SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tennis-net-cord-rally-good

During a rally, your shot clips the net and drops in. What happens?

Play on. It is a good return, not a let.

Start playing free

  1. It is a let, replay the point
  2. It is a good return, play on ✔
  3. You lose the point

Why: During a rally, a ball that touches the net, goes over and lands in the correct court is a good return. Under standard rules, an otherwise good net-touching serve is a service let.

Huh, didn't know that: A ball can even go around the outside of the net post, below the top of the net, and still be good if it lands in.

The dad joke
My shot clipped the net and dribbled over. My opponent called it lucky. I called it planned.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: It is a good return, play on. During a rally, a ball that touches the net, goes over and lands in the correct court is a good return. Under standard rules, an otherwise good net-touching serve is a service let.

  1. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 25 A Good Return www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The ball touches the net, net posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band,
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 25 A Good Return www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the correct court;
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 25 A Good Return www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The ball is returned outside the net posts, either above or below the level of the top of the net
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  4. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 25 A Good Return www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    provided that it hits the ground in the correct court;
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  5. ITF 2026 Rules of Tennis, Rule 22 The Let During a Service www.itftennis.com/media/7221/2026-rules-of-tennis-english.pdf
    The service is a let if: a. The ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good;
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

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 & FitnessUnder standard ITF rules, a serve clips the net and lands in the correct box. What happens?

That's stuff everyone should know.