Good returns

25(a–c). Net contact, a ball coming back, and going around a post

• A return may touch the net, net posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band if it passes over the relevant item and lands in the correct court. The exceptions in Rules 2 and 24(d), including items treated as permanent fixtures, still apply.
• If the live ball has bounced in the correct court and spin or wind carries it back across the net, the player may reach over to play it into the correct court, provided no Rule 24 restriction is broken.
• A return may travel outside the net posts above or below net-top height, even touching a net post, if it lands in the correct court. The exceptions in Rules 2 and 24(d) still apply.

25(d–f). Other valid paths and contacts

• The ball may pass below the net cord between a singles stick and the adjacent net post and land in the correct court, provided it touches neither the net, cord nor net post.
• The racket may follow through across the net after the player strikes the ball on their own side, provided the return lands in the correct court.
• A player may hit the live ball so that it strikes another ball already lying in the correct court.

Cases. A singles stick or another ball

A rally return that hits a singles stick and then lands in the correct court is good. A serve with the same contact is a service fault.

If the ball in play hits another ball lying in the correct court, continue play. If it is unclear whether the actual live ball has been returned, call a let.