Ball shown the door

This week one of the juniors playing in the Comberton Mens' fourth team was playing an opponent who hit a very a loose shot down the middle of the court. Our lad was lining up a good pickup from a rebound off the door but unfortunately after hitting the top edge of the door frame, the ball ricocheted straight down to the floor - unreturnable! His opponent offered to play a let, which they did, but what is the actual rule on this?

Well in fact it is strictly 'no let' - any irregularities in the court that are fixed throughout the match are considered to be part of the playing environment and you just have to put up with them! That includes the famous overhanging line around the top of some of our Comberton courts. Unless the odd rebound or bounce makes you back into your opponent trying to return it - in which case you do deserve a let - but probably could not expect a stroke in this case!