| Net |
The barrier that divides a tennis court into lengthwise halves. It's a web, usually made of braided synthetic material, suspended from a steel cable that's strung between two 3½-foot metal posts located 3 feet outside the sidelines. The cable is covered by a band of canvas or synthetic material, 2 to 2½ inches wide. A 2-inch wide center strap, also made of canvas or synthetic material, holds the net taut at the center. As a verb, "to net" means to hit the ball into the net. |
| Net cord |
The cable that supports the net. |
| Net cord judge |
An official who is responsible for calling lets on service. This judge sits in front of the umpire's chair, at one end of the net, and rests one hand on top of the net in order to feel vibrations set up if the ball hits the net cord. Also called net judge. See let. |
| Net game |
A playing style in which the player takes every opportunity to rush the net. To be contrasted with baseline game. |
| Net man |
In doubles, the partner who is stationed near the net during his or her partner's service. |
| No-man's land |
The area between the baseline and the service line, so called because a player who is caught there finds it difficult to hit ground strokes and isn't close enough to the net to hit slams. |
| Not up |
Said of a ball that is hit just as it's bouncing for the second time. Results in loss of point. |