Are You Breaking the Rules on the Pickleball Court?

Is it legal to touch the kitchen line then jump backward for an overhead lob? Pickleball players debate.

Is it illegal to touch the kitchen line, then jump backwards for an overhead lob in pickleball? This question has stirred up a debate in the community after a video surfaced showing a similar scenario. Let’s dive into the discussion.

Summary

  • Players debate over the legality of touching the kitchen line and jumping backward for a shot.
  • Pickleball rules dictate that both feet must be outside the non-volley zone before and after a volley.
  • Some players believe the maneuver described is illegal, while others argue it is within the rules.

Legal or Illegal Move?

The post by OwlBud questions the legality of a specific move that involves touching the kitchen line and subsequently hitting an overhead lob while moving backward. Some users argue that this move constitutes a fault as both feet must be outside the non-volley zone before and after striking the ball. On the other hand, some players interpret the rules differently, suggesting that as long as the player is not in contact with the kitchen line during or immediately after the volley, it should be considered legal.

Pro Play Reflections

Comments from users like bailamost highlight instances in professional play where foot faults are called due to players hitting overhead shots far from the kitchen after starting their jump from within the kitchen area. This observation reflects the strict enforcement of the rule requiring players to establish their position outside the non-volley zone both before and after a hit.

Community Consensus

The overall sentiment in the comments section leans towards considering the described maneuver as illegal. Users like Tr4nsc3nd3nt and DingBat99999 emphasize the importance of maintaining proper foot positioning to avoid violations. References to the official rules of pickleball, as mentioned by anneoneamouse, support the argument that the move described in the post constitutes a fault.

While a few users like LupeH and luxtractatori offer contrasting opinions, the majority seems to agree that the move infringes upon the established rules of the game. The debate underscores the nuances of interpreting and applying the regulations on the court, sparking insightful discussions within the pickleball community.