I’ve been repeatedly asked about this question by many Picklers and many of them seem to be very confused about this concept in Pickleball. So I finally decided to talk about it here.
So imagine, you are rallying, the opponent returns your shot and it lightly clips your arm or shirt. Is that called a fault? What if you were standing outside the court?
In short, if the ball hits you, or touches anything that you are carrying before it bounces, it’s your fault and you will lose the rally.
Even seasoned players get confused when they are called to fault for it.
However there is a small exception, and some special cases that make this rule tricky.
Let’s dive deep into this rule.
The Official Rule (In Simple Terms)
As per the Pickleball official rulebook on USA Pickleball::
“If a ball in play hits you or anything you wear or carry, it’s a fault – unless the contact is with your paddle hand below the wrist while holding the paddle.”
It’s straightforward.
But what happens when you are standing out of the court?
This rule applies everywhere. Location doesn’t matter. You can be within the box, behind the baseline or out of the sidelines. If the ball touches you or even a strand of your hair, it will be your fault.
However, there is an exception to this rule. If the incoming ball hits your paddle hand, below the wrist while the paddle is in your hand, it won’t be counted as fault, the play will continue.
What is the meaning of the below wrist and above wrist?
The ball touches the knuckles or palm of the hand gripping the paddle and then deflects off that hand and goes over the net, it will be a legal move.
Above the wrist is the forearm, elbow and arm. If the ball touches any of these parts, it will be called a fault.
Here is tricky part to this rule
If the ball touches your paddle hand when you are not holding the paddle for example after switching hands, it’s a fault. This can happen during exchange of fast kitchen volleys.
Let’s look into some common scenarios during Pickleball game
1. The Ball Hits You Before It Bounces
This is the most common situation during a Pickleball match. If the ball hits you in the air, before touching the ground, you lose the rally. Even if the ball’s trajectory was outward or it was a serve shot or you are standing out of bounds, the ball hasn’t touched the ground so it’s a fault.
2. The Ball Bounces First, Then Hits You
Now it gets confusing. If the ball bounces inside the court and hits you, you still lose the point unless you hit back.
3. You’re Standing Out of Bounds and the Ball Hits You
“If I’m out of bounds and the ball hits me before it lands, do I lose the point?”
Yes, you do. Because when the ball is still in the air and even if it is coming towards you who is standing out of bounds, it is still in play. If it touches you, that’s called a fault.
So don’t try to mess with the ball in air if it is going to land out of bounds.
4. Serve Hits You
Same applies while you’re receiving a serve shot, if the ball hits you before it bounces, you lose the rally. Make sure you let the serve bounce first.
5. You Catch or Stop the Ball
Catching the ball is obviously a fault. You can let it land outside first and then grab it.
6. The Ball Hits Your Partner (in Doubles)
If the ball hits your partner during a doubles game, your team will lose the point. The moment that ball touches either of you (besides the paddle hand), that’s a fault. Having good communication during crucial games always helps you.
How To Use This Rule in Your Game Strategically
Let’s look at both offensive and defensive takeaways.
Tip 1: Aim at the Body
It’s legal to hit the ball toward your opponent’s body. If your opponent is clumsy the ball will hit them and you will score an easy point.
You can aim towards their chest or shoulder during the volley. It’s hard to return the shot during a fast volley.
Tip 2: Stay Alert and Move
If your opponent has read above tip and tries the same on you, here’s what how you should tackle it:
- You can pivot sideways to return it
- Duck if you are sure about it’s trajectory in order to avoid hitting bad shot
- Don’t shrink your shoulders in order to return the ball, you are definitely going to hit a bad one
Bonus tip:
Keep your clothing simple. Avoid wearing loose shirts, jewellery or open jackets that can fly during game and touch the ball causing loss of point.
And last thing to remember ‘Catching an “obvious out” ball is okay, but in reality, it’s never worth the confusion.’
Why This Rule Exists
Think of it another way, if the players could intentionally block shots with their bodies or clothes, everybody will try to touch the ball that they feel they cannot hit.
It ensures that the ball must always be played with the paddle. So the game stays fair and consistent with the right intent of hitting the ball with paddle.
Final Takeaway
Just keep in mind that ‘Ball must not touch any part of you except the hand below the wrist holding the paddle, everything will be called out as fault.’
I hope you understood this unique rule in Pickleball in depth. I tried to keep it simple and precise. In case you still have any doubt regarding this rule, you can comment below and I’ll be happy to help you through it.
