Coaching During a Match
Also known as: coaching rules tennis, in-match coaching, on-court coaching, off-court coaching, can my coach talk to me, coaching from the stands, coach talk during a match, coaching violation
It depends on the event. Under the ITF Rules, coaching is never allowed during a point, and coaching from off the court is allowed only if the event's governing body permits it. Where it is allowed, it must be brief and discreet. In most USTA events, coaching is allowed only during a 3-minute or 10-minute rest period.
Rule 30 of the ITF Rules defines coaching as advice or instruction of any kind, by any means. Off-court coaching may be allowed by the body running the event. On-court coaching is only for team events with a captain sitting on court. Coaching is never allowed while a point is being played.
When coaching is allowed, Appendix IV sets the limits. It can happen between points, at change of ends and at set breaks. Between points, a coach may speak only when coach and player are at the same end of the court. Otherwise it must be hand signals. It has to be brief and discreet.
USTA events are stricter. Coaching is allowed during a 3-minute or 10-minute rest period. Outside some team events, it is not allowed between points, at changeovers, at the 2-minute set break, during a medical timeout or during a toilet break. A player may read notes they wrote before the match. They may not get messages through a phone or smartwatch.
In USTA play, audible or visible coaching is a code violation. Check the entry form or ask the referee, because each event can set its own rules.
Tips by skill level
Agree with your coach before the match on one or two simple goals. Then you won't need advice during play.
Write a short game plan on a card before the match. Notes prepared beforehand are allowed in USTA play, and you can read them at changeovers.
Example
At a USTA junior event, Ava's dad calls out 'move in on the second serve' from the stands. The official treats it as audible coaching and gives Ava a code violation.
Why it matters
An illegal word from the stands can cost you a point. Knowing the event's coaching rules protects you and helps your coach help you at the right time.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the coaching rules you saw on TV apply at your local event
- Letting a parent or coach call out advice between points
- Checking a phone for messages at a changeover
Frequently asked questions
Is coaching allowed in tennis?
Only if the event allows it, and never during a point. Under the ITF Rules, the governing body decides whether off-court coaching is permitted.
Can I get coaching during a USTA tournament?
Usually only during a 3-minute or 10-minute rest period. Coaching between points, at changeovers or at the 2-minute set break is not allowed, apart from some team events.
Can I bring notes on court in tennis?
Yes, in USTA play you may read notes you wrote before the match. You may not receive messages on a phone or smartwatch during the match.
Sources
Related terms
- Point Penalty System (Code Violations)A point penalty is a point taken away from a player as punishment for a code violation. Code violations include smashing or throwing your racket, ball abuse, swearing, abusing an opponent or official and unsportsmanlike conduct. In USTA play, the first offence costs a point, the second a game and the third a default. Time violations start with a warning instead.
- Game Plan and ScoutingA simple tennis game plan has two or three goals: use your best shot as often as you can, attack the opponent's weaker side, and play high-percentage tennis on big points. Scout the opponent in the warm-up and first games. Check at changeovers whether the plan is working, and switch to plan B if it is not.
- Between-Point RoutineBetween points, use the same short routine every time. Turn away from the court, take a slow breath to calm down, choose a simple plan for the next point, then settle into your serve or return ritual. A common four-step version is respond, recover, refocus and ready. ITF rules allow up to 25 seconds between points, which is enough time for all four.
- Tennis EtiquetteBasic tennis etiquette: warm your opponent up by hitting to them, announce the score before each point when serving, and make prompt, fair calls. Wait until a point ends before walking behind a court or returning a stray ball. Then send the ball straight to a player. Shake hands at the end.
- Changeovers and Changing EndsYou switch sides after the first game of each set and then after every odd game: the third, fifth, seventh and so on. Each changeover allows up to 90 seconds of rest, except after the first game of a set, when you swap ends without sitting. The break at the end of a set lasts up to 120 seconds.
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