Talking during a point
A player shall not talk while the ball is moving
toward the opponents side of the court.
If the players talking interferes with an opponents ability to play the ball,
the player loses the point.
Consider the situation where a player hits a weak lob
and loudly yells at his or her partner to get back.
If the shout is loud enough to distract an opponent,
then the opponent may claim
the point based on a deliberate hindrance.
If the opponent chooses to hit the lob and misses it,
the opponent loses the point
because the opponent did not make
a timely claim of hindrance.
Feinting with the body.
A player may feint with the body
while the ball is in play.
A player may change position at any time,
including while the Server is tossing the ball.
Any movement or sound that is made solely
to distract an opponent, including,
but not limited,
to waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet,
is not allowed.
Lets due to hindrance
A let is not automatically granted because of hindrance.
A let is authorized only if the player
could have made the shot had the player not been hindered.
A let is also not authorized for a hindrance
caused by something within a players control.
For example, a request for a let
because the player tripped over
the players own hat should be denied.
Grunting
A player should avoid grunting and making other loud noises.
Grunting and other loud noises may bother
not only opponents but also players on adjacent courts.
In an extreme case,
an opponent or a player on an adjacent court may seek the assistance of the Referee or a Roving Umpire.
The Referee or official may treat grunting and the making of loud noises as a hindrance.
Depending upon the circumstance,
this could result in a let or loss of point.
Injury caused by a player
When a player accidentally injures an opponent,
the opponent suffers the consequences.
Consider the situation where the Servers racket
accidentally strikes the Receiver and incapacitates the Receiver.
The Receiver is unable to resume play within the time limit.
Even though the Server caused the injury,
the Server wins the match by retirement.
On the other hand,
when a player deliberately injures an opponent
and affects the opponents ability to play,
then the opponent wins the match by default.
Hitting a ball or throwing a racket
in anger is considered a deliberate act.
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