SECTION 9 – NON-VOLLEY-ZONE RULES - ExpertPickleball.com (2023)

NON-VOLLEY-ZONE RULES

  1. A. All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More. For a wheelchair playerAny person, with or without a disability, who plays the game in a wheelchair. The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body. This can be a player with a disability or anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair. More, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More during a volley9.B. It is a faultA rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of the rally. More if the volleying player or anything that has contact with the volleying player while in the act of volleying, touches the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More. For a wheelchair playerAny person, with or without a disability, who plays the game in a wheelchair. The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body. This can be a player with a disability or anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair. More, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More

9.B.1. The act of volleying the ball includes the swing, the follow-through, and the momentumMomentum is a property of a body in motion, such as a player executing a volley, that causes the player to continue in motion after contacting the ball. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone. More from the action.

9.B.2. If the paddle touches the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More during the volleyDuring a rally, a strike of the ball out of the air before the ball has bounced. More motion, before or after contacting the ball, it is a faultA rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of the rally. More.

  1. C. During the act of volleying, it is a faultA rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of the rally. More if the volleying player’s momentumMomentum is a property of a body in motion, such as a player executing a volley, that causes the player to continue in motion after contacting the ball. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone. More causes the player to contact anything that is touching the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More, including the player’s partner. For a wheelchair playerAny person, with or without a disability, who plays the game in a wheelchair. The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body. This can be a player with a disability or anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair. More, the front (smaller) wheels may touch the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

9.C.1. It is a faultA rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of the rally. More even if the ball becomes dead before the player contacts the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

  1. D. If a player has touched the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More for any reason, that player cannot volleyDuring a rally, a strike of the ball out of the air before the ball has bounced. More a return until both feet have made contact with the playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing. [quads id=10] More completely outside the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More. A maneuver such as standing within the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More, jumping up to hit a volleyDuring a rally, a strike of the ball out of the air before the ball has bounced. More, and then landing outside the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More is a faultA rules violation that results in a dead ball and the end of the rally. More. If the rear wheels of a wheelchair have touched the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More for any reason, the wheelchair playerAny person, with or without a disability, who plays the game in a wheelchair. The wheelchair is considered part of the player’s body. This can be a player with a disability or anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair. More cannot volleyDuring a rally, a strike of the ball out of the air before the ball has bounced. More a return until both rear wheels have made contact with the playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing. [quads id=10] More outside the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

    9. E. A player may enter the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More at any time except when that player is volleying the ball.9. F. A player may enter the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More before or after returning any ball that bounces.

    9. G. A player may stay inside the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More to return a ball that has bounced. There is noA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More violation if a player does not exit the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More after hitting a ball that bounces.

    9. H. There is noA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More violation if a player returns the ball while their partner is standing in the non-volley zoneThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

FAQs

What is Rule 9 in pickleball? ›

9. B. 1. The act of volleying the ball includes the swing, the follow-through, and the momentum. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone.

What are you not allowed to do in the non-volley zone? ›

The non-volley zone is the court area within 7 feet on both sides of the net 2. Volleying is prohibited within the non-volley zone. This rule prevents players from executing smashes from a position within the zone 3.

Can you step in kitchen if ball bounces outside of kitchen? ›

You can go into the kitchen at any point during a game. You can even hit from the kitchen, so long as the ball hits the ground first. You can also be in the kitchen while your partner volleys outside of the kitchen. The only time you cannot be in the kitchen is during the act of volleying the ball.

Can a ball ever land in the non-volley zone? ›

This means that you can't jump from outside the kitchen, hit the ball in the air, and land in the non-volley zone. You also can't run forward to hit the ball and run into the kitchen after a volley. Even if the ball is considered dead before you are in the kitchen, it's still a fault.

What are the new rules for pickleball in 2023? ›

Now, starting in 2023, the pickleball rules will be changed back to the previous rule regarding wrong scores, which is that, if the server or referee calls the wrong score, then any player may stop play at any time before the return of serve to correct the score.

Can you step in the kitchen in pickleball before the ball bounces? ›

A common myth is that you can't go into the Kitchen unless the ball bounces. But this simply isn't true! You can be in the Kitchen any time you want, but you can't hit the ball while you're in the Kitchen until it bounces. If you have so much as a toe on the line and you volley the ball, it's a fault.

Can the ball land in the non-volley zone in pickleball? ›

With that said, the pickleball may not land in the Non-Volley Zone or on the Non-Volley Zone line on the serve. If the pickleball lands in the Non-Volley Zone or on the Non-Volley Zone line, then the server would have committed a fault.

Can you hit the ball into the non-volley zone in pickleball? ›

There is no penalty for entering the non-volley zone in pickleball. However, it is a fault if a player hits the ball while in the non-volley zone. A fault by the serving team will result in the service being conceded to the opponent. A fault committed by the non-serving team will result in a point for the serving team.

What is a flapjack in pickleball? ›

FLAPJACK. A SHOT THAT MUST BOUNCE BEFORE BEING HIT; THE RETURN OF A SERVE OR THE RETURN OF THE RETURN OF THE SERVE. (PHEW!)

Can you jump and land in the kitchen in pickleball? ›

You cannot initiate a volley while being in the kitchen, whether you're physically touching the ground, or if you were touching the ground when you started the volley. This means that you can't be standing in the kitchen, jump up to volley a ball, then land outside the kitchen. Fault!

Can your momentum take you into the kitchen in pickleball? ›

Finally, be aware that your momentum cannot carry you into the kitchen. Even if you successfully volley the ball to your opponent, you must stay out of the kitchen to avoid a fault. You can even fault on dead balls.

Can you step in the kitchen after hitting the ball? ›

The pickleball kitchen rule states that a player must hit all volleys from outside of the non-volley zone (the kitchen). In summary, players can NOT step into the kitchen or be touching the kitchen line when volleying the ball. The ball must have bounced before stepping into the kitchen to hit it.

When can you hit a ball in the no volley zone? ›

It is a fault if, after volleying, a player is carried by momentum into or touches the non-volley zone, even if the volleyed ball is declared dead before this happens. A player may legally be in the non-volley zone any time other than when volleying a ball. The non-volley zone is commonly referred to as “the kitchen.”

Can you serve off the bounce in pickleball? ›

The server has the option of dropping the ball and hitting it after the bounce. The ball can be dropped from any height but cannot be thrown, tossed, or otherwise released with any added force to bounce it.

Can 75 year old play pickleball? ›

Pickleball Is Easy to Learn

Now 75, he plays at least three times a week in addition to working out regularly at the YMCA. “You can start when you're old and think about getting better at the game,” says Johnson.

Can you wear a yellow shirt in pickleball? ›

Rule 2. F. 1 states very simply, very straight forwardly and without exception that a player may wear any color shirt he or she wishes to play in during a match. Some people try to scream distraction when they claim a shirt color made them miss a shot, but the rules are very clear.

What is rule 7d in pickleball? ›

7. D. A player hitting a ball that first lands out. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call.

Can you call a ball out in pickleball before it hits the ground? ›

If you want to tell your partner to not hit the ball, yell "bounce it", "let it go", "no", or “out”. Saying "out" before the ball touches the court is deemed communication between the players. Saying out after the ball touches the court is deemed an “out” call and stops play.

Can you cross the plane of the net in pickleball? ›

Your paddle cannot cross the plane of the pickleball net, or the imaginary extension of the net beyond the net posts, before you hit the ball. This is a fault.

What is not allowed in pickleball that is considered a fault? ›

A fault in pickleball is an illegal action that will result in consequences for the offending player or team. Common faults in pickleball include hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds, letting the ball bounce more than once, and serving out of turn.

What is an Erne in pickleball? ›

An Erne in pickleball is an aggressive shot played from the air over the non-volley zone (kitchen). This daring move is executed when a player jumps outside the court, strikes the ball mid-air, and lands outside the kitchen.

What does the double bounce rule mean in pickleball? ›

Double Bounce Rule:

After the ball has bounced once in each team's court, both teams may either volley the ball or play it off a bounce. The two-bounce rule eliminates the serve and volley advantage and extends rallies.

Who can call the kitchen fault in pickleball? ›

Kitchen faults are only related to making physical contact with the surface itself. In the USAPA rule book, when there are no referees or line judges present, each player makes his or her own line calls. This has led some people to believe that only you are allowed to make a call on anything on your side of the court.

Can your paddle touch the net in pickleball? ›

Further, you may not touch any part of the pickleball net (including the net itself, the posts, or any other part of the net). If the pickleball does, or you do, touch the net in violation of these rules, then you would have committed a fault.

Is it illegal to switch hands in pickleball? ›

Switching hands is legal in pickleball. There are no rules forbidding it. However, you'll notice that switching hands is not prevalent in the pro circuit, which gives us a clue about how the pros think about changing hands in high-level play.

Where is pickleball capital of the world? ›

Why is Naples the pickleball capital of the world?

Can the ball hit your hand in pickleball? ›

Ball Hits Hand In most situations, when a ball hits a player or anything they are wearing or carrying, it is considered a fault. However, if a player is hit on the hand below the wrist the ball is considered still in play.

Can you hit the ball twice on your side in pickleball? ›

A: Double Hits. Balls can be hit twice, but this must occur during an unintentional, continuous, single-direction stroke. If the stroke is not continuous or not in a single direction, the hit is not allowed and a fault will be declared.

Is it legal to volley the ball when the ball is over the table? ›

Let's keep things simple and say that you should never, in any situation, hit the ball if it hasn't touched your side of the table first. That is known as volley or “obstruction”, and it's an illegal shot in table tennis. If you do this, you lose the point.

How many seconds can you hold the ball without passing or shooting? ›

5 second rule

On an inbound pass, a player may only hold on the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds. In the game, if a player is closely guarded, they must start dribbling, passing the ball or attempting a shot within five seconds.

Can you spin a drop serve in pickleball? ›

The new rule change means that players can now only use one hand to drop the ball for a volley serve, and that hand has to be bare (no glove). No additional spin can be put on the ball when tossing the ball into the air prior to striking the ball with your paddle.

Can you spin the toss on a pickleball serve? ›

The server shall use only a one-handed spin serve to release the ball to perform the serve. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the release of the ball immediately prior to the serve.

Can you serve backhand in pickleball? ›

A pickleball serve must always be made with either an underhand or backhand motion. To clarify, this means the server's arm must move in an upward arc when the ball is struck. No hitting from above, or from the side. The point where the pickleball paddle makes contact with the ball must be below your waist.

What is Rule 7 H in pickleball? ›

7. H. After the serve. More, the ball contacts a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying, except the paddle or the player's hand(s) in contact with the paddle and below the wrist.

Can you switch sides with your partner in pickleball? ›

Remember, the partner can only switch sides of the pickleball court after the serve or return of serve (as applicable). So, it is important to be in the correct positions for the serve and/or return of serve.

What is rule 6 d 9 in pickleball? ›

D. 9. In doubles play, if one player calls the ball “out. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”.

Is there a let serve in pickleball 2023? ›

Does the Let Serve Matter in the 2023 Rule Changes? The 2023 USA Pickleball Rulebook doesn't include a reference to a service let. So, go ahead and hit your serves low and close to the net. It'll be legal, whether it hits the net or not!

What is the 2 bounce rule in pickleball? ›

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus two bounces.

What is an illegal hit in pickleball? ›

Standard Pickleball Serve Rules

No hitting from above, or from the side. The point where the paddle makes contact with the ball must be below your waistline, specifically below the level of your navel. The taller you are, the higher this limit will be.

Can you yell out to your partner in pickleball? ›

If you want to tell your partner to not hit the ball, yell "bounce it", "let it go", "no", or “out”. Saying "out" before the ball touches the court is deemed communication between the players. Saying out after the ball touches the court is deemed an “out” call and stops play.

Can you drop the ball and serve in pickleball? ›

The server has the option of dropping the ball and hitting it after the bounce. The ball can be dropped from any height but cannot be thrown, tossed, or otherwise released with any added force to bounce it.

What does 4.0 mean in pickleball? ›

4.0 skill level describes players who are capable of consistently executing at above a 3.5 skill level. The 4.0 player will distinguish themself from the 3.5 player by possessing increased skills and strategy, or by more speed, power or consistency. 4.5+ Skill Level.

How many bounces are allowed in pickleball? ›

When the ball is served, the receiving team must let it bounce before returning, and then the serving team must let it bounce before returning, thus 2 bounces. After the ball has bounced once in each team's court, both teams may either volley the ball or play it off a bounce.

Can you spin a ball on a serve in pickleball? ›

If the board approvals the rule, it will go into effect Jan 1, 2023. This means that no pre-serve manipulation will be allowed on the ball. The ball must be visible to the ref and opponent for the toss. Zane Navratil, who made the spin serve famous, has still had success using the one handed spin serve.

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