Let During a Rally
Also known as: ball rolls onto the court, ball rolling onto the court, ball rolls on court, stray ball on court, ball from another court, let in a rally, let during a point, broken ball during a point
If a ball from another court rolls onto yours mid-point, any player on your court may call a let as soon as they see it. The whole point is then replayed, and the server gets two serves again. Call it right away, because playing on and then asking for a let is not allowed.
ITF Rule 23 says that when a let is called, the whole point is replayed. The one exception is a service let on a second serve. Under Case 1, if a ball rolls on after the server has already missed a first serve, the server starts again with a first serve. The Code adds that any player on the affected court may call the let as soon as they notice the ball. A player who delays for no good reason loses the right to call it.
Timing is the key. Under The Code, a player who sees a stray ball but keeps playing has chosen to play the shot. Missing it and then claiming a let gives two chances to win the point, which is not allowed. Other lets during a rally include a ball that breaks (Rule 3) and a ball that hits a bird (Rule 26). A ball that has merely gone soft does not earn a replay. If your shot hits a ball lying in the opponent's court, play continues unless it is unclear which ball was returned.
Some things never earn a let. A ball that was already lying on your side when the point began is not a hindrance. Clear loose balls before each point. Not seeing where a ball landed is not grounds for a let. If a ball rolls on during the server's second-serve motion, the server gets two serves.
Tips by skill level
If you see a ball roll onto your court, stop and call 'let' at once. Your safety matters more than the point.
Clear every loose ball from your end before serving or receiving. A ball lying on your side at the start of the point is your problem, not a let.
Example
Deep in a rally, a ball from the next court bounces in behind the receiver. He shouts 'let' straight away. The players replay the point from a first serve, even though the server had missed his first serve.
Why it matters
Stray balls are part of club tennis. Calling lets the right way keeps players safe and stops the 'two chances' argument after a missed shot.
Common mistakes
- Playing on after seeing a stray ball and claiming a let only after missing
- Giving the server just one serve after a let in a rally
- Leaving loose balls on your side and then calling a let when one gets in the way
- Asking to replay a point because you did not see the bounce
Frequently asked questions
What happens if a ball rolls onto the court during a point?
Any player on your court may call a let as soon as they see it, and the whole point is replayed (ITF Rule 23). Call it right away. A player who keeps playing loses the right to a let.
Does a let during a rally give the server a first serve?
Yes. Under ITF Rule 23, the whole point is replayed. The server gets a first serve again, even after missing a first serve before the let.
Can I call a let after I miss the shot?
Not if you saw the stray ball and chose to play on. The Code says calls must be prompt. Playing the shot and then asking for a let would give you two chances to win the point.
Sources
Related terms
- Let (Serve Rule)A let is called when a serve clips the net cord and still lands in the correct service box. The point is then replayed with no penalty to the server.
- HindranceA hindrance is something that stops you playing a point fairly. If an opponent hinders you on purpose, you win the point. If it is accidental, like an opponent's hat or a ball falling from their pocket, the point is replayed. Stop play right away to claim it.
- 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.
- Line Calls Without Officials (The Code)In matches without officials, each player calls the balls on their own side of the net, and any doubt goes to the opponent. Calls must be prompt and clear, out loud or with a hand signal. If an opponent makes a pattern of bad calls, The Code says you may contact an official.
- Receiver Ready Rule (Quick Serve)The server must wait until the receiver is ready, and the receiver must play to the server's reasonable pace. If you are not ready, make no attempt to return the serve. It is then replayed as a let. If you try to return it, you count as ready, even on a quick serve.
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