what happens when the ball contacts the net

Question
what happens when the ball contacts the net

Answer
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In most instances, when the ball hits the net, play continues. But let's be more specific.  

If the ball touches the very top, and goes over, play continues. This is true for serves, spikes, anything.  

If a player bumps, digs or spikes their 1st or 2nd hit into the net, then her teammates can try to keep the ball in play.  A 3rd hit into the net, however, will end the rally b/c there are no more hits to try to get the ball over.  :(  

Now......if the ball hits the net where those antennas are located, then the ref blows the whistle, and the other team wins the rally.  Also, if the ball contacts the net outside the antennas, the ref blows the whistle, and the other team wins the rally.  So, if the ball touches the net, the touch MUST be between the antennas!  

Yes, a serve can touch the top of the net, as long as it goes over.  If a serve hits the net and falls on the server's side, then the ref blows the whistle, and the other team wins the rally.  (No, there are no re-serves after such a serving error.)  

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Coach Houser