It’s not surprising that most players learn the basics of the game and then continue playing without fully understanding the complete set of pickleball rules.
At the recreational level, this usually isn’t a big deal, but I’ve definitely seen players in tournaments who have a surprisingly limited grasp of the rules, which can be risky.
If you haven’t already, take the time to read through the Rulebook at least once. Keep in mind that the USAP typically updates it every year, so it’s important to stay current with any changes.
Below are some often-overlooked rules that tend to fly under the radar, especially for recreational players.
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2.G.1. Safety and Distraction.
A player may be required to change apparel that is inappropriate, including that which approximates the color of the ball.
4.C. Readiness.
Any player may indicate “not ready” prior to the start of the score being called.
4.C.1. One of the following signals must be used to indicate “not ready”: 1) raising the paddle above the head, 2) raising the non-paddle hand above the head, 3) completely turning their back to the net.
4.C.2. After the start of the score being called, “not ready” signals will be ignored, unless there is a hinder. A player or team out of position is not considered a hinder.
4.D. Calling the Score.
The score shall be called after the server and receiver are (or should be) in position and all players are (or should be) ready to play.
4.D.1. In non-officiated play, the server normally calls the score, but the server’s partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score. The person calling the score shall not change during the game unless there is a voice impairment.
4.E. 10-Second Rule.
Once the score has been called, the server is allowed 10 seconds to serve the ball.
4.E.1. If the server exceeds 10 seconds to serve, a fault will be declared.
4.E.2. After the score has been called, if the serving team changes serving courts, the referee shall stop play, allow all players to reposition, and then recall the score to re-start the 10-second count. In a none-officiated match, the server will allow for the same repositioning and will recall the score to restart the 10 second count.
4.K. Wrong Score Called.
If the wrong score is called, the referee or any player may stop play before the return of serve to correct the score. The rally shall be replayed with the correct score called.
After the return of serve, play shall continue to the end of the rally and the score correction made before the next serve. After the return of serve, a player who stops play to identify or ask for a score correction will have committed a fault and shall lose the rally.
A player who stops play after the serve to identify or ask for a score correction when the score was correctly called will have committed a fault and shall lose the rally.
4.L. Service Foot Faults.
During the serve, when the ball is struck, the server’s feet shall:
4.L.1. Not touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline.
4.L.2. Not touch the area on the wrong side of the imaginary extension of the centerline.
4.M. Service Faults.
During the service, it is a fault against the server resulting in loss of serve if:
4.M.1. The served ball touches any permanent object before it hits the ground.
4.M.2. The served ball touches the server or their partner, or anything the server or their partner is wearing or holding.
4.M.3. The served ball lands in the non-volley zone which includes the NVZ lines
4.M.8. The server or their partner calls a time-out after the serve has occurred.
4.M.9. The server hits the ball to make the serve while the score is being called.
4.N. Receiver Faults.
It is a fault against the receiving team resulting in a point for the server if:
4.N.1. The receiver or their partner is touched by or interferes with the flight of the ball before it bounces.
4.N.2. The receiver or their partner calls a time-out after the serve has occurred.
6.C. Code of Ethics for Line Calling.
Pickleball is played according to specific rules. It also requires a code of ethics for line-calling responsibilities when performed by players.
6.C.4. Spectators should not be consulted on any line call.
6.C.6. Players shall not call a ball “out” unless they can clearly see a space between the line and the ball as it hits the ground.
6.C.7. All “out” calls must be made prior to the ball being hit by the opponent or before the ball becomes dead.
6.C.8. In doubles play, if one player calls the ball “out” and the partner calls it “in,” then doubt exists and the team’s call will be “in.”
11.L. Net. 11.L.1.
If the ball strikes the top of the net or the top net cable or rope that is between the net post and the net and lands inbounds, it remains in play.
11.L.3. A player is allowed to go around the net post and cross the imaginary extension line of the net after hitting the ball, so long as the player or any item he or she is/was wearing or carrying does not touch the opponent’s court. If the player goes around the net post and crosses the imaginary extension line of the net but does not make contact with the ball, a fault will be declared.
11.L.4. If a player hits the ball over the net into the opponent’s court, and then the ball bounces back over the net and bounces a second time without being touched by the opponent, the striking player wins the rally.
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