Whether you’re new to tennis or watching a Grand Slam match, one of the most common questions is: What happens if the ball hits the net in tennis? The answer depends on whether the ball hits the net during a serve or during a rally.
Here’s everything you need to know about the official tennis rules when the ball touches the net.
What Happens If the Ball Hits the Net on a Serve?
When a player serves, there are two possible outcomes if the ball hits the net:
The Ball Hits the Net and Lands in the Correct Service Box
If the serve clips the net but still lands inside the correct service box, it is called a let.
In this situation:
- The serve does not count as a fault.
- The point is stopped immediately.
- The server simply takes the serve again.
- There is no limit to the number of consecutive lets.
This rule applies in professional tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, the US Open, ATP Tour, and WTA Tour events.
The Ball Hits the Net and Does Not Land in the Correct Service Box
If the serve hits the net and:
- Lands outside the service box,
- Fails to clear the net, or
- Doesn’t reach the correct service box,
it is ruled a service fault.
If it happens on a player’s first serve, they receive a second serve. If it happens again on the second serve, it results in a double fault, and the receiver wins the point.
What Happens If the Ball Hits the Net During a Rally?
The rules are different once the point has started.
If the Ball Hits the Net and Goes Over
If a player’s shot touches the net but still lands inside the opponent’s court, the ball remains in play.
Play continues normally, and the opponent must return the shot before the ball bounces twice.
These shots are often referred to as net cords and can produce unexpected winners due to the slower speed or altered bounce.
If the Ball Hits the Net and Does Not Go Over
If the ball strikes the net and falls back onto the hitter’s side of the court, the player immediately loses the point.
The ball must completely clear the net and land inside the opponent’s court to remain in play.
Can a Player Touch the Net?
No. Under the Rules of Tennis, a player loses the point if they touch the net while the ball is still in play.
Examples include:
- Touching the net with your body or racket during the point.
- Reaching into the opponent’s side of the court before the point has ended.
- Catching or carrying the ball instead of striking it.
Players may only touch the net after the point has officially ended.
Why Is It Called a “Let”?
The term let has been used in tennis for centuries and refers to a serve that is interrupted because it touched the net but still landed legally. Since neither player gains an advantage, the serve is simply replayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a serve that hits the net count?
No. If it lands in the correct service box, it is a let and the serve is replayed. If it does not land in the proper box, it is a fault.
Can a ball hit the net and still be good?
Yes. During a rally, a shot that touches the net and still lands inside the opponent’s court is perfectly legal and play continues.
Is there a limit to how many lets can occur?
No. A player may serve an unlimited number of lets until a legal serve or a fault occurs.
What is a net cord?
A net cord is a shot that touches the top of the net during a rally but still crosses into the opponent’s court. While often unintentional, it remains a legal shot.
Final Thoughts
When the ball hits the net in tennis, the outcome depends entirely on the situation. During a serve, a ball that clips the net and lands in the correct service box is a let, meaning the serve is replayed. During a rally, a ball that hits the net and still goes over remains in play, while a ball that fails to clear the net results in an immediate loss of the point.
Understanding these rules makes it easier to follow professional matches and appreciate how even the slightest touch of the net can dramatically change the outcome of a point.