Line Shot Calls

 

Calling line shots in or out is not always the easiest job.  Remember any ball touching the line is considered in play, except for the no volley zone on the serve.    Two inch wide lines are the norm for most courts; smaller lines increase the difficulty in making the right call. Colored surfaces for the different court areas can make the determination easier, but are by no means foolproof.  So, how do you make the right call?

 

Rules for making the right line call without a line judge or referee

1. Making the call is the receiving team’s responsibility.

2. The person nearest the line and ball contact point makes the call and should have the final word.  

3. If both players are at the baseline the non returning player makes the call.

4. Upon receiving the serve the up person makes the no volley line call.

5. If two partners in doubles cannot agree on whether the ball is “out” or “in,” then the ball is considered “in.”

6. When in doubt the call should be the ball is “in.”

7. Respectful inquiry: If you are unsure, ask the opposing team politely for their call, if given, you must accept their call.

 

Who should not make the call is almost as important as who should.

1. The up person on a baseline call.

2. The receiving person on the no volley line call.

3. The person on the opposite side of the court from the sideline in question.

4. If you are uncertain or out of position, say nothing, and defer to your partner.

During tournament play the referee has the final word and can overrule a line judge.