Hathaway Pickleball BG3138 Instructions

Basic Quick Start Rules

THE SERVE:

The rules state that a coin toss shall be conducted before a game begins.
The player who wins the coin toss or paddle spin may choose one of these
options.
a) The right to receive or to serve, in which case the other player shall
choose the side of the court; or
b) The side of court, in which case the other player shall choose the right
to receive or serve.
A. At the start of a game and every time the total score in an even number,
the serve is from the right side of the service court.
B. When the total score in an odd number, then the serve is from the left side
of the court. (Example 12 serving to 10 is a total of 22 or even number).
C. The serve must be underhand, (hit below the server's waist).
D. The ball has to be served crosscourt reaching the receiver's service court
to be an acceptable serve.
E. If the ball hits the net but still reaches the service court area, it is good and
should be played.
F. If the server swings and misses when serving, it is a fault.
G. Each server will serve 5 times before passing the serve to the other
opponent or team - as in Ping Pong.
H. Each new server is allowed one practice serve, but must notify his or her
opponent prior to serving.

PLAY:

A. If it is a good serve, players hit the ball back and forth over the net in the
air making a (rally/volley); or
B. The ball can bounce once until one player fails to return the ball; or
C. Until a player hits the ball to the ground on the opponent's side
un-returned.
D. The ball is out of play if it lands outside the court, or fails to go over the net.
E. Any ball that lands on the line is considered in bounds and playable.
F. If a player touches the net with his paddle or body or gets hit by the ball
or hits the ball before it crosses the net, it is a fault.
Pickleball Instructions
BG3138