SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-hit-before-ball-crosses

Can you reach over the net and hit the ball before it crosses to your side?

No. Hitting the ball before it has passed the net loses the point.

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  1. No, you lose the point ✔
  2. Yes, if you do not touch the net
  3. Yes, but only on a volley

Why: You must wait for the ball to come over to your side. Hitting it before it has passed the net loses the point.

Huh, didn't know that: One exception: if the ball bounces on your side and spins or blows back over the net, you may reach over to play it, without touching the net.

The dad joke
Why did the tennis player get in trouble for reaching over the net? She was always trying to get ahead of herself.
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References

Answer: No, you lose the point. You must wait for the ball to come over to your side. Hitting it before it has passed the net loses the point.

  1. ITF Rules of Tennis 2026 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The player hits the ball before it has passed the net
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF Rules of Tennis 2026 www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    has spun or been blown back over the net, the player reaches over the net and plays the ball into the correct court
    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 & FitnessYou hit the ball on your side, and your racket follows through over the net. Is that OK?Sports & FitnessDuring a rally, your shot clips the net and drops in. What happens?

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