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Last August, the Second Serve Podcast did a three-part “Stump the Ump” series with Rebel Good. The long-time USTA Umpire is the author of the ‘Court of Appeals’ column for Tennis Magazine. One of the items of discussion during that episode was a new twist on a rule that I had not previously considered.

Yesterday, I shared my belief that all tennis players should be comfortable playing matches while carrying the two extra balls in their shorts/skirts. However, many players prefer to carry only one, which can create an awkward situation when a service fault winds up in their proximity when they already have a ball in their pocket.

The rules scenario described by Rebel Good comes when the net player picks up a ball from a service fault and tosses it toward the net. If that occurs as their partner is delivering the second serve, it could result in the loss of the point. Timing is everything.

PLAYER LOSES POINT

The point is lost if:

g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or anything which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the opponent’s court at any time while the ball is in play.

USTA Friend at Court, Rule 24.g

Any player who picks up a ball is immediately carrying it. Additionally, the point is in play from the moment their partner hits the second serve. Consequently, if the ball held by the server’s partner is dropped and touches the net before the point has ended, that team loses the point.

Naturally, once I was sensitized to this rule variation, it immediately transpired during one of my matches. Our opponent netted a first service fault, which her partner picked up and struggled to pocket. As the net player heard her partner deliver the second serve, she gave up and threw the ball forward into the net.

Per this rule, it was our point. I didn’t make the call. The potential for drama wasn’t worth it. It was at a critical moment in a 3rd set super-breaker.

It is unclear how things would have played out if I had. I am sure the ensuing debate would hash out the existence and validity of the rule. Additionally, there would have to be agreement on the timing of when the ball left her hand relative to the service delivery. Even if a roving umpire was summoned to the court for a strict interpretation of tennis law, I am not 100% confident that the correct ruling would have been made.

However, seeing this scenario assert itself so quickly after I was first sensitized to it, I have recently arrived at the conclusion that it probably happens more than you’d think. This has led me to reconsider whether my preference to always pocket the ball is truly the best course of action. Since I am comfortable carrying both balls, I still think that is the best approach for me.

However, for players that genuinely want only one ball on their person, the correct play is probably to tap the ball to the net or the side fence with their racquet. That way, they avoid carrying the ball and potentially losing the point if they later intentionally or inadvertently drop it.

Ultimately, this revelation underscores the importance of a deep and nuanced understanding of the rules of tennis. This could make a huge difference in a pivotal moment during a match.


  1. Friend at Court: The Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2023

One thought on “Dropping the Ball

  1. Hal Koch says:

    I disagree. Once the ball is tossed or dropped it is no longer being carried. Similarly, once a hat leaves a person’s head it is no longer being worn. The rule says, “ ‘is’ wearing or carrying “, not “was”. A point or let decision could be made under the hindrance rule but not the rule for touching the net.

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