by Kelly Campbell
So you know the basics of pickleball, but do you know these lesser-known rules?
When you first pick up your paddle, the rules can feel like a lot to take in. At times, they seem restrictive or confusing, especially when you’re just trying to keep the ball in play. But as your skills improve, you’ll quickly realize that understanding the rules inside and out isn’t just about avoiding faults; it’s also a key part of strategy.
The pickleball rulebook contains more than just boundaries. It includes some lesser-known details that can work in your favor, but only if you know about them. There are things you can do that many players assume you can’t, and opportunities for smart, legal plays that catch your opponent off guard. On the flip side, there are also rule violations that often go unnoticed until they cost you a point.
Whether you’re a beginner still figuring things out or a more advanced player looking to refine your game, developing a deeper understanding of the rules can take you to the next level. The better you know them, the more you can legally and strategically push the boundaries of play.
Here are some lesser-known pickleball rules that every player should know, not just to avoid faults, but to gain a real advantage on the court.
Legal Erne
The Rule: A Legal Erne is an advanced move named after pickleballer Erne Perry. It occurs when a player jumps outside the sideline and into the non-volley zone in the air to hit a volley. As long as the player doesn’t touch the kitchen (including the line) during the shot or on the landing, it’s legal.
How to Use It: Surprise your opponent and cut off sharp-angle dinks or volleys. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move, but when executed correctly, it puts pressure on your opponent and often forces an error. An Erne will allow you to hit a powerful volley from closer to the net than a typical shot. You’ll need to practice footwork and remember that players must execute all volleys outside the no-volley zone.
ATP (Around the Post) Shot
The Rule: It may seem unlikely, but it’s completely legal to hit the ball around the net post (doesn’t need to go over it) as long as it travels in-bounds to your opponent’s side. An ATP can be a groundstroke or a volley.
How to Use It: Take advantage of wide, low balls, especially when your opponent is pulled off the court. Use an ATP to send the ball around the post for a shot your opponents won’t expect.
10-Second Rule
The Rule: Many players don’t realize that there’s a time limit for service. Once the score is called, the server has 10 seconds to serve, and the receiver must be ready within that time.
How to Use It: Now that you know, you can enforce the 10-second rule against opponents who are taking too long, and you know to prepare for a quick serve. Awareness of the 10-second rule can help you avoid unnecessary faults by serving within the timeframe while taking advantage of your full 10 seconds to reset and regroup before your serve.
Serving Position & Momentum
The Rule: During the serve, the server’s feet must remain behind the baseline, and the paddle must contact the ball below the waist. It’s okay for your service momentum to take you onto the court, as long as you make contact with the ball behind the baseline.
How to Use It: Be intentional about foot and hand placement while you serve, because even minor infractions can result in service faults. Position yourself strategically along the baseline to angle serves more effectively and target weak return zones on your opponent’s side. With momentum flexibility, you don’t have to overthink your footwork after making contact with the ball.
Momentum Faults – Volley
The Rule: Similar to momentum during service, there are guidelines around momentum-driven movement in volleys. Even if you volley outside the non-volley zone, if your momentum carries you into the kitchen or causes your paddle, hat, or body to touch it, it’s a fault.
How to Use It: Always be aware of your body and movements to avoid unnecessary faults. Recover backward instead of forward to avoid moving into the kitchen.
Extra Balls and Paddle Switching
The Rule: This seemingly random but helpful rule says a player can carry extra pickleballs in their pocket, but if it becomes visible or falls out during play, it is a fault. You can also switch hands or even paddles during play, as long as you only use one paddle at a time.
How to Use It: Secure any additional pickleballs or leave them on the sidelines to avoid an avoidable fault. If you dislike your paddle or feel strong as a player using either hand, you can switch things up as part of your strategy.
Equipment & Apparel Adjustments
The Rule: Players are expected to remain in playable condition throughout the match. Minor, quick adjustments (fixing a hat, wiping sweat, adjusting your grip) are allowed between points. However, if you need to address a more significant issue, such as a broken paddle, untied shoe, or equipment malfunction, you must call a timeout. Ultimately, it’s up to the referee to determine whether an adjustment warrants a timeout.
How to Use It: Use your timeouts wisely. Plan ahead by addressing water breaks, equipment checks, and gear resets during breaks. Between points, make any quick adjustments with purpose and speed to maintain your rhythm and avoid drawing unnecessary attention or risking a penalty for delay.
Coaching Restrictions During Play
The Rule: During official matches, spectators are prohibited from verbal or gestured coaching. Coaches, teammates, and spectators can only consult with players during games or timeouts. Failure to comply could result in a technical warning or point loss.
How to Use It: Know the limits of communication, and be sure to communicate with coaches effectively before matches and during timeouts. In doubles, rely on subtle partner signals or quick in-rally adjustments.
Tweener Shot
The Rule: A tweener is a fully legal, strategic hit. A tweener refers to hitting the ball between your legs on a return shot, which can be helpful when chasing down a lob or wide-angle shot behind you. It doesn’t break any rules as long as the shot is made legally (no foot faults, the ball hasn’t bounced twice).
How to Use It: While flashy, this specialty shot can be the only option when sprinting back with limited time to turn. Practice this move in drills so you’re ready to surprise your opponents when they assume the point is over.
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