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John T · Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 16

I think we give lets/strokes far to easily in our games and wondered what others thought.

After watching numerous DVD/Video's at the club it is fairly obvious that we give far too many strokes that should simply be a let as the opponent is attempting to clear the ball.

Anyone got a view on this? Mad

Dave Tennent · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 7

John,

Must say I agree with you. Those refereeing the top players clearly expect two things to happen; that having hit the ball every effort must be made to get out of your opponents way, that regardless of what your opponent is doing or has done, you have to show a real attempt to get to the ball, and be in a position to hit it once you get to it.

So often in games at our level, players stand at the back of the court and simply lift their racket up in the air if the ball returns anywhere near their opponent, and even if there is no way on God's earth that they could do anything with it (ie the ball is almost past them before they've even got their racket up above waist height) a stroke is expected, and most often given.

The benefits of the approach at the highest level is clear, harder and more continuous games, better to watch and usually the result going to the player who has worked the hardest continuously throughout the game for their points, not just had them handed to them on a plate for lifting a racket in the air.

So to cut this very long story short I think we should emulate what the big boys do. One draw-back to this, of course, is that if we are the only club doing this we will have a very rough ride indeed from our opponents in the leagues this season.

It's good to talk!

Dave

squash-fiend · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 4 Location: where?

I have heard several times when a stroke has been awarded against a player, you made no attempt to clear the ball. Personally I feel having seen the appalling marking in pro matches, what ever you call is fine, and the less confrontational the better. Let away...! Twisted Evil

Domestos · Joined: 29 Aug 2006 Posts: 2

Dear Deirdre,

I have to say that if it wasn't for lets/strokes then Roddy wouldn't get any points at all!

Dangerous stroke play / racket action has to be a let.

Lack of effort to either clear the shot or get to the ball must be rewarded with say 5 lashes?
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Jeff Fillmore (Up Periscope)

John T · Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 16

Hi Jeff, based on your post above and Dougies refereeing decision tonight that you gave up going for the ball, I think you are due the 5 lashes!

The Vet · Joined: 03 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Dear John, I am afraid that attempting to clear the ball is not enough of an excuse to avoid being awarded a let/stroke. I too have watched the DVD, and what I notice the referee saying is a "good clearing effort". I think most of us know when we have not cleared the ball addequately to give the opponent a good line to the ball and am quite willing to accept the adverse decision.
On the other hand, I cannot abide the player who has clearly not seen the ball till it is past them, and rather tardily raises the racket demanding a stroke and then goes into a strop when they are refused.
I amit I have to put up with Joe at the front and on his backhand who defies the physics of a straight line and whose movement always curves to collide with me and demands a let. Fortunately Joe understands the phrase "No Way"
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The Vet: Balls removed for free

John T · Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 16

I was playing young Kenny last night and he continually just takes a stroke when I feel he has ample space to make the shot.

It drives me nuts - just hit it!!!

Evil or Very Mad