PICKLEBALL

Handling Rules in Recreational Play

During recreational play, players may not strictly adhere to all the rules as having fun usually takes precedence over following them to the letter. For instance, the proper servers and receivers as specified in tournament rules may not be as important in casual games. However, it’s important to maintain good sportsmanship and make a conscious effort to stay within the rules.

Serve Hits the Net and Goes Over

When you hit the ball during a serve and it touches the net but still lands in your opponent’s service box, it is called a “let.” In this case, you get to serve again, and this can happen any number of times. However, if the ball lands outside your opponent’s service box or hits the kitchen line, it’s considered a fault.

The Rule on a Double Hit

Double hits in pickleball are legal if unintentional and part of a single stroke. Making another stroke or changing direction results in a fault.

Line Call Rules

Line calls can be a source of debate in pickleball. To be considered “in,” the ball must touch the paint of the line, regardless of whether it hovers above it. Line calls must be made promptly, and you only call shots on your side of the court. If there’s a dispute, you can ask your opponent or the referee.

Hitting the Ball with Your Hand

Hitting the ball with your hand is a fault, unless you use your paddle. To make a legal shot, the ball must hit your wrist and the paddle’s end.

Rules on Player Behavior

Player behavior is usually respectful, but distractions can occur. Taunting is generally legal, but if someone distracts you right before you hit the ball, it’s a fault. Team communication and movement patterns are not considered distractions.

Calling the Score

While technically you should call the score before serving, some players may not follow this rule closely in recreational play. It’s a good practice to know the score at all times.

Using Two Paddles

You cannot use two paddles at the same time, but you can switch hands during play.

Ball Bounces Back Over

If a ball with a lot of spin bounces back over the net, it’s still in play, and you can hit it, even from the other side of the court. However, you cannot cross the plane of the net unless you intend to hit the ball.

Pre-Serve Routine

Pre-serve routines are encouraged as they help build confidence and muscle memory. You can bounce the ball with your hand as part of your routine.

Dead Ball

A dead ball means the ball is no longer in play after a fault is declared. Other rules still apply even if a ball is declared dead.

Hitting a Ball That Bounced Out

You can hit a ball after it bounces out, but you must make the line call promptly afterward.

Hitting an Opponent with Your Serve

If your serve hits an opponent, you win the point, regardless of whether it was intentional.

Hitting Around the Net Post

You can hit shots around the net post, known as ATP shots, as long as you avoid hitting the net post itself.

Kitchen Rules for Dinking

You can be in the kitchen to dink a ball after it has bounced. The kitchen rule only applies when the ball hasn’t bounced.

Player Positioning

Player positioning before a point doesn’t matter except for the server. Receivers can stand anywhere on the court.

Tossing the Serve

There are no rules regarding how you should toss the ball when serving.

Ball Hitting the Portable Net’s Crossbar

If the ball hits the crossbar on your side of the net during play, it’s a fault. For a let, the ball must hit the crossbar after or before bouncing.

Hovering Paddle Over the Kitchen

You can hover your paddle over the kitchen; the kitchen refers to the physical ground, not the space above it.

Simultaneous Hits with Your Partner

Simultaneous hits where you and your partner hit paddles at the same time but one ends up hitting the ball are legal.

Scoring in Singles Play

In singles play, you’re the only server, and the server’s position depends on whether your score is even or odd.

Intentional Hitting of Players

While it’s not illegal to intentionally hit players, a referee can intervene and award points to the team being insulted if it’s considered malicious. Such situations are rare.

Dealing with Unfamiliar Rules

It’s important to be aware of unofficial rules made up by players. Familiarize yourself with official rules to avoid confusion.

We Look Forward to Seeing You on the Pickleball Court!

We are excited for you to join the AEF Academy family! We are thrilled to introduce you to the exciting world of pickleball.