The Net

The net in tennis is one of the most recognisable aspects of the game.

It is used to divide the court into two halves, one for each player. The net is stretched across the full width of the court and is always parallel to the baselines on either side.

The net should stand at 36” inches in the centre and 42” at the posts on either side. This is the standard size used across all levels of competition. Nets are, according to the International Tennis Federation, suspended by a cord or metal cable which is then attached to the posts on the opposite sides of the court.

The net is the foundation point of the game, in that a shot needs to clear it to be valid. If a shot during a serve hits the net, “let” is declared and the point is replayed. This is because both the server and receiver would be disadvantaged by the ball hitting the net, which would change it's trajectory. Let is quite common, and for these reasons the net needs to be durable and strong, usually made from plastic or chemically treated string to ensure it doesn't break.