Timing a requested let
Timing! Timing is significant in making a shot. Timing is critical when requesting a let. Timing is a key component when assessing the merits of a requested let.
Striking the ball requires an amazing amount of timing and skill. The ball will be in contact with the racquet face for a tiny fraction of a second.
Players are required to provide opponents with a fair opportunity to play the ball. However, despite players making considerable effort they may fail to give the striker a fair opportunity. The striker may request a let when they are not given a fair opportunity to play the ball.
The request for a let must be audible. Gestures are not acceptable substitutions.
Timing a request for a let is essential. A guideline is that the request should be made as soon as the interference occurs. Two types of interference are the topics of this article.
The opponents must provide space for the striker’s swing. The opponents must provide a clear path for the ball after being struck.
The swing includes the back swing to the follow-through. Interference of the swing may be actual contact or the fear of contacting the opponent.
The potential harm of striking an opponent is a concern. But first consider when there is contact. The proper timing is the moment the contact occurs. There is a balance between contact that disrupts the swing and contact that is incidental.
Contact between the striker and opponent may happen as the striker is preparing to swing. It is at that moment that the striker should request the let. If the striker continues with the swing they are assumed to have ignored the interference.
Once the forward motion of the swing begins, it is more difficult for the striker to react to contact with the opponent. The striker should make their call close to this moment. It is too late for the striker to wait to see if their ball hits the tin or not.
Once the let is requested, play stops.
The striker may withhold a swing to avoid hitting the opponent with their racquet. The ball should be approaching the spot that it would have been struck. If the ball is well in front of the striker, that is too early to request a let. If the ball has gone passed the spot the ball would have been struck, that is too late.
The opponents must provide a clear path for the ball after being struck. There are some assumptions behind this statement. The striker must be positioned well enough to make the shot in question. The particular shot must be entitled. In case of a boast, it must be viable. The striker should request a let the moment just before they would otherwise have struck the ball. If the ball has not yet reached the striker, it is too early. If the ball has passed them, it is too late. It is perfect timing when the striker makes their call just a fraction of a second before they would have struck the ball.
Once a let is requested for swing or ball flight interference, all play stops. Continuation of ball flight does not apply.