You cannot hit the ball before it crosses the net

You may hit the ball only after it has fully crossed the net and come to your side of the court (13.F). Hitting it beyond the plane of the net (an invisible surface that runs along the net, extending up, down, and to the sides) is a fault (13.F.1, Section 2 definitions).

Examples

• At the net, you reach out and volley a ball that is still on the opponents' side → fault (13.F.1)
• You hit a ball that came to your side, and in your follow-through your paddle goes over to the opponents' side → OK (13.I.1)
• In your follow-through, your paddle touches the net → fault (13.G.1, Touching the net during play is a fault)

Exception: a ball that bounces on your court and goes back to the other side

Sometimes the opponents' ball bounces on your court and then goes back toward their side before anyone hits it.

• While the ball is still on your side, you can hit it as usual. You do not need to wait for it to go back
• Only if it has gone back to their side before you could hit it may you reach over the net to chase and hit it. You may also go around the side of the net or under it (13.I.2)

When you chase and hit it, there are two things to follow.

1. You may put your body or paddle over the net only after the whole ball is on the opponents' side. Crossing while the ball is still above the net is a fault (13.I.2.a)
2. Hit the ball before it bounces on the opponents' court. If you cannot, it is a fault (13.I.2.b)

As always, touching the net is a fault (13.G.1). A ball that has not bounced on your court is not covered by this exception (13.I.2).

Common mistakes

• The same applies when you hit an erne. Wait for the ball to cross the net before you hit it (13.F, When an Erne is allowed)