Tennis Net Rules

The net is quite literally the central point of a tennis match. It can act as an ally and a foil for players at any point in the game, determining on how they position themselves around the court and how they play their shots. Unsurprisingly there are a number of rules in tennis which revolve around how the net comes into play.

  1. The Net Structure

    • The net divides the tennis court across the middle. It is extended by a cord or metal cable and is extended fully between two posts at each end. The cord must have a diameter of one-third of an inch and the posts must be no more than an inch higher than the net cord. The net must be three feet off the ground at the center where it is held in place by a white strap. The net itself must be enough of a mesh so that the ball cannot pass through.

    Service

    • If on first service a player hits the net, and the ball fails to bounce over, it shall be called a fault and the player will have to serve again. On second service, should a player hit the net and the ball fail to bounce over, it shall be called a double fault and the opponent will take the point. If the ball hits any part of the net structure on serve and still lands as a good shot, then it is called "Let In Service" and the shot is replayed.

    Ball Hitting the Net

    • A player loses a point if he fails to have the ball bounce inside his opponent's half of the court. That includes hitting any part of the net structure and the ball dropping onto his side of the court. If the ball hits the net and bounces over it is still in play.

    Coming into Contact

    • A player loses a point if any part of his body, racket or clothing comes into contact with the net structure. A player crossing above the net before or after striking the ball does not necessarily lose a point as long as he doesn't make contact with the net. Although he may do so if the umpire decides he has hindered his opponent. He will lose a point if a volley is made before the ball has crossed over the net.