Despite its popularity, there are probably still many people who are unfamiliar with the rules. But what exactly is pickleball and what should you absolutely avoid while playing?
The rules themselves are fairly simple, and the game tries to encourage fun and healthy competition, but there are certain mistakes that are not tolerated in the sport.
don't disturb the ball
This may seem obvious, but I'll say the following anyway. Don't disturb the ball. This means that even if the ball tries to strike you out or cause you to lose points, you cannot interfere with the ball when it is in the air or when it is actually about to hit the ground.
That is, you cannot kick, hit, or otherwise strike the ball in its intended path.
don't back down
Backpedaling may seem like a natural thing, and it is. However, in the sport of pickleball, backpedaling is considered bad form because it can lead to miss hits and other potential mistakes. Therefore, it is considered against the rules.
Don't fret about missed points
It's natural for players and spectators to be worried and upset about a lost or missed point, but as far as pickleball is concerned, this isn't the name of the game.
As mentioned above, the rules promote fun and healthy competition, so obsessing over losses is not conducive to the proposed play environment.
The point of pickleball is to have fun and leave the loss to the court. In the end, focusing on the negative will only lead to more mistakes and frustrations.
don't hesitate
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, court space is always at a premium. This means that staying longer than necessary or dominating the court is considered bad form.
This is considered bad manners, and the sport actively discourages players from participating.
don't push yourself too hard
Pickleball should be fun and the competition should be healthy rather than fierce.
So it's important not to take things too seriously or push yourself and your teammates too hard. Remember, stay hydrated, do your best, and try to have as much as you can!
Do not serve above the waist
This is one of the few rules that is more of an official rule and is enthusiastically observed during pickleball. All serves of the ball must be underhand, and overhand serves are considered infractions.
don't touch the net
Likewise, touching or interfering with the net during play is not permitted and may result in penalties. This is for fairness and to give everyone equal opportunity.
do not invade
As in many sports, encroachment occurs in pickleball, when a player's feet (also see What Is A Foot Fault In Pickleball?) are outside the imaginary extension of the serve and center lines.
There you will find everything you need to know about pickleball and what is not allowed during play. Pickleball is a widely popular pastime across the United States, and many communities have teams bringing new members.
Familiarize yourself with the rules before jumping right in! If you're looking for a new hobby, why not try pickleball? Something tells me you won't be disappointed!
