Deliberate Hindrance in Doubles
by: Dave Winship @ On The Line

I was recently asked if it was okay to distract your opponents in doubles by moving around when your partner is either serving or receiving.

Fact is, if your intention is to distract your opponents, you can't do it!

However, if your intention is to gain a tactical advantage by popping up in an unexpected position, you are quite entitled to make whatever moves you like!

Rule 21 states "If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point shall be replayed."

It's a bit of a moot point really and it depends on your interpretation of deliberate hindrance. The USTA Code of Conduct offers the following guidance

"With respect to a player moving when a ball is in play or about to be in play, in general he is entitled to feint with his body as he wishes. He may change position on the court at any time including while the server is tossing the ball to serve. Movements or sounds that are made solely to distract an opponent, such as waving the arms or racket, stamping the feet, or talking are prohibited."

My advice is to move as much as you like to gain advantage, but tone it down a bit if your opponents object - there's no point getting into an argument about what deliberate hindrance means.

Regards.

Dave Winship