Net fault in volleyball: when is touching the net a fault?
The ball is long gone, two players land out of their block, the net trembles — and the referee whistles. Or does not. Net faults are among the most discussed decisions in volleyball, while the rule itself is surprisingly precise: it is about what you touch, and when.
The main rule: net contact during the action
Since the 2015 rule change the rule is strict and simple: any contact with the net between the antennas during the action of playing the ball is a fault. "The action of playing the ball" is broader than the ball contact itself: the jump, the swing and the landing all belong to it too. A blocker who sinks into the net after the ball therefore does commit a net fault — the landing is part of their action.
Conversely: whoever is not involved in the action may touch the net. An attacker who runs into the net after a completed rally, or a player who taps the net far from the ball while a teammate defends, commits no fault — unless they thereby affect play or gain an advantage.
What you may touch
- The posts, tension cables and the net outside the antennas — allowed, as long as you do not disturb play.
- The net via the ball: if the ball is hit into the net and the net thereby touches an opponent, that is not a fault by that opponent.
- Incidental contact by hair or shirt: loose hair touching the net is not penalized in practice.
The antennas themselves are off-limits: touching the antenna while playing the ball is a fault, and a ball that touches the antenna or crosses the net outside it is out. Where exactly the antennas stand is in the dimensions of a volleyball court.
Reaching over the net: what is allowed there?
Net contact and reaching over the net are often confused. Reaching over the net is allowed in two situations: when blocking you may reach your hands to the other side, provided the opponent has completed their attack or the ball is coming toward your court and you do not obstruct the opponent's play. And on an attack your hand may follow through over the net after ball contact, as long as the ball contact itself took place above or on your side of the net. It only becomes a fault if you play the ball on the other side before the opponent has been able to use their three contacts.
Under the net: the center line
Sliding under the net is a related source of faults. The rule: you may touch the center line and even the other side with your foot, as long as part of that foot stays on or above the center line. Touching the other side with other body parts (hand, knee) is also allowed, provided you do not obstruct the opponent. Fully penetrating into the opponent's court or obstructing an opponent is always a fault. Especially on fierce defensive actions under the net, referees whistle sharply here — the safety of ankles and knees comes first.
Who sees it, and how is it indicated?
At matches with two referees, the second referee mainly watches the net and the center line on their side; the first referee keeps an eye on the attacking side. A net fault is indicated by tapping the relevant side of the net — the signal and all the others are in referee hand signals explained. If you record your faults as a team, it pays to tally net faults separately: it is one of the few types of fault you can train away almost entirely.
Net fault or not? Three real-life situations
- The blocker touches the bottom of the net on landing. Fault: the landing belongs to the blocking action, and the net band at the bottom is also 'the net between the antennas'.
- The attacker hits the ball into the net, which then flaps against the blocker. No fault by the blocker: net contact caused by the ball is never penalized.
- A defender stumbles into the net after the rally. No fault: the rally was already decided, so there is no longer an action of playing the ball.
Training tip against net faults: most net faults arise not on the jump but on the landing, because blockers take off too close to the net. Have your blockers start an arm's length from the net and jump straight up — the number of net faults halves within a few weeks.
Net faults are just one category from the fault book: the ball-handling faults are in double contact and other technical faults, and the complete rules overview in all volleyball rules in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Is touching the net always a fault?
No. Only touching the net between the antennas during the action of playing the ball — including the jump and landing — is a fault. Touching the posts, cables and the net outside the antennas is allowed, as long as you do not disturb play.
May the ball touch the net during the rally?
Yes, the ball may touch the net without limit, including on the serve. A ball that reaches the opponent via the net stays in play — provided it crosses between the antennas.
Is a net fault a point for the opponent?
Yes. As soon as the referee whistles a net fault, the rally is over and the opponent gets the point, plus the serve if they did not already have it.
May you cross the center line with your foot?
Yes, as long as part of your foot stays on or above the center line and you do not obstruct an opponent. Sliding completely under the net or touching an opponent who is thereby prevented from playing is a fault.
