Official USA Pickleball Rules Flashcards

Under USA Pickleball rules, what is the correct ruling if the ball hits the receiver's partner (not the receiver) on the return of serve?

Answer: It is a fault on the receiving team — the serving team wins the rally

If the served ball hits the receiver's partner before bouncing, it is a fault against the receiving team. Only the designated receiver may return the serve.

What is the ruling when a player calls a ball 'out' and then the ball is shown to be 'in'?

Answer: The team that made the incorrect out call loses the rally

Under USA Pickleball Rule 6.D, any ball called out that is proven in results in a point for the opposing team. An incorrect out call is a fault on the calling team.

How many timeouts is each team allowed per game in standard USA Pickleball tournament play?

Answer: Two 1-minute timeouts per game

Each team is entitled to two 1-minute timeouts per game under USA Pickleball tournament rules.

What is a 'foot fault' on a serve in USA Pickleball?

Answer: The server stepping on or over the baseline before the paddle contacts the ball

A foot fault on the serve occurs when the server's foot contacts the baseline or any area outside the service zone before the paddle contacts the ball.

In rally scoring (used in some USA Pickleball formats), how does scoring differ from traditional scoring?

Answer: A point is awarded to the winner of every rally regardless of who is serving

Rally scoring awards a point to the winner of every rally regardless of who served, unlike traditional scoring where only the serving team scores.

What action should a referee take when a player is injured during a rally?

Answer: Immediately call a timeout and stop play

If a referee observes a player is injured during a rally, they should immediately call 'stop' to end play and address the safety situation, even if it means stopping a live rally.