who should call the line in double when receiving serve?

[ten11]

Apology if this has been asked before, I did some search and cannot find it.

Should the receiver or the receiver's partner to call lines? It is easy for the partner to call service line. What about the middle and service line for the recreational ladder match?

My argument for the partner to call all lines is that the receiver can focus on receiving 100%. This is one of the advantage that you have a partner. (also the partner really has nothing important to do at that moment.)

 

[Mr.Lob]

Apology if this has been asked before, I did some search and cannot find it.

Should the receiver or the receiver's partner to call lines? It is easy for the partner to call service line. What about the middle and service line for the recreational ladder match?

My argument for the partner to call all lines is that the receiver can focus on receiving 100%. This is one of the advantage that you have a partner. (also the partner really has nothing important to do at that moment.)

Partner usually calls side service line closest to him and back service line, the returner can call the side service line near the ally. As a returner I'm always looking and ready to call anything should my partner miss something.

 

[SwankPeRFection]

They both should call it and the majority of the time what happens is the receiver will hit a return on a close call and the partner will call it out if they saw it properly (i.e. just past the line but looked too close to risk not returning it on the server's behalf). Don't overthink it to much, it should be natural. You're both responsible for all your calls, the only thing that changes is if someone had a better look at something that was super close. If you've played long enough, you can make calls all by yourself from anywhere on the court, after all, this is what you do for singles. Three more feet worth of court in a couple of directions for doubles doesn't make enough of a difference to hinder your ability to make those same calls, so don't blow it out of proportion that it does just because someone else in on your side of the net with you.

 

[sureshs]

They both should call it and the majority of the time what happens is the receiver will hit a return on a close call and the partner will call it out if they saw it properly (i.e. just past the line but looked too close to risk not returning it on the server's behalf).

Be careful, the moral police will be on you in no time. If the receiver returned the serve without calling it OUT simultaneously, and the partner called it OUT, they will claim that the team was not sure and hence it is the opponent's point.

 

[anubis]

When I play doubles, I never expect both of my opponents to call out balls. There's always someone who is either paying greater attention, or is closer to the line, that will invariably call the shot out, if it was indeed out.

For instance, if a lob is hit over the head of the net person and it lands near the baseline, and the baseline player called it out, I wouldn't expect the net person -- who is likely 35 feet away from the ball -- to be able to confirm with as great of a certainty as the baseline player. Furthermore, simply because that net person cannot confirm it, isn't evidence of "uncertainty within the team" to overrule the line call.

 

[spot]

If the receiver returned the serve without calling it OUT simultaneously, and the partner called it OUT, they will claim that the team was not sure and hence it is the opponent's point.

What on earth are you talking about? This happens dozens of times in every doubles match without incident.

 

[ten11]

When I play doubles, I never expect both of my opponents to call out balls. There's always someone who is either paying greater attention, or is closer to the line, that will invariably call the shot out, if it was indeed out.

For instance, if a lob is hit over the head of the net person and it lands near the baseline, and the baseline player called it out, I wouldn't expect the net person -- who is likely 35 feet away from the ball -- to be able to confirm with as great of a certainty as the baseline player. Furthermore, simply because that net person cannot confirm it, isn't evidence of "uncertainty within the team" to overrule the line call.

I think it depends. if the lob is offensive and the baseline player need to hustle to get into better position to return, it is hard for he/her to do both. On the other hand, net play got passed, he/she can turn and have a clear look at where the lob will land and call it out if it is out. For DEEP lob, there is plenty of time for net player to turn around and have a good look. I don't think 35 feet make a big difference here.
Only thing differ with serve return situation is that the net player might have more important things to do than watching, such as take a better defensive position. But I do not see any problem to call the line.

 

[beernutz]

What on earth are you talking about? This happens dozens of times in every doubles match without incident.

Exactly right. The receiver because his or her head is not stationary and because the ball is traveling right at them has a much more difficult task calling the service line on serves than does their partner. Receiver's frequently are moving to be able to play the ball and may therefore end up playing balls that appear to them to be good but are not or balls where they are not sure if they are good. If the receiver's partner gets a better look at the ball then they can and should make the call.

Sureshs seems to be implying that if the receiver is unsure about a call so that they give their opponents the benefit of the doubt and play the ball and at the same time their partner is sure that the ball was out that you have a disagreement but that is not the case.

 

[ten11]

They both should call it and the majority of the time what happens is the receiver will hit a return on a close call and the partner will call it out if they saw it properly (i.e. just past the line but looked too close to risk not returning it on the server's behalf). Don't overthink it to much, it should be natural. You're both responsible for all your calls, the only thing that changes is if someone had a better look at something that was super close. If you've played long enough, you can make calls all by yourself from anywhere on the court, after all, this is what you do for singles. Three more feet worth of court in a couple of directions for doubles doesn't make enough of a difference to hinder your ability to make those same calls, so don't blow it out of proportion that it does just because someone else in on your side of the net with you.

Thanks for the help and I kind of agree with you.
The reason I asked is because my new partner refuse to call any line except the service line. He even said it is the rule, which bothered me. I am sure there is no such rule but just want to understand if it is absolutely wrong for the return partner to call out on wide serve. From what I am reading, the answer is NO.

 

[beernutz]

Partner usually calls side service line closest to him and back service line, the returner can call the side service line near the ally. As a returner I'm always looking and ready to call anything should my partner miss something.

I agree with you that these are the primary responsibilities of the receiver and their partner but if I clearly see a wide serve hit out while I'm the receiver's partner I'm going to call it, whether or not the receiver does.

I play almost all of my matches on clay and I see this a lot where a hard serve kicking away from the court will be hit that the receiver will go ahead and attempt to play, however, if I'm their partner and I see it out I'll call it out. I will always go check the mark too just to be sure as I realize that this is a non-standard call for the receiver's partner to make. If I make a mistake and the ball was in fact good I'll apologize to my partner and we award the point to the server. Me making one of these calls happens at least a couple of times in each match whereas me making a mistake on one of these calls rarely happens, maybe once every 10 matches if that.

What it does at least for me is reinforce the difficulty of making line calls when your head is moving as receivers are often required to do.

 

[dode]

He even said it is the rule, which bothered me. I am sure there is no such rule but just want to understand if it is absolutely wrong for the return partner to call out on wide serve. From what I am reading, the answer is NO.

This is from the USTA Friend at Court.

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.

While not a "rule", it is part of their "unwritten rules of tennis"

John

 

[gameboy]

Apology if this has been asked before, I did some search and cannot find it.

Should the receiver or the receiver's partner to call lines? It is easy for the partner to call service line. What about the middle and service line for the recreational ladder match?

My argument for the partner to call all lines is that the receiver can focus on receiving 100%. This is one of the advantage that you have a partner. (also the partner really has nothing important to do at that moment.)

Oh, come on, what is up with all the trolls?

This topic has been discussed actively for many days. In a thread only few threads down.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=365021

Is everyone here just to troll?

 

[sureshs]

This is from the USTA Friend at Court.

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.

While not a "rule", it is part of their "unwritten rules of tennis"

John

Seems strange that the receiver should also call the center service line. Often, I stare intensely at the ball as a partner while standing at the service line, and can clearly see the ball.

 

[ten11]

Oh, come on, what is up with all the trolls?

This topic has been discussed actively for many days. In a thread only few threads down.

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=365021

Is everyone here just to troll?

trolling might be your intention here. Please get off my thread. I clearly apologized if this has been discussed before and want some help.
If you have nothing better to contribute, please do not come visit this thread.

 

[ten11]

This is from the USTA Friend at Court.

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.

While not a "rule", it is part of their "unwritten rules of tennis"

John

Thanks, John. This is very helpful. I will follow the "unwritten rules of tennis" even it is a clear out for me. A rule is a rule and unwritten rules is part of the rule.

I play same amount of single. I think I can handle it.

 

[beernutz]

Thanks, John. This is very helpful. I will follow the "unwritten rules of tennis" even it is a clear out for me. A rule is a rule and unwritten rules is part of the rule.

I play same amount of single. I think I can handle it.

From the Preface to The Code:

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 goodwill 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 or the USTA Regulations.

Before reading this, the following question may come to mind: Since there is a book that contains all the rules of tennis, is there a need for The 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 there is doubt on a line call, the opponent gets the benefit of the doubt. This result cannot be found in the rules. Further, custom dictates the standard procedures that players will use in reaching decisions. These are the reasons a code is needed.
—Col. Nick Powel

Note: The Code is not part of the official ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The Code in all unofficiated matches. Many of the principles also apply when officials are present.

 

[ten11]

Seems strange that the receiver should also call the center service line. Often, I stare intensely at the ball as a partner while standing at the service line, and can clearly see the ball.

This is exactly what happened last Saturday. The ball landed few feet away from my partner and I am expecting him to call but he refused to do so.
It is just miscommunication. So I will pay attention and make the call if it is clearly out.

 

[ten11]

From the Preface to The Code:

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 goodwill 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 or the USTA Regulations.

Before reading this, the following question may come to mind: Since there is a book that contains all the rules of tennis, is there a need for The 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 there is doubt on a line call, the opponent gets the benefit of the doubt. This result cannot be found in the rules. Further, custom dictates the standard procedures that players will use in reaching decisions. These are the reasons a code is needed.
—Col. Nick Powel

Note: The Code is not part of the official ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The Code in all unofficiated matches. Many of the principles also apply when officials are present.

Thanks, beernutz.

 

[Deleted member 391266]

I keep it pretty simple. The returner will call it out if it is wide, and the partner will call it out if it is long. I do it that way because in my opinion you have the best views of where the ball lands if you split it like that.

 

[SwankPeRFection]

From the Preface to The Code:

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 goodwill 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 or the USTA Regulations.

Before reading this, the following question may come to mind: Since there is a book that contains all the rules of tennis, is there a need for The 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 there is doubt on a line call, the opponent gets the benefit of the doubt. This result cannot be found in the rules. Further, custom dictates the standard procedures that players will use in reaching decisions. These are the reasons a code is needed.
—Col. Nick Powel

Note: The Code is not part of the official ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The Code in all unofficiated matches. Many of the principles also apply when officials are present.

Come one Beer.... First you said The Code IS the tennis rule book, then you now say it's not ITF rules. Which is it? Lol

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showpost.php?p=8072977&postcount=15


Point is, there's too many "I felt like writing an unwritten rule book, so I could cuz I'm a Col." books floating around. You don't see ITF players running around following silly rules do you? Official rules are official rules and that's what should be followed. Everything was written by weekend warriors looking for ways to make everyone happy. What's next? A rule that says I can't spin my racquet while I wait to receive a serve because it could be distracting?

 

[tennis_ocd]

This is exactly what happened last Saturday. The ball landed few feet away from my partner and I am expecting him to call but he refused to do so.
It is just miscommunication. So I will pay attention and make the call if it is clearly out.

Something worth discussing prior to match. Some receivers want to make all calls; some expect help. Whatever works.

That said, I know I grit my teeth at receiver's partner's OUT calls on the center and wide lines if I think my serve was in and it's clear the receiver was playing the ball.

 

[Cindysphinx]

I keep it pretty simple. The returner will call it out if it is wide, and the partner will call it out if it is long. I do it that way because in my opinion you have the best views of where the ball lands if you split it like that.

Also, if you have a clear division of responsibility, you will not have disagreements on line calls.

If I am receiving and my partner calls the far sideline and I see it clip the line, that is loss of point. Keep quiet, partner. If I don't get a good look, I will ask you.

Same thing if you are receiving and you think the serve was long. I am right there on that service line, and I am watching. If I don't call it long, it wasn't long so keep quiet and play it.

Regarding the center line, my practice is to position on the T when my partner receives. If the ball comes up the T, I am going to move away so I do not obstruct my partner's shot. It is difficult to do this and also stare down at the line. So it is better if the receiver calls the center line so that we don't disagree and lose the point.

I have to say, when the receiver's partner is making out calls on wide balls that are really close, I know I am probably dealing with someone who doesn't give benefit of the doubt.

So, OP. If you are my partner, I will tell you that the center line and far sideline are your responsibility and I won't be calling those lines.

 

[dizzlmcwizzl]

Thanks for the help and I kind of agree with you.
The reason I asked is because my new partner refuse to call any line except the service line. He even said it is the rule, which bothered me. I am sure there is no such rule but just want to understand if it is absolutely wrong for the return partner to call out on wide serve. From what I am reading, the answer is NO.

There is no rule but in practice the returner's partner simply cannot accurately call a ball that is close to the center line if they are standing up near the service line. You can tell stuff is way out from there, but on the close ones the returner is a much better position to make that call.

It irritates me when the returners partner makes a call that simple geometry shows that he could not possibly see it as out. On these cases the returner's partner is making calls on instinct rather than seeing space between the ball and the line.

It is a little easier to see wide balls near the alley, but again the returner has a better view on those lines as well.