and every call was a fair one. But sometimes you just have to take a stand.

Best post in the thread.

 

[tennisdad65]

I do not care about suspect line calls at all, and it never bothers me.

I just assume that I have to hit into a court 6 inches smaller on all sides.
If I can beat that guy with 'this line calling penalty' then my level is ~.25 better than him..

1) On my side, I always play/call balls in that are 3-4 inches outside the lines.
2) If I see one of my serve/shots wide by an inch or 2, on the opponents sideline or service line, I will call it out myself, if my opponent does not.

This generally forces my opponents to be honest too..

If you are a junior and aspiring to make a college team or become a pro, you better be beating your opponents in junior tournaments by a lot more than a few doubtful calls. So do not let bad calls bother you.

 

[LuckyR]

I do not care about suspect line calls at all, and it never bothers me.

I just assume that I have to hit into a court 6 inches smaller on all sides.
If I can beat that guy with 'this line calling penalty' then my level is ~.25 better than him..

1) On my side, I always play/call balls in that are 3-4 inches outside the lines.
2) If I see one of my serve/shots wide by an inch or 2, on the opponents sideline or service line, I will call it out myself, if my opponent does not.

This generally forces my opponents to be honest too..

You are free to look at this issue any way you please, however be aware that for true cheaters, having your ball land in 6 inches is no guarantee that they won't call it out, in addition most competitors (not all, obviously) seek a fair system so their results become meaningful to them. If you are playing with a 6 inch penalty this is not fair and thus your results are uninterpretable, many find this not satisfactory.

 

[Cindysphinx]

After a call that i think is questionable, i usually ask "are you sure?" even if it could've been out. If i'm sure that an incorrect call is made, even if i'm playing on hard court, i'll sometimes ask my opponent to show me where he think the ball landed.

On a hard court, I probably would politely decline to show you where the ball landed. I would consider it gamesmanship or an intimidation tactic. In fact, under the Code you're not even allowed to ask me where it landed. You are limited to "Are you sure of your call?" I would consider the question "Where did that land?" to be a precursor to an argument, and I wouldn't wish to go there.

On a side note with the "are you sure?" after line calls.. I was always taught to make line calls loudly so there was no confusion. Sometimes after a ball lands out by a couple of feet, I will still say "out" or point with my racquet, even though the ball was clearly out and both me and my opponent know it. Sometimes after i say out, my opponent will shout a sarcastic "ARE YOU SURE?" What's the right thing to do here? Not call out when it's two feet out or just politely respond that it was out after making a call each time no matter how close it is?

The right thing to do is say "Yeppers," and line up for the next point.

 

[tennisdad65]

not sure why.. but a double post after 15 minutes..

 

[Japanese Maple]

I really think it depends on your personality and how well you see the ball called out. I am of the firm belief that its best to confront the erroneous call right off the bat with"that ball was clearly in" and don't back down if you clearly saw it in. Also, I seldom if ever say "are you sure"-what answer do you think you are going to get?
This approach has gotten people to reverse their calls after being confronted because they know they made a bad call or were not sure about the call and figure since I am so adamant about it being in I must be right. Even if they don't reverse the call they usually are fair the rest of the match because they don't want to deal with my aggressive challenge of bad calls.

Keep in mine this only works if you are 100% sure the ball was in. If I am not positively sure it was in I don't say anything and just concentrate on hitting with a larger margin of error to eliminate any doubt. If its clearly in say so immediately and don't back down-firm and direct works best and puts them on notice that you will challenge every bad call that you are 100 % sure and usually from my experience they will do their best to make fair calls the rest of the match. Of course, it helps that I am 6'2", 225 lbs.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

... i'll sometimes ask my opponent to show me where he think the ball landed.

Please stop this practice. This is the Tennis Equivalent of charging your opponent with being of questionable lineage. It's picking a fight.

Sometimes after a ball lands out by a couple of feet, I will still say "out" or point with my racquet, even though the ball was clearly out and both me and my opponent know it. Sometimes after i say out, my opponent will shout a sarcastic "ARE YOU SURE?" What's the right thing to do here? Not call out when it's two feet out or just politely respond that it was out after making a call each time no matter how close it is?

Your loud call on such an "obvious" point could seem provocative ... especially if you are being belligerent with this same player by asking THEM to show you where your own OUT balls landed. I suspect if you stop picking fights with the first behavior you described, this second behavior will not cause so many combative or sarcastic retorts.

I really think it depends on your personality and how well you see the ball called out. I am of the firm belief that its best to confront the erroneous call right off the bat with"that ball was clearly in" and don't back down if you clearly saw it in.

If someone pulled such a maneuver on me, I'd figure they were just another jerk. I don't agree with your tactic.

Also, I seldom if ever say "are you sure"-what answer do you think you are going to get?

But most times they really ARE "sure". (Look at how often Federer challenges and is wrong. If HE cannot accurately call a ball from 60+ feet away, why would I think YOU can call it any better?)

This approach has gotten people to reverse their calls after being confronted because they know they made a bad call or were not sure about the call and figure since I am so adamant about it being in I must be right.

Of course, it helps that I am 6'2", 225 lbs.

I think the latter part is the real reason you are successful with this ploy.

Keep in mine this only works if you are 100% sure the ball was in. If I am not positively sure it was in I don't say anything and just concentrate on hitting with a larger margin of error to eliminate any doubt.

I am pleased to see this in your same post. This is much better.

- KK

 

[Japanese Maple]

Kaptain Karl-I really don't care if the guy thinks I am a jerk or not, what I am looking for is consistent, fair, accurate calls throughout the match. Fortunately, seldom do I ever have to say "that ball was clearly in" but when I do I am 100 % sure it is and I say so. I am not talking about serves on the back line, balls at the baseline when I am at my baseline, or when I am at one sideline hitting crosscourt tight angle to opposite sideline. I will challenge balls when I am volleying at the net, serves on the center line, or shots up the line when they are at the opposite sidelines. If the balls are clearly in and they call it out don't start with "are you sure" but simply state in a normal tone as you approach the net "that ball was clearly in, no doubt in my mind". At this point they will either state no they clearly saw it out and you move on putting them on notice that you will challenge poor calls that you see clearly with a direct response. Often times they will waver and say "go and head and have the point if you clearly saw it in which only proves that they either knew they made a bad call or where not really sure. Your polite but firm challenge of them flushes out how confident they are in their call and also puts them on notice that you will challenge bad calls. Fortunately, for me 99% of the time people make good calls and I never have to use the direct approach but when it happens I highly recommend the direct approach.

One time in a tournament match against a good player early on I hit a serve wide that was all over the line that my opponent called out. I challenged him directly and he reversed the call. From that point on over three sets we had a great match with no problems or b.s. calls-very clean. I believe if I didn't address his poor call early on directly he would have potentially made poor calls at strategic times in the match knowing that I would not confront him. At obvious poor calls that you see clearly and our 100% sure was in be polite and directly confront the player and don't say"are you sure".

 

[Cindysphinx]

Japanese Maple,

I see what you are saying, but so far you have just been lucky in that you haven't met up with someone who takes offense at what you do.

You also haven't met up with someone like me who will dig in their heels if you are overly aggressive with them. Asking "Are you sure?" allows the opponent to save face. A bullying approach like yours does not.

Saying "Are you sure?" will encourage players to give you the point in question just as much as a more aggressive approach. Try it. You'll be less likely to offend and just as likely to get the point.

 

[freelancer]

Personally I don't say anything until the 3rd call or so. Unless it was WAY in and the called it out.

I do have a friend however, that will actually say to the opponent, "Ok, that's one," after the first sketchy line call. And for the first one he uses a nice voice. But on the second he gets a little more stern and says, "That's two." I've never seen what happens when he gets to three, but I doubt it ever gets to three.

 

[Steady Eddy]

Sometimes after i say out, my opponent will shout a sarcastic "ARE YOU SURE?" What's the right thing to do here? Not call out when it's two feet out or just politely respond that it was out after making a call each time no matter how close it is?

Call it each time no matter how close it is. What's the alternative? To only call the ones that are hard to tell. But what's hard to tell? Let's give a scenario, suppose I hit a lob that looks way long and deep. Somehow, maybe wind, maybe divine intervention, but anyway it looks like it lands right in the corner. No call. So my point, right? Then the opponent mumbles the score. Eventually, I find out that the lob was "called" out. He says, "Oh, way out." But it only looked that way at first. I wonder if he kept watching, or if he jumped to a conclusion? Now we have some unpleasantness that could have been avoided. That's the downside of only calling the 'close' ones.

Now here's the up side of only calling some of them. [wait] Right! There is NO upside. So call every out ball on your side, even if it's only with a finger point, but make the call.

 

[Steady Eddy]

One time in a tournament match against a good player early on I hit a serve wide that was all over the line that my opponent called out. I challenged him directly and he reversed the call. From that point on over three sets we had a great match with no problems or b.s. calls-very clean. I believe if I didn't address his poor call early on directly he would have potentially made poor calls at strategic times in the match knowing that I would not confront him. At obvious poor calls that you see clearly and our 100% sure was in be polite and directly confront the player and don't say"are you sure".

So if you look at only what happened in that match, what you did worked. But what if you take a wider view? "What happens on the court, stays on the court.", don't you believe it! You have a reputation to protect, and if the word gets out that you're a bully, this can hurt you on and off the court, in tennis and even outside of tennis. Do you have "bad luck"? No room for you on teams, 'forgot' to invite you to a tennis get-together? Just because people don't immediately challenge your 6-2 frame to a fist fight doesn't mean that you're getting away with this behavior.

 

[AndrewD]

Okay, here's another variation on the question.

When do you feel you can accurately challenge a call made on your serve?

Unless your serve is travelling at about 5mph, you just don't look at the ball when you serve, you're playing on a surface that leaves a mark or your serve bounces smack in the middle of the court and is called 'out', you're in no position to claim a good enough view of the bounce to accurately challenge the receiver's call on something close (eg: on the line). You might have a good idea of where it lands and you might feel that it's landed in but that's about it. In that situation you might ask the question ('are you sure') but you can't be certain enough of a mistake to challenge the call. In doubles you've got a partner up at net and they'll often have a pretty good idea. However, in singles, you're at the opposite baseline and your eyes can't adjust quickly enough from looking at the ball as you strike it to looking at the bounce.

So, how do people feel comfortable challenging calls on serve?

 

[Japanese Maple]

So if you look at only what happened in that match, what you did worked. But what if you take a wider view? "What happens on the court, stays on the court.", don't you believe it! You have a reputation to protect, and if the word gets out that you're a bully, this can hurt you on and off the court, in tennis and even outside of tennis. Do you have "bad luck"? No room for you on teams, 'forgot' to invite you to a tennis get-together? Just because people don't immediately challenge your 6-2 frame to a fist fight doesn't mean that you're getting away with this behavior.

I don't come off as a bully at all, but I will not tolerate blatant egregious calls that I see clearly in and I never say "are you sure". Like I said, seldom if at all do I need to resort to this, but have had to at times. Most of the time on questionable calls I don't say anything and make sure to hit well within the lines throughout the match to eliminate all doubt. Remember these are really bad calls that I know 100 % were in-you have to pick your spots and be absolutely sure on the call to gain credibility. I may lose a match for a variety of reasons but never on a guy hooking me on calls, I won't allow it and confront it quickly up front. This is just another view point, but it has to fit your personality

 

[r2473]

I let them all go. But, I don't play tournaments or league, so these are all "friendly" or "drop-in" matches.

If someone pauses and asks if I thought my shot was in or out, I will respond that it was out "by a mile".

Any close shot on my side, I play.

On serves that are close, I will whack the return. If I hit it out, I give them the point. If I hit a winner, I call the serve out and let him hit second serve.

If I whack an ace serve and the guy looks at all "questioning", I will stay put, prepare for my second serve, and say that I thought it was out.

My regular partners know my tendencies and sometimes won't take my generous calls. I just personally don't give a **** and would rather play instead of argue over any calls.

 

[TennisND]

I played with a cheater last night and I got very angry. Normally, a game in a league is noting to me since I just want to go there and have fun (my team is not doing good anyway). But this guys, is really a bad cheater.
- He counted score wrong twice and kept insisting it right until I pointed out the situation of each point
- He called it out to every of suspecting shots (5 at least)
- Quite a few times, he asked to re-do the point (in which he lost) since somebody step in to our court behind him. I asked him why don't you call a halt before making your shot. The answer is "silent".
- He kept swearing all the times.

I wished I had a ref last night to stop all rediculous actions.

 

[JavierLW]

- Quite a few times, he asked to re-do the point (in which he lost) since somebody step in to our court behind him. I asked him why don't you call a halt before making your shot. The answer is "silent".

Ha, this happened to me once as well.

Obviously once the point is over, it stands, so my answer would of just been "no".

 

[NE14Tennis?]

Bad calls are part of tennis, whether you're a 7.0 pro or a 3.5 weekender; 9 times out of 10, I will let them go. When an opponent is repeatedly (3 or more times a set) making blatant bad calls, I will usually call his or her next "close one" out - this almost always draws a response. I point out that the call should stand as we've been accepting all calls up to this point, then suggest we replay any "future disagreements". This has the effect of not only evening out the odds, since a majority of "replays" go the way of the original point anyway, but also dramatically improves my opponent's eyesight, as he/she gets tired of replaying the same points.

 

[TennisND]

NE14Tennis, I don't really want to retaliate by making a false calls since it would let me down to his level and it may bring a bigger mess such as: quarrel or arguments. My guess is I would have to avoid playing against him again.

I got a question: sometimes, when I return a serve, the ball is just missed a little bit and I hit the ball to the net. Should I call it out after I hit to the net? I am feeling guilty about calling it out after the point but it's also not fair for me since the ball is out. What should I do?

 

[JavierLW]

NE14Tennis, I don't really want to retaliate by making a false calls since it would let me down to his level and it may bring a bigger mess such as: quarrel or arguments. My guess is I would have to avoid playing against him again.

I got a question: sometimes, when I return a serve, the ball is just missed a little bit and I hit the ball to the net. Should I call it out after I hit to the net? I am feeling guilty about calling it out after the point but it's also not fair for me since the ball is out. What should I do?

Just call out as soon as you know it's out. If you happened to swing at it at the same time, you cant really worry too much about that on a serve, and most people wont say anything anyway.

If you take too long, that's a lot worse because it makes it look like you have to think about it (or you're just doing it because your shot hit the net).

The point is do it soon enough so that it's clear that you were going to call it out no matter what happens.

 

[NE14Tennis?]

Like Javier said, I would call it like I saw it ASAP. If I didn't manage to make the call before my return struck the net, I might say something like "Sorry about the late call there. Go ahead a play a let on that one."

 

[spiderman123]

Like Javier said, I would call it like I saw it ASAP. If I didn't manage to make the call before my return struck the net, I might say something like "Sorry about the late call there. Go ahead a play a let on that one."

Frankly, if you do not call before the ball strikes the net or crosses it, you are too late and you should concede that point. That does two things: Keeps the match healthy as it does not earn you a "first strike" in the opponent's head especially if it was a close one and secondly, you will quickly get in the habit of calling early. Also, if it was not close, and your opponent saw it out too, when you concede the point saying "sorry late call. My bad. your point", majority of the opponents say "that's all right. I saw that too. second."

If you do concede and opponent accepts, it is just a rec match anyway. Treat it as an unforced error and move on.

And if you don't feel that generous, you should *at least* offer a let.