Can you Hit a Tennis Shot Around the Net?
Learning the rules in tennis can be complicated. Obviously you lose the point if you hit the ball into the net, but not every net-related rule is this simple. What about if you hit the ball around the net but it still lands in the court? Is it illegal? Legal but frowned upon? Or just a cool move?
What Does “Hitting Around the Net Post” Mean?
What does “hitting around the net post” mean in tennis? Let’s discuss the way the court is set up. Opponents are separated by the net with a post on both sides of the court. There is, however, still a gap of court on either side of the end of the net posts.
To hit around the net post would mean that first, your opponent hits a ball to an angle that extends off the court, as shown in the illustration. This can occur on either side of the court. In this case, even hitting a good shot, let alone OVER the net, is going to be difficult. In tennis, you can actually return this shot around the net post, meaning outside of the standard court area designated with the net. If the only way you can get this shot is by hitting around the net post, essentially skipping the net and passing through your opponent’s double’s alley to eventually land in the singles court. This is perfectly legal!
Over the years, professionals have used their agility and skill to hit some incredible around-the-post shots. It’s not something that happens often, even in professional tennis. So when it does happen it’s usually included on the tournament highlight reel!
Hitting Around the Net: Professional vs. Amateur
Even though professional tennis players make it look easy, it certainly is not. Hitting around the net post in tennis and placing the ball inside the singles court, requires significant agility, court vision, and plenty of luck. At the professional level, an opponent will be more likely to hit such a strong shot that can go off the court at hard-to-reach angles.
You might be disappointed If you’re an amateur aspiring to hit a show stopping around-the-post shot. In order to execute this shot, you’ll not only need the skill required to hit the shot but find yourself in the position to hit it. If you do find yourself in a position to hit an around the post shot, there are some tips you should be aware of.
To hit this shot you will have to shift your usual mentality. When you hit a normal ground stroke you practice hitting the ball over the net. To execute an around the net shot though you are fine keeping the ball low which may feel unnatural. Besides the height of the shot, the angle will be more extreme as well. So while it seems ridiculous to practice an around-the-net-shot, don’t be surprised if you don’t pull it off the first time because of how unnatural it feels. Doing that is super important for hitting your shot. Don’t forget to plant your feet and keep your stroke, and above all, be confident in your abilities!
Caveats to Hitting the Ball Around the Net
What else do you need to know about hitting the ball around the net? Well, one question many players ask is whether the net extends beyond the court. For hitting the ball around the net, do you have to imagine that the line of the net extends outwards, so you have to hit it above that imaginary line? No, as long as your ball successfully lands within the lines of he court, this is a legal shot. The International Tennis Federation rulebook has no stipulations on the height of the ball when hitting around the post, so you are in the clear. Once again, as long as your ball goes in the court, then it’s a live shot. If your shot hits the net post and then does not bounce in the court, this is not a “let” or a do-over. In this case, it would be your opponent’s point.
Hitting the ball around the net can be an impressive shot that creates headlines on ESPN and Tennis TV when professional players do it. If you want to see some clips of professionals hitting around the net, check out this link! Due to the previously mentioned caveats with hitting around the net, and the agility, court vision, and skill required, this shot is not easy to do. If you’re an amateur and want to add this incredible, rare shot into your repertoire, then focus on getting yourself into position and also, really zero-in on your court vision.
