If you’re new to pickleball, you may be wondering what happens when the ball bounces back over the net without being touched by the other team. According to Rule #11.I.1, if the ball bounces into a player’s non-volley zone with enough backspin to cause it to return over the net, the player may reach over or around the net to hit the ball but may not touch the net system or the opponent’s court. If the player does not touch the ball, the team that last struck the ball wins the rally.
Basic Rules
When playing pickleball, there are a few basic rules that you need to know. These rules cover the serve, the volley, and the double bounce rule.
The Serve
The service is the first shot of the game. The server must stand behind the baseline and hit the ball diagonally across the net and into the opponent’s service court. The serve must be underhand, and the paddle must make contact with the ball below the waist. If the serve hits the net and lands in the proper service court, it is considered a “let,” and the serve is replayed. If the serve hits the net and lands out of bounds or in the wrong service court, it is a fault, and the opponent gets the point.
The Volley
After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side of the court before players are allowed to volley the ball (hit it in the air without letting it bounce). Once the ball has bounced on both sides, players can volley or hit the ball after it bounces. If the ball is hit before it bounces on one side, it is considered a fault and the opponent gets the point.
The Double Bounce Rule
The double bounce rule is a unique rule in pickleball that helps to extend rallies and make the game more fun. The rule states that after the serve, both teams must let the ball bounce once on each side before they can hit the ball in the air. This means that there must be at least two bounces before a player can volley the ball. This rule helps to level the playing field and gives players more time to get to the ball.
Overall, understanding the basic rules of pickleball is essential to playing the game. By following these rules, you can ensure that you are playing the game correctly and having fun at the same time.
