SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-follow-through-over-net

You hit the ball on your side, and your racket follows through over the net. Is that OK?

Yes, as long as you hit it on your side and don't touch the net.

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  1. No, you lose the point
  2. Only on an overhead smash
  3. Yes, it is a good return ✔

Why: A return is good when your racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on your own side and the ball lands in. Just don't touch the net.

Huh, didn't know that: Crossing the imaginary line of the net is not a problem either, as long as you never touch your opponent's court.

The dad joke
My racket followed through over the net. It just wanted to say hi to the other side.
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References

Answer: Yes, it is a good return. A return is good when your racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on your own side and the ball lands in. Just don't touch the net.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 25 A Good Return www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The player’s racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on the player’s own side of the net
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessDuring a rally, your racket brushes the net. What happens?Sports & FitnessCan you reach over the net and hit the ball before it crosses to your side?Sports & FitnessCan the receiver volley the serve, hitting it before it bounces?

That's stuff everyone should know.