Definition of Reaching Over the Net

In tennis, reaching over the net refers to a player crossing the vertical plane of the net to make contact with the ball on the opponent’s side of the court.According to the general rule, players are not allowed to reach over the net during a point. However, players can follow through with their racquet as long as contact with the ball is made on their side of the net. This rule ensures fair play and prevents physical contact between the players.

An exception to this rule exists when the opponent can reach over the net if the ball bounces back over the net to the original player’s side due to spin or wind. In such cases, the player can reach over the net and make contact with the ball to continue the point.