SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pb-ball-touches-net-rally

During a rally, your shot touches the top of the net and goes over. What happens?

The ball stays in play.

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  1. It is a fault
  2. The ball stays in play ✔
  3. The point is replayed

Why: Touching the net does not stop a rally. If the ball clips the net and lands in, the other side must play it.

Huh, didn't know that: You may even hit a ball around the outside of the net post instead of over the net.

The dad joke
My shot rolled over the net. It just needed a little support.
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References

Answer: The ball stays in play. Touching the net does not stop a rally. If the ball clips the net and lands in, the other side must play it.

  1. 2026 USA Pickleball Official Rulebook usapickleball.org/docs/rules/USAP-Official-Rulebook.pdf
    at the top of the net between the net posts, the ball remains in play.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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