There has been discussion from time to time about changing this rule so that a ball which is lobbed and bounces out of the enclosure is a winning shot rather than loss of point. The APTA Board has wisely (and correctly, in my opinion) left the rule intact.

Those in favor of the change often make the argument that it takes skill to hit a lob which will bounce out of play.  I believe that it takes more skill – and guts – to know when to let the ball bounce out of play. (All proposals for change that I have heard believe that bouncing an overhead out of the court should still be loss of point, by the way.  That could then lead to arguments as to whether a shot was a lob, and overhead, or something in between!)

Some of the top players claim that they can hit a lob so that it bounces out whenever they wish.  First of all, the sport and its rules should be for players of all levels.  Secondly, if they are so skilled, perhaps they can learn to hit that perfect lob that will stay in play and slide down the back screen!

There is really no need to change the rule, and great precedence for leaving the rule as is.  When I search the Official Rules, I do not find a section entitled “Winning the Point”.  That is probably because this is not a sport where you are expected to win the point, but rather give your opponents the chance to lose the point.

As with so many of the changes proposed, I say, “Leave my sport alone!  If you don’t enjoy it as it is, go find something else to do!”

~ Marjorie Hodson

I would like to see this rule be reviewed in the case that when a lob bounces in and then bounces over the screens. I believe this should be a lost point for the team who let the ball bounce.

18i should (be added to) read:
18. Loss of Point
A team loses the point if:
i. A team allows a lob to bounce which then bounces over the screen.

When these rules were written the courts were made of wood, and balls were not nearly as lively.  It was not necessary to consider who should lose the point should a lob bounce in then bounce.  Recently rule 18j was added for loss of point if a ball hits a screen then rebounds across the net - which supports how the equipment has changed and requires rules be updated.

~ Bob Considine