Can I touch the net, cross it, or hit the ball around the post?

Question

Accepted Answer

You, your paddle and your clothing must not touch the net or net support system while the ball is live (Rule 13.G), or touch your opponent or their end of the court (Rule 13.H). You may cross the plane of the net after hitting the ball, as part of that stroke, but not before (Rule 13.I.1). If the ball bounces on your side and spins or blows back over the net, you may go over, under or around the net to hit it, but only after it has fully crossed back (Rule 13.I.2). You may hit the ball around the outside of the net post; it doesn't have to go over the net (Rule 13.C). Hitting it between the net and the post, or under the net, is a fault (Rules 13.D, 13.E). A ball that clips the net and lands in stays in play (Rule 13.A). You can't hit the ball before it has fully crossed to your side (Rule 13.F).