Yes net battles tying up sticks etc are invisible. When I try these , my guy just turns around gives the opponent inside position stick lifts for my guy arent even around the opponent. Makes it look like I don't know how to defend n just spamming button, it's frustrating n we pay 100 bucks for this game smh. This game is definitely against good defensive positioning 100%
For net battles to work, the player you're trying to tie up needs to not be moving. I use stick tie ups very frequently, but if you're playing against opponent's that keep their feet moving in front of the net, it's not going to work. I normally just get in position next to them and hold down the A/X button to initiate a tie up in case they stop moving. Which happens pretty often. I've stopped a lot of tips, one Ts and rebound shots this way.