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They call "let" after losing the point. Does it stand?
A let is called the moment the hindrance happens. Playing on and calling it afterwards does not count.
A ball rolls onto the court during the rally. Nobody says anything; you win the point, and only then do they call a let. What is the correct outcome?
A let is called the moment the hindrance happens. Playing on and calling it afterwards does not count.
Why
Interference from outside the point is a let, but only if it is called as it happens. A player who sees the stray ball, continues to play, and then claims the let after losing the point has waived it; the point stands. In a refereed match the referee decides; in a friendly, the convention is the same and the honest version of it is that everyone calls hindrance the moment they notice it, whichever way the rally is going.
What this means at your level
Beginner
The second you notice something wrong, say "let" out loud. Do not wait to see if you win the point first.
Intermediate
If you call a let, call it for both pairs: the same standard whether the rally was going for you or against you.
Advanced
Against a pair that fishes for late lets, be calm and clear: "You played on, the point stands." Then serve.
Common questions
A ball rolls onto the court during the rally. Nobody says anything; you win the point, and only then do they call a let. What is the correct outcome?
Your point: a let is called at once, not after. A let is called the moment the hindrance happens. Playing on and calling it afterwards does not count. Interference from outside the point is a let, but only if it is called as it happens. A player who sees the stray ball, continues to play, and then claims the let after losing the point has waived it; the point stands. In a refereed match the referee decides; in a friendly, the convention is the same and the honest version of it is that everyone calls hindrance the moment they notice it, whichever way the rally is going.
Why not replay it to keep the peace?
You may offer that in a friendly match if you want, but the rule is that the point stands.
What should a beginner do here?
The second you notice something wrong, say "let" out loud. Do not wait to see if you win the point first.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Against a pair that fishes for late lets, be calm and clear: "You played on, the point stands." Then serve.
What do the rules say?
A let for hindrance must be claimed immediately. A player who continues the point after the hindrance cannot claim it afterwards.
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