The baseline runs parallel to the net and marks the length of the court. In doubles play, it measures 36 ft. (10.97 m) and 27 ft. (8.14 m) for men's and women's games, respectively. In singles play, the baseline is 12 feet (3.66 m) from the net. The net is a raised platform with ropes attached to posts at each end. It stands on the sidelines just outside of the playing area. In tennis, the net rises to about chest height for the player serving, so that he can hit a ball over it. For his opponent, it is lower than the service box so that he cannot reach it with a volleying action. In football, the net is made of metal bars with rope between them. In basketball, the net is a low wall with a roof made of mesh wire or plastic panels. The net does not have any effect on how easily a shot can be scored in soccer or ice hockey; they are called goals even if there is no net. In addition to being able to serve better, players on changeovers can move back toward their own goal while still keeping control of the ball if it goes out of bounds behind them. This gives them more time to think about their next move before their opponent does.