Definition

Noun: A serve in tennis, volleyball, or similar games that hits the top of the net before landing within the correct area of the opponent's court. This results in a let, and the serve is retaken.

Usage

This term is used specifically in sports officiating and commentary to describe a specific, fault-neutral outcome of a serve. * In tennis, a net ball on the first serve means the server gets to take two more serves. * The umpire called "let" because it was a net ball.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often shortened to "net" in casual play, with players calling "net!" immediately after the serve hits the tape.
• In formal rules, it is officially termed a "let" or "let serve." "Net ball" is the descriptive cause of that let.

Variants and Related Words

• Let (n.): The official ruling that stops play and orders a replay, often caused by a net ball.
• Net cord (n.): The tape or cord at the top of the net which the ball strikes. A "net cord" can result in a "net ball."
• Serve (n./v.): The action of putting the ball into play, which can result in an ace, a fault, or a net ball.

Synonyms

• Let serve
• Net serve
• Net cord (when referring to the shot itself)

Related Phrases

• To catch the tape: An informal phrase meaning the ball hit the top of the net (the tape), often resulting in a net ball.
  • His first serve just caught the tape, so it was a let.

Noun

1. a serve that strikes the net before falling into the receiver's court; the ball must be served again