FORMAT:
*All games will be played 2v2 format*
Four players will be assigned to a court and numbered 1 through 4. Games will rotate as follows:
Game 1: Players 1 & 2 vs. Players 3 & 4
Game 2: Players 1 & 3 vs. Players 2 & 4
Game 3: Players 1 & 4 vs. Players 2 & 3
This ensures that over the first three games, each player will have played with every other player once and against every other player once.
After Game 3, the rotation repeats in the same pattern or continues with similar pairings, depending on the time remaining. Play continues in this style for the full 90-minute session.
General Pickleball Rules:
**Like all our leagues, any rules can be excluded or amended as long as everyone on the court agrees**
The game of Pickleball is played to a score of 11.
Calling Lines/Outs: Pickleball relies on the integrity of the players in calling shots in or out. The rule of etiquette suggests that players will call the lines as honestly and fairly as they can. Players should call the lines on their side of the net and opponents will do the same on their side. Opponents should never make a call on the other side of the net unless they are asked. If a team cannot decide on a line call, then the benefit always goes to the opponent. If a team asks for an opinion from an opponent, that decision is final. Again, fairness is the rule of the day. Remember it is only a game. Keeping this in mind, will prevent conflict on the court.
The 2 Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce twice, once on each side of the court, before players can hit the ball in the air or on the “volley”. When the ball is served, it bounces in the receivers service court, the serving team must stay back and wait for the ball to bounce again on their side before they can move up and play the ball in the air. This rule is instrumental in providing long rallies in the game of Pickleball. The serving team cannot serve the ball deep and then run to the net and smash it down “the throat” of their opponents. They must stay back and wait for the return bounce. Teammates must remind players on the serving team to stay back at the service line until the ball has bounced on their side. After the ball has bounced twice either team can play the ball on the bounce or in the air.
Serving: To start the game, teams may decide to rally for serve playing the ball three times over the net before it is in play, OR rock paper scissors between teams to decide who serves. The team serving first gets only one serve their first time. When the serve switches to the other side, that team gets two serves and play continues that way rotating every 2 serves until a score of 11 is reached. **Teams/4Somes can agree to play in a format that requires a team to 'win' the serve before scoring a point. In this format, the serve stays with a team until they fail to get a point**
The server must serve underhand making contact with the ball below the waist. The top of the paddle face must be below the wrist and the server must have both feet behind the service line at the time of contact with the ball. The ball must be served to the diagonally opposite court and it must be clearly in the service area. The ball cannot hit any part of the non-volley zone including the non-volley line. A serve that hits the net but lands in the service area is legal and play should continue. Before serving the ball, the server should make sure all players are ready. Take a minute to check to make sure your partner is ready and that the opposing team is ready. The server only gets one fault, and they lose the serve after 2 consecutive faults.
The Non-Volley (NV) Zone Faults (The Kitchen):
The Non-Volley Zone is a rectangle that is roughly 7 feet on both sides of the net. You cannot step on the NV-line or into the NV-Zone when making a volley shot, a shot in the air (Spike). This only applies when you are volleying or hitting the ball in the air. You can step in after making a ground stroke. You can go into the NV-zone to get a ball that bounces in there first. You can stand in the NV-zone all day if you want, you just can not play the ball in the air. This rule was introduced to prevent players from going to the net and smashing it at their opponents as in tennis. It is safer and longer rallies result because there are fewer “put away’s’ standing 7′ back from the net.
Scoring: A fault occurs on a serve when the ball hits short of the service court including the non-volley line. If the ball is served to the wrong court, long behind the back service line or out of the bounds that is a fault and point for the opponents.
After the serve, a fault occurs if a player steps in the non-volley court or on the non-volley line while making a volley shot. A point for the opponents if you do this.
If the ball is hit into the net or other permanent object such as the pole, that is a fault and a point for the opponents.
A balls that hit outside the boundary lines of the court are considered out and a point to the other team. If the ball hits a player and bounces out, it is a point for the opponents. On the serve, if a ball is hit into the wrong court and the opposing player in that court is hit or catches the ball that is considered a fault on the receiving team.
A player should not catch a ball that is heading out of bounds because that is considered a fault and point against your team as well. Always let the ball bounce first. An indication of an out ball should be made by yelling out or by hand gesture indicating out. This should be done quickly.
Failing to hit the ball before it bounces twice is a fault and point for the opponents.
If the ball bounces twice off your paddle while you are making a continuous forward motion, this is legal. If the ball hits any part of your paddle hand, the hand below the wrist, is considered part to the paddle and legal.
If a ball hits a player or his/her clothing, while standing on or off the court during a rally, this is a fault and a point for the opponents.
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