Category: Coaches Corner

This has been asked a few times recently. If I drop my paddle on the court, it is a point for the other team? Is it considered a fault? The answer is no. It is not considered a fault if you drop anything on your side of the court, including your paddle. If the item lands on the opponent’s court, it is a fault. If the item lands in the non-volley zone as a result of a volley, it is a fault. Here is the pertinent information from the International Federation of Pickleball rulebook, last revised June 15, 2016.

12.F. Player Equipment Problem. A rally shall not be
stopped or affected if a player loses or breaks a paddle
or loses a personal item.

12.G. Items on the Court. If anything a player is wearing or
carrying lands on the court, it becomes part of the court.
Therefore, if a ball in play hits the item on the court, the
ball remains in play. If the item lands on the opponent’s
court, it is a fault. If the item lands in the non-volley
zone as a result of a volley, it is a fault.

Pickleball is like a chess match. The pickleball game is more about finesse and less about “banging”.
It takes patience to learn to dink and patience to win the dink.

Safety Suggestions:

Do not hold a ball in your hand when playing. It is a distraction for your opponent, a safety hazard if dropped during play, and a hindrance to the player holding the ball.

For better balance wear a court shoe not a running shoe or walking shoe when playing.

When a ball goes onto another court please state “ball on court”, not just “ball”.

• When serving the ball, look where you want the ball to go.
• Then, lower your chin and serve.
• Keep your chin lowered and do not look where the ball is going until you hear the popping sound of the ball hitting your paddle.
• If you raise your chin, your arm will go high and the ball will also go high.