Tennis / Rule 11–13
The ball in play, lines and fixtures
ITF · 2026In short
When a rally begins and ends, how line contacts count and who wins when the ball hits a permanent fixture.
On this page
Rule 11 — When the ball is in playRule 12 — A ball touching a lineRule 13 — Contact with a permanent fixtureRule 11 — When the ball is in play
Unless a fault or let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server strikes it until the point is decided.
Rule 12 — A ball touching a line
A ball that touches a line is treated as touching the court area bounded by that line. The line belongs to that area.
Rule 13 — Contact with a permanent fixture
If a ball in play hits a permanent fixture after landing in the correct court, the player who hit the ball wins the point. If it hits the fixture before touching the ground, that player loses the point. Rule 2 defines permanent fixtures, including the outside parts of a doubles net when singles sticks are used.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied ITF Rules of Tennis 2026. Tournament regulations and approved alternatives can add specific conditions; these are identified separately.
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