What happens if the ball hits the antenna during play?

When the ball hits the antenna during play, it is considered out of bounds. The antennas are integral parts of the volleyball net system, marking the boundary for the court. A ball that touches the antenna is often deemed to have gone outside the vertical plane of the net, which is necessary for the ball to remain in play. Thus, any contact with the antenna signifies that the ball has not adhered to the legal boundary of play, resulting in an out-of-bounds call. This rule helps maintain the integrity and flow of the game by ensuring that all plays are made within a defined area.