What happens if my serve clips the net?
Rule- England
- Table Tennis England
- ITTF Laws
- Local leagues
- Open age
- 2026/27
- Players
If the serve touches the net assembly (net, posts or clamps) and is otherwise correct, landing in the receiver's court, it is a let: the rally is not scored and you serve again (Law 2.9.1.1). There is no limit on how many net lets you can serve.
If the serve touches the net and then lands outside the receiver's court, or does not cross at all, it is an incorrect service and the receiver wins the point.
It is also a let if the receiver or their partner obstructs a serve that has touched the net, or if you serve before the receiver is ready (provided they do not try to hit it).
In a rally the net is different: a return that touches the net assembly and goes on to land on your opponent's court is good, and play continues (Law 2.7.1).
Added 21 Oct 2026