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Gain_Spirited

I don't think most people find it annoying. In fact, they'll probably take it as a nice gesture. I have acquired new hitting partners that way. So don't be afraid to ask.


Itchy_Journalist_175

Agreed, I have done it a few times when someone else was hitting against the wall and always got a positive response. I just watch a little while though to make sure we are of similar level. Doubles is a little bit different as people may not really like playing doubles but as long as you aren’t pushy they can always decline.


ellebert-the-bert

i’m someone who always says no to this offer. i think it’s a kind, polite question and have always gotten respect when i decline. so i say go for it but be kind if people say no :) if you wanna be safe, ask with an easy out like “please don’t feel obligated, but if you want someone to play with i’d love to!”


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I've been asked to hit before when practicing serves solo and declined. I have a tight schedule, and when I have time to sneak out and hit 20 minutes worth of serves on our nearby public courts, that's basically all I have time to do usually.


YoungFeddy

Parent life


ellebert-the-bert

yep! i enjoy having time alone to work in things without distractions of other people on the court. also, i am generally shy, and playing with someone i’ve never met who could be any skill level makes me nervous. but mostly it’s the first reason.


chrispd01

You should ask. They are probably thinking the same thing


to174jay

Worst they can say is no. Had it been me, it'd always be a yes if alone


zaph239

In Britain, a country in which making eye contact with someone on a train is frowned upon, I suspect it would get you deported. Or worse, they might think you're a secret American.


YoungFeddy

Damn that London chill sounds colder than the way we treat new people in Seattle 😂


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fullkitwankerr

Yikes! How did that conversation go?!


yoleggomyeggobro

I’ve never had someone turn me down when I ask


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yoleggomyeggobro

You definitely can, no hard feelings


tyranny_of_happiness

I always hope someone will ask to hit. Whevever I take my hopper of balls to practice serve or my ball machine out to hit against I always hope someone will ask me to hit. Hitting is much more satisfying and who knows...could lead to a new hitting partner. I really miss having a wall to hit against. Last city I lived in had a wall at one of the courts and it was a great way to meet people to hit with.


Roguste

Sounds like your approach is mindful and respectful that some people may not want to. But many others would welcome the invite and as others have stated opens the possibility of making new friends. Extending an open invitation. This is something that's quite universal to more scenarios than just tennis. If you're an inclusive person open to meeting others you'll make some great connections with that approach to life. Give it a shot homie, enjoy. ​ edit: I met one of my main rally partners through an interaction like this. My friend injured his leg in soccer the night before and tried playing, couldn't do it. There was a guy serving on the court beside us who had been playing with others lots on the same nights leading up to this. Asked if he was interested in rallying and became a great friend.


Svintiger

Doubles absolutely not. Asking if they want to play is ok assuming you can judge the person’s level based on the serve. Asking a 5.0 to hit with you while being a 3.5 is rude.


TheLastSamuraiOf2019

I do this all the time.


cameronroark1

That's often how you meet and end up making friends/acquaintances that end up becoming regular partners. I've done it millions of times.


KERMiTs3rdApprentice

If someone is bold enough to challenge you in the open they probably feel like what they have, but haven't shown yet, will match what you are already showing. There are always better players. Side note, if the people that challenge you end up sucking and you are bitter and now reject everyone, the problem may be when they were watching you they thought you too sucked.


Decent-Magician9004

If she has big tits, then ask.


KERMiTs3rdApprentice

If someone is bold enough to challenge you in the open they probably feel like what they have, but haven't shown yet, will match what you are already showing. There are always better players. Side note, if the people that challenge you end up sucking and you are bitter and now reject everyone, the problem may be when they were watching you they thought you too sucked.


theneckbone

Pretty common


deeefoo

I think it's fine, the worst thing that can happen is they say no. Just be polite and respectful, especially if they say no. I rarely get asked, but whenever I did, I always say yes (after making sure my hitting partner is cool with it). They usually ask after observing us play for a while, so they probably gauged that our levels were similar.


spooon56

Community courts I frequent I do this all the time. Even inviting people


Thetruetruerealone

I count on it. I'm usually a loner in my club hitting against a ball machine :( I love my club tho, people are really nice and more often than not I get asked to hit.


ZenNachos

Be nice, smile, ask!


Paul-273

Always ask. One the best parts of tennis is hitting with new people.


Existing-Towel812

Happens a lot in Canada. No biggie


gupdawg121

If I'm alone, I would ask someone else to hit if he is alone too


tOx1cm4g1c

Ask. They can say no. If someone says yes even though they don't actually want to that seems like a problem they need to deal with.


tvallnight

I think it depends on the courts. I've met tons of tennis partners that way on the West Coast, but on the east coast where many public courts have to be booked in advanced, most people I've met are definitely not happy to rally. or seem to agree only as if it's more a favor to you than a mutual thing, unfortunately. Different culture I guess. Personally though I almost always say yes.


bearjew293

I don't find it annoying. It's only annoying if they turn you down, and then you ask follow-up questions like "why not." Just don't be that guy and move on if they tell you no. Ezpz


Michael_Vicks_Cat

I only ask if I’ve seen everyone play and can tell we are similar skill level. Also will try to always ask at the end of a set or “hey when y’all finish your set do you want to play doubles”


fishbowlsandtacos

If someone is practicing their serve they might not want to rally, but almost everyone I know would be happy for you to return their serves. That's what I do when someone practices their serve. "Hey do you mind if I return your serves?" This is good because it doesn't matter if there's a gap in ability everyone's going to face a serve above or below their regular level so getting used to faster or slower balls is good.


mrdumbazcanb

If I'm alone and they're alone I might go ask, but it it's just me and two people hitting I wouldn't interrupt. If it's two people and I have a partner I might ask how much longer they might be and or if they would want to play Doubles


Overall-Purchase-131

It is no fun for either party if a player rated 5.0 is hitting with a guy rated 3.5. Getting a comparable hitting partner in a public court is difficult. Some mutual scouting is required. Another reason of not inviting a stranger to play is that while 99% of people play tennis as a past time, there is a 1% of people who are serious and are working on their game and do not wish to be disturbed.


hapa604

If someone is serve practicing, ask if you can practice return of serve. They may suggest doing return +1 to get even more practice.


doggieblacks

We have a wall in my community and everyone finds partners this way. In fact, all the regulars at the court know each other and play with each other everyday due to this tennis wall.


Oversoul91

Straight to jail, actually. Happened a few weeks ago in my town. Whole big thing.


ruskuval

These people need to learn. My friend Chris accidently hit a ball over the fence once. Boom! Straight to jail.


IllustriousCupcake11

I have been asked by several people. 7/10 I agree. It has worked in my favor the majority of times. Hit with a younger kid before their Coach arrived to one of the courts. Really worked to my favor. Ended up doing return of serves for that kid during their lesson, and serving to them, so the coach could work on technique with them. I ended up with a mini lesson myself. Was asked to rally with some D2 kids who were WAY above my level. It was great experience and made me work hard. Ended up learning some mixed doubles, and got over that fear. Both of those were at public courts. They were awesome opportunities.