net ball
net ball — noun
1. In tennis or volleyball, a serve that touches the top of the net but lands insid
In tennis or volleyball, a serve that touches the top of the net but lands inside the correct area of the court, allowing the server to take the serve again without any penalty.
When Aoi's serve brushed the net, the umpire called a net ball and she served again.
collocation: call a net ball
In volleyball, a net ball gives the server a second chance without counting the point.
The referee signalled a net ball, so Ignacio had to retake his serve.
In professional tennis, a net ball pauses play while the server prepares again.
Theo's serve hit the tape and bounced forward — a clear net ball requiring a second attempt.
- let
Used specifically in tennis for a serve that touches the net and lands in; 'net ball' is the more general term used in both tennis and volleyball.
用法筆記
In tennis, a net ball on serve is also called a 'let'. The server retakes the serve with no penalty regardless of how many times it happens.
常見錯誤
2. In tennis, a shot that hits the net during a rally and falls back on the hitter'
In tennis, a shot that hits the net during a rally and falls back on the hitter's side, causing the player who hit it to lose the point.
Shirin's backhand volley turned into a net ball, handing the game to her opponent.
collocation: turn into a net ball
A net ball in a tennis rally means the hitter loses the point straight away.
comparison: net ball on serve vs. net ball in a rally
Faisal was frustrated after hitting three net balls in the tiebreak and losing the set.
Practising low volleys helped Linh reduce the number of net balls in her matches.
Beatrix's coach told her that net balls happen when players take their eyes off the ball.
- net shot
A broader term that can describe any shot played near the net, not necessarily one that hits it.
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (SERVE HITS NET): this sense applies to shots during a rally, not on the serve. A net ball during play always results in losing the point, with no opportunity to replay.
常見錯誤
3. A team sport similar to basketball, played on a hard court by two teams of seven
A team sport similar to basketball, played on a hard court by two teams of seven players each, who try to throw a ball through a high hoop with a net attached and who are not allowed to run or dribble with the ball.
Mira has played net ball since primary school and now represents her county in tournaments.
collocation: play net ball / represent at net ball
Net ball is governed by the International Netball Federation with over seventy member nations.
In net ball, each player has a specific position and can only move within set zones.
Net ball rules forbid players from taking more than one step with the ball.
Stefan watched his sister's net ball match and was surprised by its speed.
- netball
Alternative spelling — 'netball' (one word) is more common internationally than 'net ball' (two words) for the sport.
用法筆記
This sport is most commonly written as one word — 'netball' — especially in Commonwealth countries where it is a popular women's sport. In Taiwan and other non-English-speaking regions, it is less well-known than basketball.