Because I grew up playing tennis on the windswept plains of north Texas, I am loathe to play a point with a loose ball on or near the playing area of the court. A ball at rest frequently becomes a ball in motion during gusty weather. Consequently, I have a strong opinion that the best place for balls during a match is in one of the player’s pockets, preferably the server’s.
I firmly believe all players should be comfortable playing while carrying two balls on their person. When I am serving, there are situations where it might be beneficial to serve one ball over the others to start a point. I want all three in my possession for that decision. Most of the minority of players who prefer all three balls usually compete at the higher tiers of the sport.
In doubles, it is a common practice for the server to request that their partner hold the extra ball. However, that creates a potentially awkward situation after the first serve is hit into the net if the net person is not comfortable holding two balls. Additionally, the receiving team frequently taps missed first serves back to the net person. That forces a decision between pocketing a second ball, tapping the ball into the bottom of the net, or sending it toward the side of the court.
I once played against a person who reflexively swatted netted serves toward a side fence… that wasn’t there. Her partner’s service games were punctuated with delays and apologies. The adjacent courts on both sides were subject to frequent let balls sailing across their field of vision. It was annoying for all parties involved.
In the overthinking department, I believe that pocketing the ball is the best-case option. If it is tapped toward the net, it may not quickly settle there. Additionally, it will be immediately underfoot should a gust dislodge it from that position during the point. A ball tapped to the side fence may rebound back near the playing area, further disrupting play.
Earlier this year, I learned about a rules-related situation that can arise when the net person has to dispose of the ball from a missed first serve. In fact, it led me to briefly reconsider my preferences. That unique scenario is the subject of tomorrow’s post.
