Pickleball Faults and Violations
1. Service Faults
1.1 Illegal Serve
A serve is considered illegal if:
• The serve is not underhand
• Contact is made above the navel
• The paddle head is above the wrist at contact
• The ball is hit downward
• The server’s foot touches or crosses the baseline before contact
1.2 Wrong Service Area
• The serve must land in the diagonally opposite service court
• The ball must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) and its line
1.3 Foot Fault on Serve
A foot fault occurs if:
• Any part of the server’s foot touches the baseline or the court inside the baseline before hitting the ball
2. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Faults
2.1 Volleying in the Kitchen
A fault occurs if:
• A player hits the ball out of the air while standing in the non-volley zone
• Any part of the player’s body or paddle touches the kitchen line during a volley
2.2 Momentum Fault
Even after hitting a legal volley:
• If momentum carries the player into the kitchen, it is still a fault
3. Double Bounce Rule Violations
3.1 Failure to Let the Ball Bounce
A fault occurs if:
• The receiving team volleys the return of serve
• The serving team volleys the third shot
Both sides must let the ball bounce once before volleys are allowed.
4. Out-of-Bounds Faults
4.1 Ball Out of Bounds
• The ball lands outside the court lines
• A ball touching any outside area is considered out
4.2 Hitting Permanent Objects
A fault occurs if the ball:
• Hits a ceiling, wall, fence, or other permanent object
5. Net and Equipment Faults
5.1 Touching the Net
A fault occurs if:
• A player or their paddle touches the net or net post during a rally
5.2 Paddle or Body Contact with the Ball
• The ball may not touch a player’s body or clothing
• The ball must only be struck with the paddle
6. Double Hit and Carry Faults
6.1 Double Hit
• Hitting the ball twice intentionally is a fault
• Accidental double hits during a single continuous motion are legal
6.2 Carry or Catch
• The ball must be struck cleanly
• Catching, carrying, or throwing the ball is illegal
7. Scoring and Rotation Faults
7.1 Wrong Server or Wrong Score
• Serving out of order
• Calling or serving with an incorrect score
7.2 Improper Player Position
• Standing in the wrong service court when serving or receiving
8. Distraction and Sportsmanship Violations
8.1 Player Distraction
A fault may be called if a player:
• Intentionally distracts an opponent
• Makes loud noises or gestures during play
8.2 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Includes:
• Arguing excessively
• Deliberate rule abuse
• Unsafe behavior
9. Other Common Faults
• Hitting the ball before it crosses the net plane
• Stepping on or over the centerline improperly
• Interfering with an opponent’s shot
Key Summary
Common pickleball faults include:
• Illegal serves
• Kitchen violations
• Double-bounce rule violations
• Out-of-bounds shots
• Net contact
• Equipment misuse
Understanding these faults improves fairness, safety, and overall gameplay quality.
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