Pickleball Fault Rules: A Complete Guide to Every Fault
Understanding the rules is key to enjoying any sport, and in pickleball, knowing what constitutes a 'fault' is fundamental. A single misstep or illegal shot can end a rally and cost you a crucial point. Whether you're a new player confused by the kitchen or an experienced one needing a refresher, this guide is for you. We'll break down every type of fault in simple terms so you can play smarter and with more confidence.
What is a Fault in Pickleball?
In pickleball, a fault is any violation of the rules that stops the rally. If the serving team commits a fault, it results in a loss of serve (or a point if it's the second server in doubles). If the receiving team commits a fault, the serving team wins the rally and scores a point.
In This Guide
The Consequence of a Fault
The result of a fault is straightforward: the rally ends immediately. No 'play on' advantage exists in pickleball. The moment a fault occurs, the point is over.
- If the serving team faults: They lose the rally. If it was their first serve, the serve passes to the second server (in doubles). If it was their second serve, it's a 'side out,' and the serve goes to the opponents.
- If the receiving team faults: They lose the rally, and the serving team scores a point.
Official Rulebook Definition (Section 3.A.15): A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
Complete List of Pickleball Faults
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the most common actions that result in a fault according to the official pickleball fault rules. We've grouped them by category for clarity.
1. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Faults
The most famous (and often misunderstood) faults in pickleball happen in the Non-Volley Zone, or 'Kitchen'.
- Volleying in the Kitchen: It is a fault if a player, or anything the player is wearing or carrying, touches the Non-Volley Zone (including the lines) while hitting a volley.
- Momentum Carries You In: It is also a fault if the player's momentum from hitting a volley causes them to step into the Kitchen, even after the ball is dead.
- Dropping an Item: A fault occurs if a player drops their paddle or a personal item (like a hat) into the kitchen during a volley.
2. Service Faults
The serve must follow a strict set of rules. Violating any of them results in a loss of serve.
- Foot Fault: The server's feet must be behind the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the centerline and sideline when striking the ball.
- Illegal Serve Motion: The serve must be an underhand motion where the paddle head is below the wrist, and contact is made below the waist.
- Wrong Server/Receiver: A fault occurs if the wrong player serves, serves from the wrong side of the court, or if the wrong player returns the serve.
- Landing in the Kitchen: The serve must land in the correct diagonal service court and beyond the Non-Volley Zone line.
Remember the Drop Serve: As of 2023, the 'drop serve' is fully legal. You can drop the ball and hit it after it bounces. This can help you avoid common illegal serve motion faults.
3. Double-Bounce Rule Fault
This rule is unique to pickleball and trips up many new players.
- The Double-Bounce Rule states that the ball must bounce once on each side of the court after the serve before any player can hit a volley (hit the ball out of the air).
- Fault #1: The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning it.
- Fault #2: The serving team must let the return of serve bounce before hitting it.
- After these two bounces, players are free to volley the ball.
4. General Play & Ball Faults
These faults can occur at any point during a rally.
- Out of Bounds: Hitting the ball out of bounds (outside the court lines).
- Hitting the Net: Hitting the ball into the net on your side without it going over.
- Hitting a Permanent Object: Hitting the net post, a fence, or the ceiling (in indoor play) before the ball bounces on the opponent's court.
- Double Hit: A player hitting the ball twice before it goes over the net (unless it was one continuous motion).
- Catching the Ball: A player catching or carrying the ball on their paddle.
5. Player Faults
These faults relate to a player's actions on the court.
- Touching the Net: It is a fault if a player, their clothing, or their paddle touches the net, net posts, or the net system while the ball is in play.
- Distraction: A player distracting an opponent when they are about to hit the ball (e.g., yelling, waving their paddle).
- Hitting a Player: A player is hit by the ball before it bounces. The fault is on the player who was hit, and they lose the rally.
Common Mistake: Many players think they can reach over the net to hit a ball. You can only cross the plane of the net with your paddle after you have made contact with the ball on your side of the court. Your follow-through can cross the plane, but your initial contact cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pickleball Faults
What is the penalty for a fault in pickleball?
The penalty for any fault is the immediate end of the rally. If the serving team faults, they lose their serve (or get a side out). If the receiving team faults, the serving team wins a point.
Can your paddle cross the net in pickleball?
Yes, but only on your follow-through. You must make contact with the ball on your side of the net. After contact, your paddle's momentum can carry it over the net plane, as long as you or your paddle do not touch the net itself.
Is it a fault if the ball hits the net on a serve?
No, this is not a fault. If a serve hits the net and then lands in the correct service box, it is a live ball and should be played. This is known as a 'let' serve, and unlike in tennis, there are no re-dos.