If you have ever played or watched tennis, you have probably heard someone shout “let,” usually after a serve that still bounces in the service area. That can be confusing because, while from a technical perspective the ball already lands in bounds, the point stops as the players reset for a new serve or the next rally.
In tennis, the term let signifies that because the previous occurrence is interrupted, it is not counted or recognized as an actual play. This differs from a fault, which includes a penalty, because it resets the previous point; however, this situation occurs when an outside factor interrupts what normally is a routine serve or point. The basic principle is one of fairness.
Most instances of a let relate to the server, but the same rule applies to interruptions during play when conditions change drastically because of an incident neither player produces.
The Most Common Let: A Serve That Clips The Net
A let is created when a serve hits the net cord and still lands in the proper service box. Because of the potential for unpredictable changes to the speed, the bounce, and the direction of the ball, an altered serve can create an unusual circumstance for the receiver, such as the ball dying short suddenly or bouncing up unexpectedly. Thus, tennis treats this as a replay rather than a final ruling on the point based on an altered serve. You then replay the same serve.
If the serve touches the net on your first serve, you still receive a first serve. However, if the serve touches the net on your second serve, you still receive a second serve. If the serve touches the net and misses, it is not a let, just a fault. For a let, there must be both contact with the net and the serve landing in the proper service box.
Other Times A Let Can Happen
In addition to being used for hitting the dreaded net cord, the term let means almost anything that interrupts a point in a way that could be unsafe or unfair to continue playing the point. The most common example is an errant tennis ball rolling onto your side of the court.
While you may believe that you can still complete the point despite the errant ball, you have two major concerns. First, you are distracted, and second, there is a chance of injury from tripping over the ball. Most leagues, especially Junior Tennis, have players stop play immediately, call out the name of the offending player, and replay the point. Safety is always held by a majority of the players as a greater priority than finishing the point.
There are other things that can cause you to receive a let in informal play, such as somebody walking onto the court, a loud noise very close by while you are playing a point, or something unusual happening with one’s equipment or with the court itself. In a formal setting (e.g., a sanctioned match), an official addresses these situations according to the structure of that organization’s rules; however, the fundamental concept of the interference clearly impacting play still applies and, in nearly all instances, replaying that point is the simplest solution.
Let Vs. Hindrance
Many players confuse the terms “let” and “hindrance” because both are stoppages in play. However, it is important to note that a let is generally an accidental, external, or neutral disruption to a player’s motion. No penalty is assessed against either player, and replaying the point is generally seen as the fairest way to handle it.
Hindrance is an act by one player that prevents an opponent from completing a successful return during a rally. Policies and procedures governing hindrance vary depending on the level of competition and place of play. However, in unofficiated matches, players almost always use extreme caution when acting or speaking in a manner that may distract their opponent.
What To Do When A Let Happens
Whenever one of the players calls out “let” in any form, play is halted. If it is a service, determine whether it is the first or second serve and replay that serve again. If it is an interrupted rally such as a misdirected ball, both players agree to replay that point.
In the absence of an umpire, clarity is much better than confrontation. A simple call, for instance, Let net cord in first serve again or Ball on court let replay usually results in no argument about continuing play. If the situation is still in doubt, the sportsmanlike solution is generally to replay the point.
FAQs About Tennis Let Calls
Here are a few commonly asked “let” questions. If you don’t see your question answered, please reach out directly to speak with a tennis coach.
Is a let only on serves?
No. Generally speaking, the service is one of the primary ways that outside interference affects the point being played; however, there is another way that a let is called when an outside source interrupts play: when the interference causes a problem that affects the outcome of the point.
Do you replay a second serve if it’s a let?
Yes. If the second serve clips the net and lands in the correct box, you replay the second serve.
What if someone calls let late?
It is always best to call it immediately after an infraction occurs. When a late call comes after a play is already completed; it can be viewed as unfair.
Is every ball that clips the net during a rally a let?
No. Net clips during rallies are part of normal play and it’s generally considered play on.. The most common “let” net situations are when serving.
Can the receiver choose to play a let serve anyway?
In nonofficiated games, the receiver may return a let serve out of instinct. When players continue to play in the absence of a let call, they may play out points as though the let never occurs. In officiated games, the call of a let stops play and triggers a replay of the point played before the let.
Who is allowed to call a let on a serve?
Either player can make the decision to make the “let” call. Usually, the receiver has the ability to call it because they respond to the change in the bounce. However, if the server clearly sees contact with the net, then they should make the call out of good sportsmanship.
What should you do if you and your opponent disagree about a let?
Be sportsmanlike and keep it fair. If it cannot be determined whether the serve clips the net or whether an interruption is significant, the cleanest way to settle the dispute in unofficiated play is usually to replay the point.
Is a let the same thing as a hindrance?
No, they differ slightly. A let occurs when there is an interruption to play and it is not caused by either player, where replaying the point is the fairest outcome. Whereas a hindrance arises when one player interferes with another player’s ability to continue play and may be ruled differently depending on the situation.
What’s the best etiquette when a stray ball rolls onto the court?
Once noticed, stop play immediately, call stop, or clearly indicate to others that you are stopping play and state why you stop play. Regardless of how safe you feel continuing to play, given the historical data regarding when and how injuries occur, it is better to stop for safety reasons, especially when many players are juniors.
Learn to Play Tennis at Basha Tennis in Mountlake Terrace
A let is a way of resetting the game and means that if a serve or point is interfered with in a way such that, if the match is played out again, it provides an inaccurate result, we allow the players to replay that serve or point. The simplest way to understand a let is this: Do it again.
At Basha Tennis, we offer private tennis lessons and group classes for adults and juniors. No matter what an individual has been through, our highly qualified coaches can customize their approach according to the skill level of each person.
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