Agree the game before the first serve
For a social booking, tell the other players if it is your first game and agree which scoring format you will use. Advantage, Golden Point and Star Point do not end deuce the same way. Decide how you will handle the end of a timed court slot instead of treating the booking as a guaranteed full match. In competition, follow the published event format.
Arrive ready, and respect the warm-up
FIP’s competition rules include a three-minute courtesy rally before play, together with formal rules on punctuality and continuous play. A casual club session may have different check-in arrangements. Our practical recommendation is to arrive early enough to check the court assignment and equipment without consuming another pair’s paid time. Use the initial rally to get used to the ball and enclosure, not to claim an extra session.
If another ball enters the court
FIP Rule 10 treats an outside element invading the court as a possible let situation. If you believe a let has arisen in an officiated match, notify the umpire immediately; playing on removes the right to ask for that let afterward. In social play, our safety recommendation is to alert the other players and stop the rally when a loose ball creates a hazard. Do not try to finish the point around it. Agree the restart together rather than silently changing the score.
Give the receiver time to be ready
Under Rule 6, the server must wait until the receiver is ready, while the receiver must adapt to the server’s reasonable rhythm. Trying to return the serve prevents a later claim that you were not ready. Calling the score clearly before serving is our practical recommendation for avoiding disputes, a useful way to avoid confusion. If the pairs disagree, resolve the score before starting another point; in competition, use the official’s procedure.
Look after partners, opponents and equipment
FIP’s conduct code requires courteous behavior and prohibits verbal or physical abuse, throwing rackets and deliberately striking court structures with a racket. Wear the mandatory wrist cord. Our social-play recommendation is to agree who will take a ball through the middle and avoid criticizing a partner after every miss. Neither frustration nor a professional highlight is permission to take an unsafe swing or attempt an unauthorized run outside the court.
Finish within the booking you paid for
Have a plan for the end of the slot, remove your belongings and leave the court as the operator requests. Ask about weather and cancellation terms before booking an outdoor session. These are booking considerations, not FIP scoring rules. Take your belongings off court promptly so the next group can start on time.