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Can you hit the ball before it crosses the net?
Wait for the ball to cross. Playing it on their side of the net loses the point.
A weak ball is floating up right on top of the net, still on their side. Can you reach over and hit it?
Wait for the ball to cross. Playing it on their side of the net loses the point.
Why
A player may not strike the ball until it has crossed the net onto their side. Reaching over to hit a floating ball on the far side is a point lost, even without touching the net. There is exactly one exception: if the ball has bounced on your side and then, through spin or wind, gone back over the net by itself, you may reach over to play it, provided you do not touch the net or the posts. That is rare. The floating ball on top of the net is not rare: let it come.
What this means at your level
Beginner
A ball that is floating high near the net is going to come to you. Wait a quarter of a second and hit it on your side.
Intermediate
Racket back, weight on your front foot, and let the ball cross before you swing. The volley is easier a foot later anyway.
Advanced
Know the exception: a ball that bounces on your side and spins back over can be followed across, without touching the net. Once a season it wins a point.
Common questions
A weak ball is floating up right on top of the net, still on their side. Can you reach over and hit it?
No: the ball must cross the net before you play it. Wait for the ball to cross. Playing it on their side of the net loses the point. A player may not strike the ball until it has crossed the net onto their side. Reaching over to hit a floating ball on the far side is a point lost, even without touching the net. There is exactly one exception: if the ball has bounced on your side and then, through spin or wind, gone back over the net by itself, you may reach over to play it, provided you do not touch the net or the posts. That is rare. The floating ball on top of the net is not rare: let it come.
Why not yes, as long as you are at the net already?
Your position does not change it. The ball's position does.
What should a beginner do here?
A ball that is floating high near the net is going to come to you. Wait a quarter of a second and hit it on your side.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Know the exception: a ball that bounces on your side and spins back over can be followed across, without touching the net. Once a season it wins a point.
What do the rules say?
The ball must be struck after it has crossed the net. The only exception is a ball that bounces on your side and returns over the net on its own, which may be played by reaching over without touching the net.
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Deep ball, high hands: bandeja. The shot exists to keep you at the net, not to win the point.
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A ball below the net cannot be attacked. Block it deep and wait for one above the tape.
beginnerCan you volley the return of serve?
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