Dealing With Bad Line Calls and Cheaters (Without Tanking)
Quick answer
In matches without an umpire, the damage from a bad line call is rarely the point itself. It is the meltdown that follows. The fix is to know the rules, respond calmly and once, and refuse to let it change how you play. Your opponent calls their side and you call yours, with the benefit of the doubt going to them.
Why bad calls beat you
One stolen point almost never decides a match. What decides it is the three games you then lose because you are furious, distracted, and overhitting out of spite. The cheater does not have to be better than you. They just have to get you to beat yourself, and most players oblige.
Know the rules first
Under the standard code, each player calls their own side of the net, a ball touching any part of the line is good, and you must give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. You cannot overrule their call, but you can ask, once and calmly, are you sure. If it keeps happening in a sanctioned match, you can request an official.
Stay composed and keep your plan
- 1Respond once, calmly. Ask are you sure if needed, then let it go. Arguing hands them more of your focus.
- 2Reset with your routine. Use your between-point routine to drop the anger before the next point.
- 3Add margin, do not press. Aim a little further inside the lines so close calls stop being possible.
- 4In a sanctioned event, get an official if it is repeated. That is what they are there for.
Composure is the whole skill here, and it is the same muscle as a between-points routine. The player who stays calm against a cheater usually wins anyway, because the cheating was their only edge.
The short version
The stolen point is not the danger, your reaction is. Know the rules, respond once and calmly, reset with your routine, add margin, and get an official if needed.
Frequently asked
What do you do when your opponent makes bad line calls?
Calmly ask are you sure once, then let it go. You cannot overrule their call, but you can request an official in a sanctioned match. Most importantly, reset and refuse to let it change how you play.
Who calls the lines in a match without an umpire?
Each player calls the balls on their own side of the net. A ball touching any part of the line is good, and you must give your opponent the benefit of the doubt on close calls.
How do I stay calm against a cheater?
Use your between-point routine to release the anger, add margin so close calls disappear, and remember the cheating is often their only edge. Composure usually wins the match.
Sources and further reading
Written by
Bolor Enkhbayar
Tennis coach and founder of CoachesNote
Bolor coaches serious juniors and adult competitors. She builds every weekly plan, reviews the video and match notes, and decides the next job, in person and remotely through CoachesNote.
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