Tennis Talk
by Tina Parsley
Tennis Etiquette Refresher
Whether you are a ‘seasoned’ tennis player or a ‘rustie’, it is always good to have a quick reminder of simple tennis etiquette, for both on and off the court:
1. When approaching the tennis area, walk and talk quietly behind the fence and never enter a court during game play. Always make certain to close the gate behind you upon entering and exiting.
2. Place your equipment near or on a bench where provided. PLEASE make certain your cell phone is on MUTE or at least set to vibrate. For safety, make sure you tell a friend or family member where and at what time you are playing that day.
3. Wear tennis clothes that have pockets to hold balls and only wear tennis shoes with soles that will not leave marks on the court.
4. Bring only water containers with lids onto the court. Remind each other to continually hydrate between games,
5. Arrive and leave your court at the scheduled time. When finished, clean up any trash, place retired balls in plastic bins near the net post and return score boards to their starting positions for the next players.
Rules to follow during play:
- The server always begins with two tennis balls, to avoid disruption of serve momentum.
- The server shall articulately announce the score prior to the first serve of each point. If the opponent disagrees, track the points back to the last score which you both agree upon.
- When your ball accidentally ends up on another court, alert the players only when their play has subsided. If the ball becomes a potential hazard, make them aware of the loose ball right away.
- Return balls to opponents and neighboring courts in a courteous fashion, making sure the other person is ready to receive it.
- Never throw, drop or purposely bang your racket on the court.
- Do not yell, swear, shout or create a distraction for others.
- Do not argue line calls. The player on the side of the net where the ball drops is responsible to call lines on his/her side. The opponent must accept the call. When unsure, the ball is ruled ‘in or fair’.
- Any balls on your court side of the net are your responsibility. When receiving a serve, it is your job to make sure the balls are gently returned to the server.
Tennis can be an adrenaline-filled competition, and no one expects it to be played in silence. Emotions are part of the game, but loud outbursts can be off-putting to your opponent – even if you are only yelling at yourself or your racket. Be polite and use appropriate sportsmanship conduct. Always give 100% effort whether you are winning or losing.
For me, the best parts of playing tennis in The Villages are discovering new friends who are passionate about their game, exercising with others and sharing our outdoor sun-filled courts with all the surrounding nature.
I hope you keep in mind these refresher tips on your next scheduled court time. I look forward to seeing you there!