Smash.
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Smash.
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Status of the ball once served until the point is completed.
Definition
A ball is in play from the moment it is struck on the serve until a player wins the point, loses the point, or commits a fault. Once in play, the ball remains in play until it goes out of bounds, is caught (if the point rules permit), bounces twice on one side, or a player commits a rule violation. Players may use walls, the net, and all court surfaces to keep the ball in play. A ball is in play even if it touches the net cord (after serve), rebounds off walls, or touches a player's body (if incidental). The ball goes out of play when it passes the baseline or sideline boundaries, travels below the net without clearing it, or bounces twice consecutively on one side. The in-play status is critical for understanding rally continuation and point adjudication.
Origin: Standard tennis rule; padel adapted it to include wall rebounds and unique boundary conditions.
Fundamental concept for understanding rally continuation and point outcomes.
Yes. Net touches during play are allowed; only serves that touch the net are faults (let).
No. A double bounce ends the rally and the opposing team wins the point.