Net and fence rules: legal contact points

What this lesson covers

Reaching over the net is permitted only after the ball has bounced on your side of the court. You may follow through over the net with your racket, provided the initial contact occurs on your side. If the ball has not yet bounced on your side, reaching over to strike it results in a loss of the point. Touching the net, the net post, or any part of the opponent's fence at any time during an active rally leads to an immediate loss of the point.

Running outside the court to play a ball is allowed, as long as you do not make contact with the opponent's fence or the net. Once a point is officially finished, such as when a smash clears the four-meter fence or bounces twice on the opponent's side, touching the net or the ground does not forfeit the point. In matches without a referee, players must rely on sportsmanship. If a dispute arises regarding a net touch, the most appropriate action is to play a let.