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Frustrated - Too Many Lets!

If it is safe, take advantage of the situation - a boast would be perfect in this example

If it is safe, take advantage of the situation - a boast would be perfect in this example

Published: 03 Oct 2004 - 23:04 by rippa rit

Updated: 14 Jan 2008 - 13:29

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"Lets" are good in squash and they keep the game safe. However, there are several situations where "lets" become the norm during play to the detriment of the game.
If this is allowed to continue it can cause frustration and anger to the players.

How can a situation like this be avoided?

  • The Referee must take control of the match exercising their authority and decide under the terms of the rules, eg
    •  ..is the intersference deliberate
    • ...is the interference accidental
    •  ..has interference occurred
    •  ..is the player making every effort to avoid the interference
    • ...is the opponent playing the player, not the ball
    • ...is the opponent crowding, and so on.
  • The Referee must control the match or it can easily get out of hand.
  • Strokes/penalties work wonders if players are misbehaving.
  • The Player can take some action also, and must, particularly if the Referee is just keeping the score! How?
    • ....hit the ball away from themselves, eg instead of playing a drive, play a boast
    • . ..when approaching the ball, to play your shot, turn your body and become aware of the opponent's position on court. This will give a better clue where to hit the return
    • . ..when moving away, after striking the ball, use a circular movement around the incoming striker, to avoid bumping, and causing interference.
  • Tip: Remember, there are 4 corners of the court when aiming to return the ball; aim for the corners furtherest away from the opponent. When training with your team mates practice these strategies.
  • Rules link
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Replies...

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From edmpnd1961 - 14 Jan 2008 - 13:29

Hi Apprice,


Minimal contact occurs when moving past yr opponent to play yr next shot as he must allow u, the incoming striker a direct acess to the ball as u mention is he blocks u deliberately an interfernce called created interference has occured in which a let will be called if he persisted then a conduct warning will be given and a stroke for dangerous play.( only if theres a refeeree involoved) otherwise just swing yr racket into his or her body to wake him or her up as suggested by some in othe post.


Cheers


 

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From drop-shot - 19 Jan 2006 - 20:27

Hey Artie,
Minimal interference, minimal contact means that majority of refs will ignore your appeal (you stop suddenly and watch the ref moochingly) if you were brushed by the opponent or pushed a bit. You better continue the game and hit the ball. At least this is what happens on the proffesional circuit now. So, yes, if you were obstructed but you can reach the ball and hit it, just do it. As you say, you are fast on court, so it won't be the problem for you :)

Just play squash :)

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From aprice1985 - 19 Jan 2006 - 01:29

I just wonder about the minimal contact part, if i have been obstructed by my opponent but could still get to the ball should i have to play it even if it is now a difficult shot which disadvantages me?  this would annoy me as i am fairly fast around court so can get to a lot of balls but it is awkward to hit them after much contact

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From drop-shot - 18 Jan 2006 - 20:28

Dear reader, please note that the NEWEST adjustments to the rules of squash reduce the "Let" situations in a game to make the match more exciting and less disturbed. So, if there is a SLIGHT INTERFERENCE, body contact with the opponent but you can EASILY continue the rally, please go on as in the "real" match NO LET will be given, even if you stop the game and start your dispute with the ref. Most common situations in "amateur matches" end up with one player screaming for "let" becasue he was touched by the opponent. Sorry, but that's the game now, you touch the opponent, you push hi away from your way, but you continue the game. The best way to avoid "lets and strokes" being given is to play the ball far from your body, letting the opponrnt to hit and moving efficiently on court.

Just to answer WIlsonw's query – regarding service – the situation described there is a definite stroke... Mind you – he covers 60% of the court with his body now. So, what do you expect from the receiver?

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From rippa rit - 12 Dec 2004 - 16:52

wilsonm,
I have given some thought to your post and if you go to Library, click Rules/Specifications, then click Distraction - Winning Return, you will see I have expanded the explanation. If the opponent falling over only gets a "play on" or appeal, which means you then take the risk of losing the point, I'd say "gas" would not even be in the running for a let/stroke - I'd bet my bottom dollar the Refs decision would be "no let"! Sorry for the "bad" News.

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From raystrach - 08 Dec 2004 - 23:02

thanks for your replies, wilsonw.

i'll answer this for rita.

i'll resist the temptation to make a number of fart jokes, but 'passing wind' probably would not be a reason for a let except in exceptional circumstances, probably under code of conduct.

as for your positional query, the player who moves across as you describe would be a prime candidate to have a stroke awarded against them, if a let was called.

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From wilsonw - 07 Dec 2004 - 23:48

I have noticed an increase of the situation where the server of the ball moves past the 'T' and stands right in front of the returning shot.

This limits the shots to be played, and would result in a stroke for the server if he was hit. Can this be called as a let point.

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From wilsonw - 07 Dec 2004 - 23:45

I know that this may come across as crass, but it happened the other day on the court.

What happens if a person passes wind on court before or during a game. Is it also a let/stroke situation.

Once again, sorry about the question, but the juniors seem to have a prolem in this area.

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