Coaching Tip - March 2012

Winning The Toss

Gives you a number of options

Traditionally the order of serving in a Tennis match is decided by the toss of a coin with one of the players calling “heads” or “tails”.
In more recent times this order can also be decided by spinning the racquet either on the ground or in a player’s hands with the other player calling “M” or “W”, “P” or “D” , or logo “up”  or “down”  depending on the racquet brand as indicated on the butt of the racquet.

The player(s) winning the coin toss or racquet spin under Rules of Tennis (Rule #9) may

1. Choose to serve or receive in the first game of the match

The opponent(s) shall then choose the end of the court for that first game

2. Choose the end of the court to receive

The opponent(s) shall then choose to serve or receive first

3. Ask the opponent(s) to make one of the two choices above i.e.

Either to serve or receive first
Or to choose the end of the court to begin the match
In this case the player(s) who won the coin toss or racquet spin and asked that for their opponent(s) to choose one of the two choices above can then choose either the end of the court or to serve or receive depending on their opponent(s) choice

The winning of the coin toss or racquet spin does not entitle player(s) to make all decisions.
Once you require your opponent to make the initial decision it is as though they have won the toss.
They cannot however then defer back to you.
Their choice must be either number 1 or 2.

The advantage of winning the coin toss or racquet spin and asking your opponents to make the initial decision has to do with a player’s preference in serving particularly in doubles.
Players in doubles may prefer to serve first and/or from a particular end of the court.
Take the sun into the equation as some players do not like to serve into the sun i.e. left handed player.
By asking your opponent(s)  to make the initial decision you can control your preferred serving ends at least for the first set.
 
I hope that the hints re winning the coin toss or racquet spin and the choices available of some assistance.
Try not to confuse yourself by thinking too much.
Keep it Simple.

Let me know if you can think of any other options.

Tennis the game of a lifetime

Contact me by Email if you have any comments or helpful Tennis hints.